I've never self-identified as a leader yet it's a term those around me have dubbed me with. When I started a coding club at Dropbox I didn't see myself as leading but filling a severe need that was going unnoticed. It was after hours and on my own time, and Dropbox offered me nothing to do this (in fact, I almost got fired for stepping out of line). When I launched two internal apps to help with the culture problems at work, I didn't see myself as a leader, just someone pushing the org to be better on my own time. When I spoke publicly about the discrimination I faced at Dropbox and urged others to do the same, I didn't see myself as a leader. I saw someone bringing issues to light and asking for change and to be seen. When I started writing and speaking more regular on diversity and racism, I didn't see myself as a leader but as a nerd who wanted to let others know it's okay to be vulnerable and talk about the hard things, that's how we make progress. And when I started Reboot America, I definitely didn't see myself as a leader, just someone connecting the dots, filling the gaps of need, and bringing the right parties together to work collaboratively and make deeper change. . . . It sounds silly looking back and even writing this out because I can now clearly see why and how I am a leader and I've been this way my whole life. I never recognized it because I've always had shitty leaders in my life who care more about their ass and recognition than the collective they're serving. I have and always will also stand up for what is right. I've quit jobs where change is halted by shitty managers and those threatened by my voice. I always push back on those who do not understand the severity of leaving people out or ignoring team and community needs. And if it means working all the nights and all the weekends in secret groups with team and community members to provide what they need, then I'll do it. Because someone has to. And if the designated leader won't, that's where we the people come in. 🙌🏾✊🏾 . . . Want better. Do better. Be better. We can do this! #graceleeboggs #leadership #bebetter (at West Oakland, Oakland, California)
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