Yes, And: Leadership and Improv for Leaders of color
Description: This is a BIPOC space to be together and to explore a new leadership tool. Together we will practice the art of seeing and accepting everything!! It may not be something you would have chosen, but it’s here and it’s reality. Being firmly grounded in the reality of the moment gives you power.
“Once you accept reality, you can do something with it. You can forward the action and build momentum. In improv this is called “yes and.” It creates inclusive and collaborative energy. You’re saying, “Yes I see that…andhere is a thought to build on it.” The kiss of death in improv is the word “no” because it stops action. It’s the same thing on a leadership team. Every offer, even if you disagree with it, has the potential to forward action. Leading, like improv, is about movement. Just do something. Stay present to what is unfolding around you. Make one choice after another. Who knows, a crazy idea just might end up being your best.” Doug Sundheim, Forbes May 21, 2020
Facilitator: Desiree Wilkins Finch, LT’20
Bio
Desireé Wilkins-Finch, LT’20, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. As a graduate of The Ohio State University, she earned a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences. As a firm believer in the collectivism of faith and community, Desireé has spent 20 years as an organizer spreading a message of hope, action, and transformation. This set of beliefs led Desireé to pursue a MA in Leadership with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle University.
Desireé is the owner and principal consultant for RiseLWP (leadership with purpose), a consulting firm committed to helping clients achieve their mission and deepen their impact by offering organizational development solutions with an equity framework. Desireé is dedicated to helping communities transform as they access their strength, convert it into power, and take action. Her coaching centers on how leaders drive values, values drive behaviors, and behaviors drive a community. Only then are communities strengthened to take action, which is power.
Desiree’ also teaches as a clinician and community partner at University of Washington and University of Puget Sound, a Board member of Symphony Tacoma and Communities for a Healthy Bay. She is also a recipient of Puget Sound Business Journals 40 under 40 for 2021, an alum of Leadership Tomorrow (LT 20) and American Leadership Forum (ALF XXVII). In her spare time, she is a flautist and enjoys spending time with her family, studying improv and traveling with her son.