Mell 'B' Balment Next Level Success Needs Next Level Intervention’s Post

This was one of the biggest ah-ha moments I've had coming out of a Comm Convo. Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I often have big ideas and then dig in to work really hard and make it happen. No humble-bragging; my point is the opposite. A weakness with my M.O. is that it's easy to get tunnel vision and not appreciate signs of progress and small wins, because I'm always working toward something else. I think this is why change -- when it comes to more important issues like achieving true equity in [fill in the blank with any industry name here] -- seem elusive. Yes, while it's inarguably important to not lose sight of those master goals, we can do our part to create safe spaces for those in our own communities. Especially in our role as communicators in an industry with human health at its center, we are super well-positioned to lead by example. And the ah-ha moment for me specifically was that seemingly small gestures can have real, meaningful impact, and that shouldn't be taken for granted or worse, sacrificed because we're too busy trying to convince other people to do the right thing.

The StartOut #Index highlights the landscape of LGBTQ+ business, investments and economic impact. 🌈 We found that when LGBTQ+ founders thrive, all of us win through growing employment rates, community connection and the motivation of representation! 👉Learn more about the full research at startout.org/index

BLOG: FINANCIAL CHALLENGES IN THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY (4.5 mins) Finding quality, trust-worthy financial advice has historically been a challenge for those in the LGBTQ+ community. The right Financial Planner can play an important role in determining your future. Think about 1) Parenthood 2) Retirement 3) Legacy and 4) How to proceed.

Doing it right!

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research starts with awareness of the perceptions of different communities. Learn about the top drivers for participation and ways to engage the LGBTQ+ community in clinical research in our industry report: https://lnkd.in/e7Ptf-8

Celebrating Pride Month helps LGBTQ+ identifying youth and adults feel safe and welcome within your home, school, Club or community. Plus, creating a safe place where people can be themselves benefits all – when people see others included, they are more likely to feel included, too. Here are some ways to celebrate Pride Month: Sharing Pride Month with Kids: 9 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month (bgca.org)

Our 12 Business Resource Groups (BRGs) are firm-sponsored and associate-led. Together our BRGs include and celebrate a variety of races, ethnicities, lived experiences and interests, such as Interfaith, Military-Veteran, LGBTQ+ and Allies, Remote Connections, and Green. Learn more in our sixth-annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report, Growing Our Impact: https://bit.ly/4aMFOZI

3 things that I implore you to remember this Pride season. 1. Allyship is wonderful, but it is something earned, not just claimed. If you say that you are an ally, you must back that up with more than words. It must be backed up with actions. 2. Remember that being out is a privilege. To all who are unable to be out for whatever reason, or who choose to remain private about your situations, you are still valid and you still deserve to have pride. This elder-queer loves and supports you. <3 3. Please remember that while it is wonderful and AMAZING to support small and independent queer artists during Pride season and beyond, not everyone has the financial stability and privilege to do so, and purchasing a small trinket from a big box store may be cheaper, easier, and more accessible for some folx and that is OK. Don't shame people for it, because you don't know their experience or what they are going through. Also, those public corporate displays? They often matter to people who cannot be out for their own reasons. So absolutely celebrate independently, responsibly, etc. But have patience and grace for all. Happy Pride, everyone!

Our 12 Business Resource Groups (BRGs) are firm-sponsored and associate-led. Together our BRGs include and celebrate a variety of races, ethnicities, lived experiences and interests, such as Interfaith, Military-Veteran, LGBTQ+ and Allies, Remote Connections, and Green. Learn more in our sixth-annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report, Growing Our Impact: https://bit.ly/3Kn9Et4

Our 12 Business Resource Groups (BRGs) are firm-sponsored and associate-led. Together our BRGs include and celebrate a variety of races, ethnicities, lived experiences and interests, such as Interfaith, Military-Veteran, LGBTQ+ and Allies, Remote Connections, and Green. Learn more in our sixth-annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report, Growing Our Impact: https://bit.ly/4dZitH4