By Gino Blefari

This week, from the familiar setting of my home office, where I began Monday with my usual WIG calls, I delve into this week’s “Thoughts on Leadership,” dedicated to Pride Month. This time is globally recognized for its critical role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), values that are at the heart of transformative leadership.

Championing diversity isn’t just about speaking up for equity, equality, and inclusion—it’s also about listening, giving a platform to transformative leaders, and supporting messages that drive us toward a more inclusive future.

Pride Month not only celebrates the LGBTQ+ community but also elevates awareness of their rights, while honoring the significant contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals have made throughout history—locally, nationally, and internationally. As we engage in these celebrations, our commitment should also extend towards continuous learning, support, and collaboration to shape a more inclusive future for everyone. It’s in this spirit of reflection and aspiration that we delve into the historical significance of the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, which are frequently recognized as a pivotal catalyst for the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

These events, occurring at New York City’s Stonewall Inn, marked a turning point, signaling a shift from silence to activism within the LGBTQ+ community. This uprising not only challenged societal norms but also ignited a global movement to fight for equality and justice. Here are five leadership lessons we can draw from the Stonewall Riots:

1. Courage in the Face of Adversity: The participants of the Stonewall Riots demonstrated immense courage by standing up against systemic oppression. This teaches us the importance of bravery when confronting injustices, even if it means challenging the status quo.
2. Unity is Strength: The riots were a collective action that showcased the power of unity. Diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community came together with a common goal, highlighting how solidarity can amplify voices and foster change.
3. Persistence Pays Off: The aftermath of Stonewall was not immediate change, but a gradual process that spurred the formation of advocacy groups and further activism. The persistence of these early activists reminds leaders that change often requires sustained effort over time.
4. The Power of Visibility: Stonewall helped bring LGBTQ+ issues to the forefront of social consciousness, proving that visibility can be a powerful tool for social change. Leaders learn that by stepping into the light, they can challenge misconceptions and advocate for underrepresented communities.
5. Embracing Diversity: The riots underscored the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community itself, teaching that embracing a range of perspectives can strengthen a movement. Effective leadership involves acknowledging and valuing diverse experiences and views within any group.

So, what’s the message? As we honor Pride Month and recall the Stonewall Riots, we’re reminded that true leadership involves championing change and inclusivity. These events exemplify the importance of courage, unity, persistence, visibility, and diversity. Each lesson from Stonewall continues to inspire leaders to advance equity and inclusion in every community. Let’s carry forward the spirit of Stonewall by supporting and leading with inclusivity at the forefront of our actions.

By Gino Blefari

This week, after settling back into my home office post-holiday weekend, I moved our usual Monday WIG calls to Tuesday morning. Adjusting our schedule after a three-day weekend is key to keeping our leadership team’s momentum alive and preventing the disruptive whirlwind that often follows a missed week.

This morning, I had the enriching opportunity to discuss recruiting and retention—or as Allan Dalton puts it, ‘Selection and Development’—with the talented leadership team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty. Our conversation centered on the fundamental pillars of company culture, relationships, coaching, and commitment. Additionally, I shared insights from 15 of HomeServices of America’s top recruiters.

While reflecting on the Memorial Day holiday, a time for remembrance and reverence, I am compelled to share a story that deeply moved me. It’s a tale that isn’t mine but one that resonates with the themes of leadership and sacrifice.

Recently, I revisited a powerful talk from TED 2016, where Wes Moore, a former U.S. Army captain and paratrooper, presented on “How to Talk to Veterans about the War.” Moore’s journey is compelling; he was not initially drawn to the military out of a desire for combat but was enrolled in military school by his mother to curb his youthful indiscipline.

It was at military school that Moore discovered he was “part of something bigger, part of a team,” and began to truly understand the essence of leadership. His military friends eventually deployed to obscure corners of the globe, while Moore himself studied at Oxford University, absorbing history from textbooks as his friends wrote it with their lives. This contrast deeply affected him, and after completing a Master of Letters in International Relations, Moore served in Afghanistan. His return home was marked by a challenging reintegration into civilian life, a theme he candidly addresses in his talk.

Moore expressed that while the common phrase “thank you for your service” is appreciated, it often feels insufficient for veterans. Instead, they desire to be truly heard. He highlighted that for many returning soldiers, the battle lingers in their minds and memories, making it difficult to regain a sense of normalcy.

The real takeaway from Moore’s message is that while it’s important to thank veterans, we must also listen to their stories and ensure they feel genuinely understood. On Memorial Day and every day, let us remain committed to honoring not only those who have returned but also to remembering those who have not. Their tales of bravery and ultimate sacrifice continue to shape our understanding of courage and leadership. So, what’s the message? let’s ensure our gratitude towards veterans transcends mere words, allowing us to grasp the depth of their experiences and the sacrifices made in the name of service and leadership.