Ideas only grow when you share them
Fifteen Cerestrial members came together for an evening of good food and sometimes raucous debate. From all ages, all backgrounds, and multiple cultures, we laughed, listened, and made plans to change the world….
….some of which we remembered in the morning (thankfully we had a scribe).
A remarkable group of people joined us at Cerestrial’s latest Changemakers Dinner – coming together to tackle a question that’s been driving our mission: why is navigating leadership still so difficult for people from underrepresented backgrounds?
There is plenty of talk about making workplaces more inclusive. But we founded Cerestrial to do it differently. And therefore better. Less corporate rubbish, more reality. Our mission as founders? Connect exceptional people who’ve carved their own paths with those who are ready to do the same.
The conversations at these events weren’t your typical networking. The people who joined us – representing different industries, backgrounds, and career stages – spoke openly about what it means to be “the only one in the room.” One participants’ words particularly resonated: “When you stand up as a person of difference, people appreciate you speaking up, but then they make you feel like a rare zoo exhibit.”
What did we learn?
- Representing an underrepresented group is exhausting. Sometimes you want to wave your flag. Other times, you’d rather just get on with your job without being the designated diversity champion. Cerestrial has created a space where these complex feelings can be unpacked.
- When we climb, we need to leave our ropes behind for the next explorer. Navigating majority-dominated industries is all about finding people who’ll back you. Fascinatingly, we discovered how many people want to be better allies but are paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong.
- You are not alone, no matter how different you feel. Experience is vital, but power comes from sharing. We can learn from older generations. And also from younger ones. But we have to turn up where they are to be able to listen to them.
“Where do you want to go next?”
You tell us. We’ll go with you.
Ready to join our community of exceptional people who are changing the world? Cerestrial can’t wait to welcome you. Together we can do remarkable things.