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Leading When It Feels Like the World Is Falling Apart: Centering Humanity, Equity, and Marginalized Voices

Writer's picture: Dominique BergiersDominique Bergiers

Let’s be honest: the world’s going to sh*t!

For many people and communities, it’s outright chaos right now. Everywhere you look, there’s fear, instability, and division. Authoritarianism is rising. Hate is being normalized. Marginalized communities are under attack in ways that feel relentless. And for a lot of people, the unspoken question is: Is there even a way out of this?


Leading in this environment is not just about managing a team—it’s about navigating human beings through a moment that feels existential.


So how do we lead through these times without sugarcoating the reality we’re living in? How do we lead when it feels like the ground is crumbling beneath us?



Clarity—Say What Needs to Be Said


Let’s start here: people are done with vague statements and empty reassurances. If you’re going to lead in this moment, you need to name what’s happening and why it matters. Clarity isn’t about pretending to have it all figured out—it’s about being honest, direct, and unafraid to call things by their name. Clarity isn’t comfortable, but it’s necessary. Transparency builds trust. Be honest about the challenges ahead and the uncertainties that even you might feel as a leader. Acknowledge when things are hard—because they are.

Pretending things aren’t as bad as they are will only make people feel more alone.

Keeping It Real: When marginalized groups are wondering if their rights, safety, or very existence are on the line, the worst thing you can do as a leader is stay silent or offer platitudes. False optimism isn’t just ineffective—it’s dismissive (toxic even) and will erode trust faster than you think.



Courage—Do the Right Thing, Even When It’s Hard


Courage isn’t about pretending to be fearless. It means admitting when you’re scared, frustrated, or unsure, but refusing to give up on the people who are depending on you. It’s about taking a stand and doing what’s right, even when it’s messy, inconvenient or risky. In a world where hate is emboldened and injustice is rampant, courage means showing up—especially for those most at risk—calling out injustice and refusing to stand by while harm is being done.


Neutrality is complicity, and silence sends a message. If you’re not actively protecting the most vulnerable, you’re part of the problem.

Courage means putting equity first, asking the tough questions: Who is most vulnerable right now? Whose voices are being silenced? Then shaping your decisions to protect and uplift those people.


Keeping It Real: Social and political upheaval tends to exacerbate existing inequities, leaving marginalized groups to bear the heaviest burdens. Leadership in these times requires vigilance against perpetuating these inequities. It’s not just about avoiding harm; it’s about actively dismantling bias and inequity wherever they appear. If your leadership isn’t actively protecting the most vulnerable, it’s part of the problem.


Right now, courage isn’t optional—it’s essential.


Connection—Build a Community That Shows Up for Each Other


When the world feels like it’s falling apart, what keeps people going is connection. Knowing that someone sees you, hears you, and has your back can make all the difference. As a leader, your job isn’t just to manage tasks—it’s to create a space where people feel safe, valued, and part of something bigger.


Connection doesn’t happen through corporate emails or inspirational quotes. It happens when you listen deeply, show empathy, create space for vulnerability and make it clear that no one is in this alone.


Keeping It Real: Compassionate communication also means recognizing that the weight of the moment is not distributed evenly. Some team members may feel the walls closing in because of systemic inequities, past trauma, or societal pressures. Check in personally, not just collectively. Ask people how they’re doing—not as a box to check but as an opening for real conversation. When people know they’re not alone, they find the strength to keep going.


Connection isn’t about fixing everything—it’s about showing up for people in ways that matter.


Final Thoughts: Leadership Means Showing Up When It Matters Most


The truth is, the world feels overwhelming right now. Your team needs you to be real with them, stand up for them, and remind them that they’re not alone.

When people are grappling with uncertainty, fear, and what feels like chaos, prioritizing their humanity over processes and equity over expediency becomes non-negotiable.

Navigating times like these as a leader requires intentionality, empathy, and a commitment to ensuring your team—especially its most vulnerable members—feels seen, heard, and supported.


Resilience in times like these isn’t about charging ahead at all costs; it’s about creating space for grief, anger, and fear, while staying grounded in the belief that collective action can make a difference.


If you’re a leader in these times, ask yourself:

  • Am I naming the reality, or am I avoiding it?

  • Am I taking action for those most at risk, or am I staying comfortable?

  • Am I building connection, or am I leaving people to fend for themselves?


If you can provide clarity, act with courage, and foster connection, you’re not just leading—you’re giving your team the tools to keep moving forward when it feels like everything is falling apart. And that kind of leadership is what we need now more than ever.







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