Chris Tidrick

We don’t learn this until later, but it’s impossible to unlearn once we have.

There are those that will protest and boycott. Those that will create to inspire. Those that will build the bulwarks of our valuable institutions. Those that will raise and teach the next generation of open-minded citizens. Those that will support the next generation of leaders.

We need them all.

One of the topics we talked about this week’s ILLUMENATE episode: when you’re part of a culture built around certain beliefs, changing your beliefs requires more than giving up the belief. It requires you to give up belonging. So many people hold on to beliefs they know are wrong, just to belong.

If you’re feeling at a loss in these unprecedented times, my colleague put together a practical guide to making an impact.

I want to highlight #4: donations. There are organizations that can amplify your resources into good. All you have to do is donate.

What a richly fulfilling conversation with @thinkfeellead.bsky.social about the many issues surrounding simply being a good guy.

Check out our feel-good conversation now at youtu.be/bOHNGldKBbA?...

#leadershipforgood

Such a beautiful conversation with @thinkfeellead.bsky.social on #ForOurEdification.

To have such a rich chat about one’s #personalleadership journey, especially as a man, is what it’s all about. 😎

Enjoy this episode at www.podbean.com/ew/pb-g7y8q-...

My full conversation with Steve Walker (@Integrity and Joy) is such a walk through both history and personal growth. Check out out at https://illumenate.substack.com TikTok video by think.feel.lead

Shout out to all the high school teachers that are doing their best to inspire young people to develop a healthy world view!

And specifically to @integrityandjoy.bsky.social who did this with such care and dedication.

www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2jKQNVo/

Eddie Francis and I talk about how important his wife is to his well being in Episode 004 of ILLUMENATE, available 2/5. TikTok video by think.feel.lead

@eddiefrancis06.bsky.social and I got deep into it about ethical leadership, community, and doing the hard work to become better men. Our episode drops 2/5, but here’s a short clip.

www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2jgVREt/

To be human is to be connected to each other. #human #connectedhuman #ubuntu #men #life TikTok video by think.feel.lead

Steve Walker introduced me to the concept of Ubuntu and it’s such a fantastic way to convey human connection.

You know that all these politicians attacking DEI are saying that if you’re not white, straight, and male, you’re not qualified for your job.

It may feel somehow wrong to experience lightheartedness right now, but it’s more important than ever to recharge ourselves with joy. Every. Single. Day.

Graymatter: Leadership in IT with Chris Tidrick Listen now | Unpacking the Future of Technology Leadership: Balancing People, Creativity, and AI

My first guest spot on a podcast is now live! It was a fun and interesting convo. Check it out!

open.substack.com/pub/jamesgra...

Or are we destined for the floating screen pods of WALL-E?

Professionally, I spend a great deal of time talking and thinking about AI and automation. Lately I’ve been wondering if the target of human evolution isn’t our ability to be productive, but rather our ability for true connection. Could AI and automation unlock that next stage of evolution?

Learning to shift our perspective is the only way we grow as humans. This is just one of the topics I’ll discuss with my guest Steve Walker in Episode 003 of ILLUMENATE, available on major streaming p... TikTok video by think.feel.lead

I talk with former US diplomat Steve Walker on the next episode of ILLUMENATE. Drops Wednesday 1/29.

It’s time to find some brave, independent journalists and elevate their voices and support wherever we can. If not, the algorithm-fueled technology addiction complex will rule us all.

The past few months have been the final nails in the coffin of large-scale embrace of the truth. The majority of Millennials and Gen Z get their news/information from TikTok, Reddit, and the like — and mainstream media realized truth was a bad business model. Social media corps have taken sides.

Turns out he did have concepts of a plan. 900 pages worth. Time to start working on Project 2029. Something to actually aspire to.

I just learned what a palpably unfair act is. It can be upgraded into an extraordinarily unfair act.

I’m going to find a way to work that into everyday conversation.

The Dems waged a battle for democracy, instead of people. The old guard may argue that’s one and the same, but we’re no longer living in a society where the average person is able to draw a line from democracy to their own well-being. It’s too abstract, so people focus on what’s in front of them.

These things are not only right, they are practical. They make great teams and organizations.

Our organizations are better positioned for success when they include diverse perspectives and lived experience, equitable support and opportunity for contribution and growth, and a culture where all are seen, heard, and valued.

Even if DEI is stripped from the official structure of our organizations, we must continue the important work to uphold its foundational values.

They are practicing shock and awe right now … and we need all the help we can get.

If we insist that everyone be 100% on board before they can get on the progressive train, we might end up with a lot of empty seats.

I can see that circular firing squad starting to take aim again. That’s exactly where they want us: infighting and lacking unity.

I don’t claim to have any answers when it comes to solving the problems in Gaza, but I’m not sure bulldozing it and turning into a beach resort was on any good-hearted human’s list of options.

Another example of perfection being the enemy of good.

ILLUMENATE 002: Finding Balance in Life’s Highs and Lows with Jason Kolaczkowski [Also on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music]

In Episode 002 of ILLUMENATE, I talk with Jason—an analytics leader, high-altitude climber, and father to twin boys—about navigating vulnerability, resilience, and personal growth. It's all about finding balance even when life throws you challenges.

illumenate.substack.com/p/illumenate...

On January 6, 2021, Michael Fanone was violently attacked while doing his job defending the Capitol. He lost consciousness and suffered a heart attack after being beaten and shocked with a stun gun. T... TikTok video by Everytown for Gun Safety

Of all the awful things that have transpired in the last 48 hours, this is among the worst. The pardons and commutations for people who violently attacked Capitol police are a heinous miscarriage of justice.

www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2RTXv8X/

Episode 002 of ILLUMENATE drops tomorrow morning. Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Gratitude and joy are always better than the easy choice of cynicism. New episode of ILLUMENATE dropping Wednesday morning. Check it out at https://illumenate.substack.com TikTok video by think.feel.lead

www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2RLDXVB/