Study Notes on Speaking Truth to Power

The speaker identifies as a professional troublemaker, whose role is to critique societal structures, voice criticisms, and advocate for improvement throughout the world.
Described themselves humorously as a writer, speaker, and spirited Nigerian.
Stated purpose: to encourage others to “fix it” and leave the world better than found.

Metaphor of Dominoes: A domino must fall first to trigger the chain reaction in others. Being the first domino inspires others to also take action.
- Importance of speaking up: This is depicted as a crucial action for initiating change.
- Acknowledges the difficulty involved in this process.
The speaker's role involves vocalizing thoughts that others may hesitate to express.

Refutes the notion of being fearless:
- Acknowledges that fear of consequences and sacrifices is real but emphasizes the necessity of action.
- Talks about the scarcity of people willing to fall and initiate change despite their own fears.

Childhood Aspirations: The speaker initially aimed to become a doctor, referencing their earlier ambitions.
Academic Setback: During college, struggled with Chemistry, leading to the decision to drop their premed trajectory, realizing a dislike for hospitals.
- Transitioned from wanting to be a doctor to blogging in 2003.
- Lost marketing job in 2010; turned blogging into a full-time career two years later but struggled with self-identification as a writer due to fear.
Emphasizes how fear can prevent individuals from pursuing their purpose. Advocated to not allow fear to dominate life decisions.
Turning Point:
- At age 30 in 2015, resolved to pursue everything that scared them in what they termed the "year of 'Do it anyway.'"

First Solo Vacation:
- Went to the Dominican Republic, where they attempted ziplining.
- Shared challenging experiences that involved stepping out of comfort zones, like swimming with dolphins despite an aversion to water.
Writing a Book: Authored "I'm Judging You: The Do-Better Manual", embracing the identity of a writer.
Skydiving Experience:
- Faced fear head-on, likening the fear of speaking truths to the fear of jumping from a plane.
Realization that maintaining comfort (staying quiet) leads to sustaining the status quo that fosters injustices.

Comfort is depicted as overrated, noting that staying silent is often more comfortable but harms societal progress.
Outlining core values for motivation:
- Honesty and integrity are essential.
- Justice should be a universal expectation.
Advocates that professional troublemakers like themselves should not be alone in the pursuit of justice.
Stresses the importance of community empowerment and support amongst individuals in challenging spaces.

Discussed public challenges faced, such as addressing payment inequalities experienced as a speaker at a conference:
- Identified disparities when compensation for speakers was racially biased.
- Spoke up despite potential personal financial risks, showcasing the importance of voicing inequalities.
Public Accountability: Highlighted instances where the public turned to support common causes:
- Mentioned the #MeToo movement in the context of having individuals come forward after others had already taken the risk of speaking out.
- Cited Tarana Burke as pivotal in igniting the #MeToo movement.

Shared personal anecdote about being inherently “shady,” linking back to the role of authenticity as a means of challenging societal norms.
Emphasis on three self-reflective questions prior to speaking out:
1. Did you mean it?
2. Can you defend it?
3. Did you say it with love?
If affirmed, the truth should be shared regardless of the outer consequences.

The practice of speaking truth is framed not only as a personal imperative but also as a societal obligation.
Advocated for truth-telling to build communities and foster bridges founded on genuine principles, emphasizing the vital role of truth in lasting relationships.
Calls for individuals to routinely face difficulties in speaking out for the greater good.
Ended on a note of gratitude, with applause signaling community support for the ideas shared.