Many of us want to create valuable changes in our society, but don’t think we have what it takes to do so or don’t know where to get started. But what if we told you that you are a changemaker? We spoke with Patti Talbot, a leader in Change Education, about how you can let your inner changemaker shine so you can make the differences that you want to see.
Watch our podcast with Patti Talbot to learn how you can become a changemaker today:
Dr. Patti Talbot is Founder and CEO of Blue Roads Education Group, an enterprise focused on Change Education. As a women’s empowerment coach, international speaker, author and show host, Patti cultivates the work of social changemakers who have a longing to create a more equitable, inclusive, and healthful world for everyone by helping them develop the specific skills and confidence needed to take courageous action for change.
As a public educator in PreK through graduate education for more than 35 years, Patti’s been a part of the growth journey for people of all ages and stages of life. By focusing on the four big ideas inherent in the company mantra, Homegrown Solutions for a Patchwork World, she now helps clients honor their roots and transform the way they show up and work with diverse others with the courage needed to transcend their roles as “good citizens” to become “global changemakers” working for equity and justice for all.
Changing the World, One Step at a Time
To begin our conversation, Patti shares how she got started in inspiring others to make change. She explains how, in the wake of the Covid pandemic, she was at a crossroads in her career. Always passionate about the power we all have to make a difference in our world, Patti dedicated her business to exactly that.
What does it mean to be a changemaker? How can you become one? Patti discusses the 14 accepted attributes that changemakers have, as well as the two she added: a global mindset and cultural competency. She also describes the framework she’s organized, which included four quadrants for those 16 total attributes. Patti shares a bit about each of those quadrants: Beingness, doingness, contectedness, and reflectiveness.
Many people don’t feel like they could possibly be chagemakers. This can come from a lack of confidence, even some impostor syndrome. But as Patti says, changemakers are born at the intersection of rage and optimism. If you want to become a changemaker, start by reflecting on yourself. Where do you find your outrage or discomfort? Is it climate change? Gender pay inequality? The student debt crisis? LGBTQ rights? You must determine what your purpose is, consider the skills you can use, and find your courage to get out there and make change.
We end our conversation with the types of roles changemakers can fulfill. No, you don’t have to be front and center, making laws and leading protest marches! You can be quiet (though not silent!) and contribute to causes that matter. Use your voice, your pen, your paintbrush… anything that will make a difference, no matter how big or small.
Listen to our podcast with Patti for more ideas on how to make a difference:
To learn more, check out Patti Talbot’s official website here. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Be sure to watch Patti’s show, On Your Own Terms, too!
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