Mixing Politics & Business

It’s been almost a week since Alex Pretti was murdered and I still don’t have the words for what I’m feeling.

I wasn’t planning to talk about Minnesota here, even though it’s been occupying a lot of brain space. I didn’t think I had anything new to add to the conversation, so I didn’t want to say something just for the sake of saying something.

But a conversation I had the other day made me realize it’s important to always be clear and transparent about my values.

Politics & values

On Tuesday, I learned that the founder of Entreprenista — a national women’s entrepreneur group that I’m a member of — is a Trump supporter.

It came up in a group thread with some friends who are also Entreprenista members. While no one in the group is a fan of Trump, people had different perspectives on what to do with this information.

I really do get it. Some people are able to separate “politics” from certain parts of their lives.

For me, though, “politics” is synonymous with “values.” I can't separate my personal beliefs from how I do business.

And I’m going to be honest — I like to do business with people who share my values.

Mixing politics & business

Friends have questioned my decision to sometimes talk about politics on LinkedIn and even as I write this, I feel conflicted about sharing these thoughts here.

The conflict I feel isn’t fear. It’s just a question about the platform and whether it’s possible to have a meaningful conversation online.

But I do share occasionally—and here I am, sending this. And I’m not afraid of losing clients because of it.

If someone has a problem with my politics or my values, they’re simply not the right client for me — and that’s okay.

I don’t need to agree with my clients on every issue. But if what I believe in is a dealbreaker for someone, then it’s not a good fit.

Where I stand

I’m heartbroken by the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. And I’m really fucking angry about the continued brutalization of Minnesotans.

I’m also deeply inspired by the bravery, generosity, and perseverance of the people of the Twin Cities. The way they’re showing up for their neighbors day after day — in below-freezing temperatures — makes my heart swell and gives me so much hope.

That’s how I feel about Minnesota.

And this is how I feel about Entreprenista now that I know it’s being run by a Trumper:

I’m upset that I gave Entreprenista my money. I don’t want to be part of a group led by someone who supports an openly white nationalist, authoritarian, misogynistic administration — led by a known rapist — that is actively encouraging the brutalization of people in American cities.

That’s who I am. Those are my values.

Everyone is free to have their own beliefs. But we’re also free to choose where we spend our money. And I’m genuinely sorry that I didn’t have all the information when I chose to give mine to Entreprenista.

If you’d like to help in Minnesota, StandWithMinnesota.com has compiled a list of wonderful resources.