The rare air we breathe.

In the days following George Floyd's murder, several people from my professional network have reached out expressing empathy, a loss for words and the ask 'what can I do?'.

Let me start by addressing the pervasiveness and newness of this corporate empathy, and follow with a dissection of the 90 sec video clip which has helped me answer the 'What can I do?" question for myself.

Nothing about George's murder is new or surprises me. It didn't surprise me when it was Treyvon, Ahmaud, or Breonna; it won't surprise me when it happens to [insert the next victim's name here].

What's new is the outpour of support from professional networks, the pervasiveness and depth of conversation inside of the workplace, and the readiness of allies willing to support. It's why this murder is weighing more on me than others, and what's fueling this article and my new personal commitment to change. So for that I say thank you and keep going.

To those who've spoken up or reached out, I know that you read and re-read every message before you hit send, and then panic/stress about whether you said the right thing or worse, said something wrong. There's a good chance you did - but its ok. You will met with grace and understanding as long as you stay grounded in an intent for empathy and willingness to learn with us - keep going.

To those who hesitate and then hit delete instead of post/send, or those who haven't the slightest clue of what I'm talking about, know that you'll also be met with grace as these are difficult conversations. Also know that grace/forgiveness is thinning as time goes on. Silence says everything.

Now. For the infamous "What can I do?" question. Here's my answer: I don't know, and I wish I did.

Anticlimactic huh? Well hear me out. While I don't have a clear answer (I'd argue that no one does) I've found tremendous guidance from the owner of Thursday nights, creator of Grey's Anatomy/Scandal and pure icon of badassery - Shonda Rhimes; specifically in her commencement speech to the Dartmouth graduating class. Have a listen:

Dissecting those 90 sec has given me a 2-part framework and model to take a first step. It's my framework that I will use and response to those who ask "What can I do?". I encourage you, if you're want to help but don't know how/where to start, copy the framework and fill it with your own unique skills and background.

1...have some perspective. We are incredibly lucky. We have been given a gift. An incredible education has been placed before us [] now its time to pay it forward. Find a cause you love, its ok to pick just one. You're going to have to spend a lot of time in the real world trying to figure out how to stop feeling like a lost loser. So one cause is good.

My one cause: Microsoft Criminal Justice Reform Initiative. When I reflect on how I can best leverage my skills and resources to drive the most impact and change, it's so clear that I have no platform stronger than Microsoft. It's a company with a mission and set of values grounded in empowerment and the network of people, talent, knowledge and ambition to make real change happen.

2. Devote some time every week to it [a hashtag is not helping] Volunteer some hours, focus on something outside of yourself, devote a slice of energy to making the world suck less every week.

Enter Microsoft Teams - specifically a weekly recurring appointment, that's to be adhered with as much rigor as a Monthly Business Review or customer meeting. Learning, research, attending townhalls, volunteering time - whatever it may be. Devoted Time. Every week. One Cause.

It's almost fitting that it's specifically the George Floyd case that's sparked this personal resolution and reminder of the main take away: The air you are breathing right now is rare air. Appreciate it. Don't be an asshole.