I can’t tell you the number of times I have talked with friends about social and political issues with deep sadness and anguish. From white nationalist protestors, hate crimes against innocent black men and women, incompetent leaders, to the imminent tension of racism and unaddressed social wounds this country has, there’s a lot of generational pain bubbling to the surface. Social media gives us a window into this pain with a 24/7 cycle of information.

Adversity can be channeled and processed through creativity, and there’s incredible power in our own stories. In this episode of Sway Them In Color I speak to Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of New York Time’s bestselling anti-helicopter parenting manifesto, How to Raise an Adult, and of award-winning memoir, Real American, on growing up Black and biracial in white spaces. Juile has also given a TED Talk that has over 4 million views and counting. As a former corporate lawyer and university dean, she’s now entirely focused on writing and ideas and is inspired by people who tell their stories. In this conversation we discuss:

• how racism affects self esteem 

• discovering your true identity beyond other people's judgements and biases 

• creative expression as a form of healing from injustice and working through pain and suffering through writing

• the best thing leaders can do to better engage other people's talents no matter their background or title

You can check out her work at julielythcotthaims.com at @jlythcotthaims on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.