Values Statement

Given the analytical nature of working with money, you might not be surprised to learn I went down the rabbit hole of trying to dissect and analyse my relationship with diversity and equity as I tried to create my DE(I) statement. I got caught up in thinking about how the word inclusion in this context triggers me (how other-ing is ‘inclusion’, in a conversation aimed to bring people together). And I got caught up in how complex our relationships with privilege are. In my experience, it is difficult to apply blanket statements to who is privileged and who is disadvantaged.

I started to spiral down the path of dissecting intersectionality when it occurred to me that I could pull things apart down to the molecule and still not come up with something I’m comfortable with. So instead, let’s take a different approach.

I believe we are all here as humans, having a human experience, and in being here, we are all intimately connected. Therefore, I believe in looking at one another as humans, regardless of race, gender, sexual preference, or differences in how our brains and bodies access and process information.

I believe in creating open, loving spaces. I believe we flourish when we feel safe and seen.

I believe that we have people who are just right for us, and a challenge I’m working through is to let go of being just right for everyone.

I believe this work we do around money is one of the most important things we can do in any social justice journey. It’s hard to think about social change and activism when you’re focused on getting your basic needs met.

I believe that our understandings evolve and develop with time and reflection.

I believe in remaining open and acting with care.

And I know unconscious bias exists.

I believe words are powerful and important. I also believe actions are powerful and important.

And so here is the action I take as I create a safe space for our growth...

The urge to say that this is a space where all is welcome is huge, but in my heart, I know this isn’t true. My space here isn’t a space for everything. However, it is a space for:

  • Being open to the possibilities of new ways of thinking and doing

  • Being open to the idea that we can come together with compassion and respect, even if there are differences between us

  • Being open to getting curious about the status quo

  • Being willing to let go of responsibility that isn’t ours

  • Being responsible for our choices, including in our growth and communication

  • Being open to moving, working through, growing, and evolving

This isn’t a space for:

  • Hate speech

  • Remaining stuck in your shit (I’m into getting in and moving through the big stuff, and hate the idea of polishing turds. Also, co-dependency is not my jam, but if it’s yours there is someone out there for you)

You’ll note that none of this is about who you are but rather about the choices you make. And these boundaries are in place to create a space for a sense of safety for everyone in the space, especially as we move out of comfort zones.

As part of my action, I am also going to be transparent with you as a human. This means:

  • I will not create false scarcity. There will be none of the “I only have room for 1 more client,” when really, I have room for 5, or ”act now or lose these bonuses” when I could give you those bonuses at any time.

  • I will not create crazy mark-ups on payment plans. The prices might not be identical, due to extra administration and fees involved in a payment plan, but it won’t be a 20% mark-up.

  • I will not provide outrageous promises of overnight miracles. I will not promise you that you will make your previous year’s income in the next month of us working together. But I promise to show up and match your efforts and contributions.

  • I will not create pain to sell you solutions. I want you to make a choice that is right for you, and that will leave you feeling optimistic and warm and fuzzy. So there won’t be a high-pressure sales call. If we have a call, it truly is to decide if both you and I feel like we fit.

This is intended as a living document. I continue to learn, grow and develop in an evolving world, as many of us are. Therefore a regular review of this document is part of the reflective practice I undergo as I learn, grow and develop in my business.

I’m so grateful to my business coach, peers and dear friends who were able to help me unpack this. While there is a lot of growth and learning we can do by ourselves, there is so much power when you’re able to find perspective with support from others.

Life feels easier when you’re able to see the forest through the trees, and my hope for you is that you’re able to find that too, whether it’s independently, with me, or through someone else.