When Everyone Wins with Judy Ryan: Shifting Power-Over & Under to Power Within & Between: A Civil Society of ALL People, for ALL People, by ALL People with Guest Terri Williams

What the world needs right now, especially at this time, are solutions that are only possible through individual empowerment that leads to trustworthy collaboration and civic engagement. This requires an understanding of the conditions and conversations that create a civil society in which people show up as the best they can be.

Unfortunately, most people don’t know what these conditions are or how to ensure that healthy people strategies are adopted. Without the right mindset, common language, tools and necessary support, the ability to create win/win outcomes is unlikely. A way is needed for developing leadership and personal responsibility in every person no matter their age, title, experience, or role. Only then do they know how to manage relationships well, and be productive, caring and committed to their best. Only when people are encouraged to exercise critical thinking and to use personal power intentionally and wisely, can they cause positive consequences and feel the joy in knowing they belong and matter.  

What often gets in the way of this is a belief in the inferiority of one’s self and others. This superior/inferior mindset conditions people to feel shame and self-doubt, leading to every kind of struggle - inside of people and with one another. This results in toxic workplaces, homes, schools, neighborhoods and an uncivil society. The saying "We are only as strong as our weakest link" is true and requires that as a people, we must strengthen and support every person in knowing themselves as empowered, lovable, connected and contributing. This is the only way we will ever have a civil society in which we all participate as healthy and caring members. 

A powerful leader who lives, models and articulates this so well is my guest today, Terri Williams. Let me tell you a little about Terri… 

Questions we may cover:

1. Can you tell our audience some of your beliefs, stories, and personal experiences related to living from power-within and power-between rather than power over or power under?
2. What do you think are the reasons people don't own their personal power or take the time to develop it and use it intentionally?
3. I've heard you say that so many people do not exercise critical thinking? Why do you think that's happening and what do you think would turn this around? 
4. What are some of the most inspiring stories of people using their personal power that feed your soul and inspire your full engagement in your life and in creating a civil society?
5. What challenges did you face when working as a mayor and citizens advocate and how did you overcome them? 
6. What do you think people need to know and do to create solutions and to fully and passionately engage in using them to create a safe and positive future?
7. What is your vision of the best kind of society we are capable of having and how do you see people getting there?  

Watch: https://youtu.be/JJ8RbkOJXIU