Tanya M Odom
She/Her
"The March continues…”
Resilience
Quiet time; meditation; "mini travel breaks," silent retreats. When trying to support others, I focus first on focused listening and hearing what is creating the stress/stressors. I focus on making sure that the person feels heard. Reminding people about self-compassion is also a key component of how I try to support others who are looking to regain focus. I often suggest time away from technology, time with supportive people, and depending on the person - journaling is sometimes a suggestion. I often try to also help people ask themselves to think about how they might see the situation differently, and what else might be at play. With myself and others, I think about what is in my sphere of control. My mother often asks us "what can you do to help you feel better?" That is a question I ask myself and others.
Purpose-Driven
In work that focuses on Civil Rights and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I think I am often making purpose driven decisions. Some of these decisions include - deciding who I want to work with, not backing away from difficult conversations, and focusing on doing work that is focused on change - not on "ticking a box." I have stopped working with a client that did not align with my values, and never regretted it.
Developmental Leadership
As a coach/consultant I am a not currently leading a team, but work to help clients realize their full potential. My approach is one that is fueled by curiosity to know more about what is important to a person and helping people to realize their strengths and unique talents and gifts. Since I am often working with historically underrecognized or historically marginalized people, I am often working to help them see/value/understand how their uniqueness or "difference" might mean that their talents and perspectives "show up" differently in some situations, but are not to seen from a deficit perspective.
Intersectionality
What first came to mind when thinking about this question, was the fact that I identity as Multiracial (Black/White,) and that there are many times where I think having a Multiracial identity (and family members,) has helped me to think about some of the work I do differently. I also have the lived experience of being assumed to be White by many people. In 2020 when the wave of DEI and race focused conversations accompanied what many called a "racial reckoning," my identity and skin color was discussed more than other times in my career. I was mindful of some of the concerns about me doing "the work." I think many of us with a Multiracial identity are thinking about the nuances, complexities, and realities of race, skin color, and privilege often.
Future Facing Legacy
I would hope that people think about my longstanding commitment to making things better and more equitable; my believe in the power of community and connection; my personal commitment to ongoing learning and cultural humility.