Make It Happen Mondays - B2B Sales Talk with John Barrows When “Business as Usual” Isn’t Normal Anymore with Devin Reed
Feb 23, 2026
Devin Reed, writer and consultant on marketing and behavioral psychology, explains why he stopped staying silent. He talks about speaking up responsibly, navigating the discomfort of business-as-usual, and choosing actions that fit your values. Short, personal reflections on privilege, fear of backlash, empathy over shaming, and small practical steps to show up with integrity.
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From Lying To Himself To Posting The First Honest Message
- Devin Reed lied to his social coach about being inactive, realized he was lying to himself, and wrote a short LinkedIn post starting with “nah bro I'm not good.”
- That three-sentence post and a follow-up newsletter went viral, sparked DMs, and changed his identity from silent to someone who refuses to do nothing.
Why Platforms Stay Quiet On Painful Issues
- People who are unaffected by an issue often stay silent, while those who are affected may be silent from fear or uncertainty about what to say.
- Devin uses this lens to explain why many platform-holders avoid politicized topics even when they privately care or act offline.
DM Accusation Made John Defensive About Silent Support
- John Barrows shared a DM story where someone accused him of not speaking about Ukraine despite his private support, which made him defensive and less likely to engage.
- He used it to argue people shouldn't assume silence equals inaction and to caution against public shaming.
