337: How to Use History and Personal Gifts to Rise and Resist with Dr. Janice Gassam Asare

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, founder of BWG Business Solutions and author of the new book, Rise and Resist: How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justice .

Following a period of intense personal and professional backlash—including being targeted by high-profile political figures—Janice discusses why looking to historical legacies of resistance is the key to enduring today's challenging DEI landscape.

We explore how "everything is cyclical" and how we can draw strength from the stories of lesser-known figures who challenged the status quo long before us. Whether you are feeling powerless or looking for strategic ways to advocate for change, this conversation provides a roadmap for using your unique gifts to push for equity.

• Resistance as a Historical Blueprint: Current opposition to DEI and civil rights is not new; by studying the legacies of figures like Ida B. Wells and Toni Morrison, we can find proven strategies to navigate and endure modern-day backlash.

• The Strategy of "Exiting": Resistance doesn't always mean staying and fighting in a toxic environment. Taking a leave of absence or exiting a harmful workplace can serve as a powerful catalyst for institutional change, as seen in the career of legal scholar Derrick Bell.

• Micro-Resistance and Personal Gifts: You don't need to lead a country to create impact. Meaningful resistance can be as simple as using your specific skills—such as graphic design, baking, or providing a safe space—to support larger movements and build community coalitions.

Follow Dr. Janice's work at https://www.drjanicegassam.com/