Chanda Burrage | September 2, 2022
As a Black woman, I often think about how geography has played a role in my life. I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC, where I often saw how an interstate highway could reveal how different two sides of a town were. But it wasn’t until I moved to Detroit for graduate school that I realized just how different the two places were beyond the concept of race.
Growing up, I always heard about “the South” and “the North” but never really understood what those terms meant. Likewise, early in my career, I was blessed with an opportunity to do some humanitarian work in Nigeria and Benin, where the differences were immense compared to my experiences.
It wasn’t until I started to dig into the complexities of geography and international development on my own that I began to ask whether the concept that “geography is destiny” is truly a thing. These geographic divides that I allude to have always been a point of contention in this country and worldwide, and it’s something that I want my students to consider as they become leaders in their fields.
Impact of Geography on Leadership
As a leader, geography is something that you have to think about carefully. Where you’re born and raised can tremendously impact how you see the world and lead. For example, if you’re living near a chemical plant, you might be more likely to see environmental and racial disparities as an issue that needs to be addressed.
On the other hand, living in a high-rise luxury condominium close to a clean park or nature reserve, you might be more likely to see environmental justice issues as something that doesn’t matter. Either way, it’s essential to be aware of geography’s impact on your leadership style.
Black Unity
One of the things that I’ve been thinking about lately is how geographic divides can impact unity within the Black community. In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about “Black unity,” but it’s often difficult to achieve because we’re spread out across the country.
However, it’s no secret that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected. Thanks to the internet, globalization, and the rise of international organizations, people from all corners and walks of life can communicate and collaborate like never before. This has led to a new breed of leader who can think geographically.
When we think geographically, we consider the diverse perspectives of people from different cultures and backgrounds. We recognize that there is not one “right” way to do things but many different ways that can be adapted to specific circumstances. This way of thinking leads to a more inclusive form of leadership that considers the needs of all stakeholders.
Leaders who think geographically are also able to see beyond their immediate surroundings. They consider the global context in which their decisions will be made. This helps them anticipate potential challenges and identify growth opportunities. In a rapidly changing world, this type of thinking is essential for any leader who wants to stay ahead of the curve.
To Sum Things Up
Geography is an important factor to consider when you’re thinking about leadership. Where you come from can significantly impact how you see the world and how you lead. As Black women, we must consider how geographic divides can impact unity within our community.
By considering the diverse perspectives of people from different cultures and backgrounds, we can develop inclusive forms of leadership that consider the needs of all stakeholders. Leaders who think geographically can also see beyond their immediate surroundings, anticipating potential challenges and identifying growth opportunities. In a rapidly changing world, this type of thinking is essential for any leader who wants to stay ahead of the curve.
Learn More
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I hope you’ll join our global and local leadership community as we innovatively “save” the world.
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