Becoming an Upstander — Leadership Beyond Silence with Dr. Omékongo Dibinga

What does it truly mean to be a leader in a world that’s often divided and challenging?

Jon Goehring, Coach Jim Johnson, and Dr. Rehnuma Karim welcome Dr. Omékongo Dibinga — poet, professor, upstander, and author of Lies About Black People — for an eye-opening conversation on leadership, identity, and the power of standing up for justice.

Omékongo dismantles harmful stereotypes that plague Black communities and shares how embracing your story and leading authentically can transform both individuals and societies. From confronting small injustices like bullying to grappling with systemic issues, he challenges emerging leaders to become upstanders — those brave enough to speak out and act against inequity.

Key insights include:

• The critical difference between being an “upstander” vs. a bystander… and how silence enables harm
• Uncovering and confronting lies and stereotypes that hold communities down
• The role of storytelling and poetry as powerful tools for leadership influence and healing
• Practical steps leaders can take to build diverse, empowered, and trusting teams
• Why self-leadership and affirmations fuel sustainable impact
• How to develop an abundance mindset over scarcity in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
• Recommended reading and lifelong leadership habits inspired by legends like Les Brown and John Maxwell

• Lies About Black People — available to learn more through liesaboutblackpeople.com & omekongo.com
• Recommended leadership reads: Influencer, Les Brown works, Malcolm Gladwell, Tim Ferriss