Lessons in Leadership: Political ads and Parenting
We’re heading into election season, and there’s a lot going on in the world right now.
Like most sports fanatics, I was glued to the screen during the World Series. And if you’re watching too, you’ve probably noticed that every commercial break is filled with political ads.
Now, promoting ideas and positions is one thing — everyone’s got their right to do that. But what’s tough for me is seeing the smear campaigns, where one party or person attacks another, claiming they’re harmful or dangerous.
In moments like these, I’m reminded of how critical it is to pause, reflect, and respond thoughtfully. It’s not just about how I react personally; it’s about what I’m modeling for my son, who’s eight years old and watching with me.
During the one of the games in the World Series, I muted the TV when one of these negative ads came on.
I wanted to protect him from hearing people tear each other down, but I also didn’t want to avoid an important conversation. So instead, I turned to him and said, “They’re not speaking kind words about others, and I don’t really want to engage with that.”
But it also made me think: How can I use this moment to teach him how to engage in a way that’s respectful and constructive?
A mentor of mine, Ben McBride, once said that we need to strengthen our muscles for having real conversations about tough issues — politics, race, class, gender, you name it.
It’s not about avoiding these conversations out of discomfort or fear; it’s about learning to navigate them with respect, curiosity, and integrity.
It’s about modeling for ourselves and others, especially the next generation, how to stay grounded in our values of kindness, respect, and belonging, even when we hear or see things that challenge us.
This is something I think about not just as a parent but as someone committed to fostering cultures of belonging in every space I’m in.
I want to work on creating an environment where dialogue can happen safely and respectfully, where people feel seen and valued, even if they don’t share the same perspective.
And showing others — our kids, our colleagues, our friends — that it’s possible to disagree without disrespecting.
As we move through this season, I encourage you to consider how your own responses, words, and actions shape the environment around you.
- How are you creating space for thoughtful conversation, for openness to different views, and for a culture where every identity can belong and thrive?
- If you’re influencing young people in your life, are you think about how to model the kind of engagement you want them to bring to their own circles — one rooted in respect, kindness, and a commitment to inclusion?
So as things unfold, let’s commit to being kind to one another, to speaking with integrity, and to staying curious about perspectives beyond our own.
In doing this, we’re building a culture that embraces every voice and celebrates what it means to belong.
Share your thoughts if you feel compelled. Most importantly, reflect on what you are modeling through your actions.
In love,
Ray
