What Now? Post Election Reflection.

I joined the founding team of I am a voter. after the 2016 election when our collective shock galvanized us to create a cultural shift around voting and civic engagement. By leveraging our networks we sought to combat apathy and increase participation based on a central truth: Our democracy works best when we all participate.

I started THE BOARD In 2020 for like-minded independent senior leaders, thinkers, builders, and creators to join forces in order to be stronger together. To collectively navigate the opportunities unlocked by the pandemic, as hundreds of industry peers left corporate life seeking balance and the ability to impact more companies.

The through line for both IAAV and THE BOARD is POWER IN COMING TOGETHER WITH INTENTION AROUND SHARED GOALS.

I am gutted, exhausted, heartbroken, and terrified by the fact that hate, racism, misogyny, and a war on women won. Devastated by the message this leadership choice sends to our children and to the world. Trying to gather my strength to tackle the potential challenges ahead. Grateful for our culture of vulnerability which creates a safe space to lean on each other during times of uncertainty.

While it will take a while to digest, reflect, and regroup, in the spirit of community I asked some Members to share how they are feeling at this pivotal moment in history.

April Uchitel - BOARD CEO & Co-Founder

I think the hardest part for me to grapple with is that I am a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason” -but what on Earth is the reason?

There will be a lesson in this.

It may not be clear until we are through it but it will come to light. So let us take time to grieve this loss but with the same hope and optimism we had walking into the voting booths, let's rally our communities and remember we are not alone. Let’s be there for women and their rights, let’s be there for the trans community, let’s be there for the immigrants working hard for a better life for themselves and their families.

Travis Paul Martin - TPM Consulting Founder

While the tendency to withdraw and sulk may be strong -  now is the time to come together. Part of the joy over these last 100 days was seeing people converge, even across so many divides. And that can continue: as individuals, as business leaders, and yes even as brands. I see people being much more intentional with their time, money, and energy. Removing things that no longer serve them, and focusing instead of what aligns with their values and feels whole.

So in this transition: be kind and understanding as people around you figure out their way forward. Continue to show up and inspire others to do the same. And together, we can build towards the American dream we had glimpses of.

It can still happen.

- Molly McDermott Walsh The BOARD Founding member; Strategist + Marketing consultant

Our fears and anxieties are valid. But let us not dwell here too long. These emotions point us to a deeper truth - that we give a shit. We have lived, we have learned, and we are wiser than we were four years ago, eight years ago. We’ve awakened to the forces of political polarization, media manipulation, and the entrenched, fear-based beliefs that shape much of this country. And we cannot, will not, return to an era of ignorance.

We know the hard work that must be done.

We must be willing to listen—especially to those whose views and values differ from our own. We must seek understanding, and, where possible, find common ground.

We must rise above the dualism of this moment and recognize that, despite our differences, most Americans want the same things: freedom, safety, security, and a sense of belonging.

These aspirations look different to each of us, but if we’re willing to hold space for these differences, it can lead to deeper understanding.

We cannot waste time or energy vilifying or shaming those on “the other side.” Division makes us easier to control. Where there is unity, there is power.

We must view this moment within the vast arc of history. Chaos precedes evolution. This might be exactly what’s needed to dismantle corrupt systems and push creation forward.

And we must fight like a Mother to protect our children and our planet.

It's through tears, open hands, and a fiercely loving heart that I say "if we are here, in this moment, it’s because we were made for times such as these.

- Rachel Roberts Mattox , Beauty Brand developer & GTM Strategist, The BOARD Founding member

How I'm feeling, I choose hope over fear. Surviving the cruelty (and incompetency) of a second Trump administration means resistance, every damn day. Continuing the fight for justice, arm and arm with my fellow activists and Americans, will be crucial and life sustaining. We can still find joy in the moments, the kind of joy so many of us felt during the Harris Walz campaign. We can be there for each other when it gets hard, because we know it will. As depraved as we've seen it get in his first term, I believe due to misinfo and disinfo, good folks have been bamboozled into believing the lies. It is up to us with the privilege of access, to gently prod, promote and present the proven facts, over and over and over again, as many times as it takes for us to preserve our democracy for all.

- Robyn Dutra , Executive Creative Director + Writer

As we sift through the results of the U.S. presidential election, many of us fall into the pattern of asking, “Why did our candidate lose?” This perspective, while natural, often leads us down a winding path of “what ifs.” What if we had focused on different issues? What if we had reacted sooner? What if our candidate were a different race or gender? The possibilities are endless, and the answers are rarely satisfying.

A more useful question might be, “Why did the other candidate win?” This shifts the focus from regret to analysis. Rather than questioning our own choices, we begin to examine the strengths of the opposing team. Was their messaging clearer? Did they understand their audience more deeply? How did they tap into the needs and concerns that motivated people to choose them?

This approach is not only more productive in politics but also in business. Instead of solely examining what we’re doing wrong, we should ask ourselves what our competitors are doing right. What value are they creating that’s resonating with people? Are they addressing needs we’ve overlooked or building connections we’ve missed?

The truth is, we can’t change the past, but any setback is just a setup for what’s next. Focus on seeing rejection as a redirection of your energy. Take the time to regroup and recalibrate. By understanding what drives others’ success, we can gain insights to strengthen our own strategy, and then step back into the arena with sharper insight, stronger purpose, and the resilience to compete again, harder and smarter than before.

“We’ll get ’em next time” isn’t just a saying. It’s a commitment. And we’re ready for it.

- Jordan Nasser , Chief Marketing Officer

There's a lot to unpack with the results of this election… Kamala took center stage, rallying the party in those intense 106 days. Imagine what she could have accomplished with a full cycle to shape a message.

Anyway, Sara [McCord] posted something recently that a friend forwarded to me, not even knowing we're colleagues—that's when you know you've made an impact! In her post, she broke down the difference between messaging and actual communication, especially when it comes to hitting pain points. This is where the GOP excels; they speak to people's core issues, while the Dems, with all their polish and highbrow approach, sometimes miss the mark in connecting with the everyday person.

Then there's the trust issue. This campaign was steeped in distrust, a tactic the GOP has played since 2016. But the Dems can't touch it without coming off as whiny brats. Funny how everything seemed to line up perfectly for him/them, right? A candidate with a criminal record wins the popular vote by 5 million votes after losing by 8 million last time? Coincidence or not, it's a reminder that perception is powerful—and mastering that connection with the public is everything.

Pardé Bridgett , Storyteller | Brand Architect | Content Creator | Entrepreneur

Reflecting on all the “-isms”—sexism, racism, and beyond—this recent election has been a bleak reminder of how far we still have to go. Based on this election’s voting numbers, it’s surprising and  disheartening how many people, especially white women and Latino men, still doubt a woman’s capability to lead. Yet, globally and even in corporate America, the evidence is clear: women excel in leadership.

This election felt like an even harsher slap in the face than 2016 when Hillary Clinton lost to Trump. This time, it wasn’t just a loud, obnoxious, weasel winning—he’s a convicted felon, rapist, and fraudster, proven beyond speculation. And yet, a significant portion of Americans still preferred a man with a long criminal record over a capable, experienced woman—a candidate with a history in all three branches of government and a spotless record. The choice of a bombastic white male criminal over a dignified, intelligent, and accomplished professional woman of color is disheartening, disappointing, infuriating, and just plain sad.

Other countries look on, embarrassed for us. The fact that we’ve chosen him not once, but twice, jeopardizes America’s standing as a global leader. Trust and support from other nations will dwindle. While this international shift has potential benefits, the fact that sexism and racism are the catalysts for such a decline—rather than countries simply building their strength—is deeply tragic.

Still, there is a glimmer of hope. Younger generations appear more aware and ready to challenge the status quo compared to their elders. Maybe they’ll get it right in future elections. Ideally, the next contests will be between two or even three equally qualified candidates with differing viewpoints—none with a criminal record. But what message are we sending to young Americans today? That you can act with impunity, break laws, and still get the most powerful job in the country?

For those of us who try to do good and follow the rules, it begs the question: Why bother, especially if you’re a young white boy? “Go ahead, break laws, be a disrespectful jerk. No negative consequences, no problem,” To young girls, the implication is even more painful: “Sorry, we tried, but we failed you.” My generation of women was sold the idea that we could do it all, have it all, be it all. What a load of crap! People of color have long understood what many white women are only now realizing: you have to be 10x better, do better, work 10x harder—just to get close to equal respect, pay, and opportunity.

My hope is that the extremes we’ve come to will soften, that we’ll now move as whole toward a more moderate middle. Perhaps that’s where fiscally conservative, socially liberal Americans will unite?

Maybe we’ll realize that three or more qualified candidates is better than two parties? For now, nearly every woman (and some men) I know is trying to manage her rage.

- Julia Labaton , Founder of Red PR

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