Growing as We Lead: Empathy, Identity, and Holding Space in the B Corp Community

This B The Change series features articles by B Corp Network leaders who will explore how identity and its many intersections, coupled with their Network leadership roles, affect the growth, diversity, and sustainability of the B Corp movement. This month’s contributor is Donna Cheung, Founder of B Corp Wakefield Agency and a board member for the B Corp BIPOC Network.

Donna Cheung of B Corp Wakefield Agency and the B Corp BIPOC Network

I first joined the BIPOC Network in January of 2024 and joined the board shortly after. Time has flown by this last year and a half, and as I reflect on the many conversations I’ve had, I’ve been humbled and encouraged by the amazing group of people that I get to interact with in the network board and across other B Networks and B Locals.

Our BIPOC Board specifically has taught me much about a deeper level of “holding space,” showing kindness, and deepening empathy in all situations. Currently on our board are Emmy Allison, Jeffrey Stewart, Natasha Motsi, and TJ Delegencia. I’ve also had many interactions with other amazing leaders such as Becca Quirk and Seana Kellman. Each of these amazing human beings brings such strengths to the work we do.

Here are some things I’ve learned and carry forward with me:

• You never know where people are really at internally. Give space to check in and hold space for when people become ready to share.
• Speak your mind when it comes to your own personal convictions on the meaning of words and be OK with letting that hang in the air for a bit.
• Clarity is kindness. 
• Sometimes the quietest people can be the best orators or announcers!
• Be open-handed and go out of your way to help, ask questions, and give people the benefit of the doubt.
• The term: Model Minority. As a child of Chinese Malaysian immigrant parents, this was an eye-opening term for me to think and reflect on. Check it out!
• Learning to sit with people in their pain, discomfort, frustration, or challenges and not needing to fix anything, but just be, can be some of the most powerful healing medicine.

As my younger sister would tell me, growing up with her, I didn’t inherently carry the “being sensitive and considerate” quality, while she was naturally more observant and sensitive to all the emotions and needs of others around me. I was often very sure of myself and had thoughts and opinions about everything. I was a quick decision maker with gut instincts (that sometimes panned out and sometimes created more problems to fix). This presented itself in us misunderstanding each other at times, but also a deep appreciation for each other’s very different strengths. 

As a young older sister, I found this superpower annoying and overly dramatic. Now, in my 40s, I continually desire to grow in and develop muscles for it: to be someone who is deeply empathetic, kind, and considerate of others. Being a Network Leader these last 15ish months has allowed me to be surrounded by folks who embody and demonstrate that every day. 

For that, I’m grateful and thankful, and it continues to inform what leadership can look like.