5 Reasons Why Chappell Roan is a DEI Change Agent
How you can lead culture change by channeling your inner Chappell Roan.
Image credit: Vanity Fair
I’ll admit it. I’m completely obsessed with Chappell Roan. I listen to her entire debut album, Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, at least twice a week. I watch her music festival sets on YouTube, singing along to “Pink Pony Club” at the top of my lungs. I enthusiastically dance to “Hot To Go!” in my living room, performing for an audience of two: my partner and my dog.
I struggle with anxiety and depression, but Roan’s music gives me temporary relief. When I listen to her songs, I feel joyful. I feel silly. I feel nostalgic. I feel hopeful.
I’m hopeful that in the same country that has introduced at least 85 bills to restrict and regulate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Chappell Roan, a young, queer, outspoken woman can be one of this year's most successful artists.
Chappell Roan has proven that a genuine commitment to DEI is a competitive advantage.
As of August 16, 2024, Roan has seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100. Your favorite artist’s, favorite artist, Roan’s popularity extends far beyond your everyday pop fan. Her music has caught the attention of her peers, from Blink 182 to Adelle. The growing crowds at her shows are mesmerizing, including her recent Lollapalooza performance which is rumored to have drawn the largest crowd in the festival’s history.
Like many people, I’ve been captivated by Roan’s meteoric rise to fame. As a DEI strategist and leadership coach, I help everyday people disrupt the status quo and build movements of their own at their respective organizations. Increased fear and societal resistance to DEI means rallying people in support of change is more challenging than ever. So how did Roan do it?
Chappell Roan is one of the best DEI change agents in the game.
Roan’s success is a testament to her unwavering inclusive leadership. She intentionally makes her fans feel valued, seen, and heard. She proactively considers how to make her music and shows as accessible and as safe as possible. By showing up as her courageous, authentic self, she empowers her fans to do the same.
On and off the stage, Roan exemplifies many of the skills I teach my clients. Here are five leadership lessons from Chappell Roan that will make you a more effective DEI change agent:
1. Center and advocate for those who lack power.
Effective change agents have an exceptional understanding of power dynamics and make decisions that prioritize fairness and safety above all else. Despite a rise in popularity, Roan and her team continue to advocate for affordable ticket prices and work tirelessly to create safe concert experiences for the LGBTQ+ community. She also considers gender-neutral bathrooms, building security, and the cities they choose to perform in when selecting venues.
“That’s the whole point of the tour: to give people a safe space to come and dress up. No one’s going to say anything mean to you. And you can dance and be queer. ”
Roan courageously speaks up on behalf of communities that have been historically excluded. She told Teen Vogue, “Let’s redistribute our funds to the trans community right now. Let’s make sure our trans community is okay on rent. Let’s have each other’s backs right now. Let’s be safe and watch out for each other. Give with your heart but also give with your wallet and your time.” Modeling this call to action, Roan has donated a portion of proceeds from her shows to organizations that support the queer community like For the Gworls, an organization that helps Black trans people with rent and gender-affirming healthcare.
2. Focus on what is in your control.
When things are uncertain or are out of our control, it’s easy to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Increased resistance to DEI and an upcoming election means for the average DEI change agent, things feel especially stressful right now. Effective change agents are realistic about what they can, and cannot, influence. One person alone cannot solve systems of oppression like sexism, homophobia, or racism.
“I hope you feel freedom and joy when you listen. I hope it gives you solace in the difficult times. My dreams have already come true because I have seen the joy this music has created out of thin air. That’s all I can ever ask for.”
Change agents are clear about their strengths and use their time, energy, and resources wisely. Roan is focused on connecting and inspiring fans through her specific platform – her art. Her creativity and out-of-the-box thinking builds community, empowers others, and makes it cool to be different.
3. Show humility and vulnerability.
Effective leaders embrace opportunities to humanize themselves. Roan is no stranger to wearing her heart on her sleeve. She made headlines for getting emotional about how tough the rise to fame is, sharing with a crowd in Raleigh:
“I guess I just want to be honest with the crowd. I just feel a little off today ‘cause I think that my career is going really fast and it’s really hard to keep up. So I’m just being honest that I’m just having a hard time today. So sorry that — I’m not trying to give you, like, a lesser show. It’s just, there’s a lot… Thank you for understanding. This is all I’ve ever wanted. It’s just heavy sometimes, I think.”
Roan has publicly shared her mental health challenges, posting on Instagram: “This job is very difficult for me to process and maintain a healthy life & mindset. I already have difficulty regulating my emotions because I have bipolar 2 disorder.” These admissions aren’t a weakness, they are one of her greatest strengths. Vulnerable moments allow people to relate to you and empathize with you. Most importantly, showing humility allows people to trust you. When it comes to movement building, trust is the currency of change.
4. Express gratitude.
Frequently thanking people for their contributions is one of the most underrated, and critically important, leadership skills. Roan frequently thanks her team on stage, in interviews, and on social media. The launch of her latest album included this acknowledgement: “This was possible because of the dedicated hard work of friends, family, and my entire team. Thank you for years of working for free, pulling favors, taking risks, and tirelessly believing in this. It is because of you that we made it.” Instagram posts like this make her team feel valued and appreciated:
“Thank you everyone for your continued support and love for our project. I have been saying “our project” lately because Chappell Roan is no longer just me and my vision. I have a wonderful team bringing everything you see to life alongside me.”
Building a change-coalition also requires you to honor the hard work of the change agents who came before you. Roan is not afraid to give credit where credit is due. She is known for inviting local drag queens to perform at her shows and has publicly thanked her drag idol Sasha Colby for coining the phrase “I’m your favorite artist’s favorite artist” (originally “I’m your favorite drag queen’s favorite drag queen”). Roan even featured Colby on stage during a recent concert.
5. Be resilient.
Effective change agents stay the course when times are tough. When barriers emerge, they lean on their community, ask for help, and keep their heads up. Dropped from her label in 2020, Chappell is no stranger to disappointment and unexpected challenges. On her Instagram, Roan shared:
“I am proud of myself for daring to fail, and yet against all obstacles, succeeding.”
Whether you’re Chappell Roan, or leading a DEI initiative at your company, moving against the grain is bound to ruffle feathers. Expect that many people will feel threatened by change, that’s human nature. Don’t waste your time on bad faith actors – pour your time and energy into your supporters and the people willing to keep an open mind. Your persistence will pay off.
Movements like this do not happen organically.
Rallying a large group of people behind your cause takes intentionality, authenticity, and DEI expertise. Effective change agents like Chappell Roan know they need the leadership skills, an intentional community of practice, and accountability mechanisms to make change stick.
Ready to embrace your inner DEI change agent?
Apply for Brevity & Wit’s DEI Change Agent Certification program. This 8-week cohort equips DEI change agents from across the country with the foundations of inclusive change management. Each participant leaves the program with a customized action plan, tailored to their unique role and scope of influence. Secure your spot in the fall cohort by September 25 for $500 off!
