How to protect your voice

Today, speaking your mind openly is either considered brave, or reckless. But it shouldn’t be.

Yet in the current climate, a poorly worded post or expressing a less popular opinion, can lead to reputational ruin, as well as threaten careers and friendships. Even silence isn’t necessarily going to keep you safe. After all, some might consider it “complicity.”

This isn’t something that merely affects celebrities or politicians, it can touch any of us.

But for those of us who value open dialogue, intellectual honesty, and curiosity—we can become more resilient and build a healthier culture for discourse.

Here’s how:

1. Build a like-minded (and open-minded) community

One of the most effective ways to insulate yourself from social or professional backlash is to surround yourself with people who value open inquiry, intellectual curiosity, and good faith disagreement. Build your own community. Start small, with your own social circl…