Right now, a lot of business owners are sitting on their hands.
Not because they don’t care about what’s happening in the world, but because they care so much they’re terrified of messing it up.
They want to speak up about injustice.
They want to use their platforms to stand for something.
They want their allyship to feel genuine, not tokenistic or performative.
But instead of hitting “post,” they freeze.
And I get it.
The Fear of Getting It Wrong Is Real.
For many of us (especially white or otherwise privileged folks) we’ve been taught that the worst thing we could do is get it wrong.
So we double-check every word.
We draft and delete.
We lurk, we listen, and we say, “Maybe when I’ve done more learning… I’ll speak.”
But here’s the thing: That fear of messing up isn’t just an individual issue. It’s systemic.
It’s tied to perfectionism… and perfectionism is one of the tools of white supremacy culture.
Perfectionism Is a Silencing Tool
Perfectionism is a deeply internalised mechanism of colonisation. It the voice that says:
- “Don’t speak unless you know everything.”
- “Don’t take up space unless you’re sure you won’t offend.”
- “Don’t act until it’s flawless.”
And what happens when we believe those things?
We go quiet.
Even when genocide is happening.
Even when Black lives are being targeted.
Even when First Nations people are calling for solidarity.
We mistake our silence for respect.
But really, we’re just protecting our own comfort, not the people being harmed.
Because silence doesn’t stop the harm.
It upholds the systems doing the harm.
You’re Not Expected to Be Perfect… Just Accountable
Let me say this clearly:
Marginalised people are not expecting you to be perfect.
We know you’ll mess up. Everyone does… including us.
What we’re watching for isn’t flawlessness.
It’s what you do after the mistake:
- Do you listen?
- Do you apologise?
- Do you take accountability?
- Do you learn and try again?
That’s where trust is built.
That’s where integrity lives.
Integrity isn’t about saying the exact right thing every time.
It’s about showing up anyway… even when it’s hard. Even when you’re scared.
If You’ve Been Frozen in Fear, You’re Not Alone
Especially as a business owner navigating visibility, clients, and social media… speaking up can feel overwhelming.
You don’t want to cause harm.
You don’t want to get “cancelled.”
You don’t want to alienate people who aren’t “there yet.”
But you also don’t want to stay silent.
Because silence is starting to feel more out of alignment than a messy post ever could.
If that’s where you are – frozen between values and fear – I’m hosting something to help.
Free Webinar: How to Write Allyship Posts That Help… Not Harm
This webianr isn’t a script.
It’s not a “what to say when” cheat sheet…
It’s a shame-free, trauma-informed session to help you:
- Stop second-guessing yourself
- Understand why silence can do more harm than saying the “wrong” thing
- Use a simple, framework for writing allyship posts with care
- Ground your content in your values
- Know what to do if you do get it wrong
And most of all…it’s designed to help you speak up without spiralling.
You don’t have to be perfect to be helpful.
You don’t need to write a thesis every time.
You’re allowed to be a work in progress.
Click here to register for the free webinar: How to Write Allyship Posts That Help… Not Harm
Let’s make your voice part of the change…not part of the harm supporting silence.
You’re not behind.
You’re not broken.
You’re not too late.
You’re right on time to start practicing.
If you loved this blog, please feel free to leave a comment or share it with others.
Until next time, here’s to you speaking up.
Louise O’Reilly is a social impact business coach helping values-led entrepreneurs grow businesses that honour inclusion, justice, and positive change.
Found this blog helpful?
If you’re thinking “Damn, more people need to hear this”, you can toss a coin (or a coffee) in my digital tip jar.
Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi HERE and help fuel more free, values-driven content like this.
Because activism takes energy…and caffeine helps!
Big love and solidarity 💛