You role model the original “collaborative narrative.” And it threatens the oh-so-professional competitive narrative. So sad when empathy- a superpower - is treated as a weakness.
隴山隴西郡
寧靜純我心 感得事物人 寫樸實清新. 閑書閑話養閑心,閑筆閑寫記閑人;人生無虞懂珍惜，以沫相濡字字真。
正文
Western professionalism was never built for people like me.
As a Lakota professional, I’ve often found myself navigating systems that weren’t designed to see, hear, or understand me.
Yes, there are universal expectations—like respect and collaboration—that foster inclusive work environments. But “professionalism,” in its Western form, often clashes with Indigenous ways of being. I don’t have the luxury of code-switching into something I’m not. My appearance, my voice, and my values don’t benefit from the traditional rules of corporate culture—and they never will.
I see the posts offering the “Top 10 Things Every Professional Should Do.” But often, those tools aren’t made for me or people like me.
I am centered in my Lakota ways:
Instead of transactional networking, I build reciprocal relationships—rooted in trust, relatedness, and shared responsibility.
Instead of chasing individual success, I work for collective impact—with an eye toward generations ahead.
Instead of linear planning, I lead with a whole-systems perspective—where everything is connected, and every action has consequence.
Here are 3 things I’ve learned to do differently:
1. Lead with authenticity, and overcome assimilation in Western professionalism. When I bring my whole self to the work, it creates space for others to do the same.
2. Build with reciprocity, not transactions. True impact comes from relationships rooted in mutual care and commitment—not quick wins.
3. Plan with generations in mind.
My work is accountable not just to metrics, but to ancestors and future relatives.
Western professionalism didn’t give me a manual—but Indigenous knowledge gave me a compass. And that’s how I lead.
hashtagIndigenousLeadership hashtagDecolonizeProfessionalism hashtagLakotaProfessionals hashtagAuthenticLeadership hashtagSystemsThinking hashtagReciprocity hashtagLinkedInNative
As a Lakota professional, I’ve often found myself navigating systems that weren’t designed to see, hear, or understand me.
Yes, there are universal expectations—like respect and collaboration—that foster inclusive work environments. But “professionalism,” in its Western form, often clashes with Indigenous ways of being. I don’t have the luxury of code-switching into something I’m not. My appearance, my voice, and my values don’t benefit from the traditional rules of corporate culture—and they never will.
I see the posts offering the “Top 10 Things Every Professional Should Do.” But often, those tools aren’t made for me or people like me.
I am centered in my Lakota ways:
Instead of transactional networking, I build reciprocal relationships—rooted in trust, relatedness, and shared responsibility.
Instead of chasing individual success, I work for collective impact—with an eye toward generations ahead.
Instead of linear planning, I lead with a whole-systems perspective—where everything is connected, and every action has consequence.
Here are 3 things I’ve learned to do differently:
1. Lead with authenticity, and overcome assimilation in Western professionalism. When I bring my whole self to the work, it creates space for others to do the same.
2. Build with reciprocity, not transactions. True impact comes from relationships rooted in mutual care and commitment—not quick wins.
3. Plan with generations in mind.
My work is accountable not just to metrics, but to ancestors and future relatives.
Western professionalism didn’t give me a manual—but Indigenous knowledge gave me a compass. And that’s how I lead.
以下是我學到的三件與眾不同的事：
1. 以真誠引領，克服西方專業主義的同化。當我全心投入工作時，就能為他人創造空間，讓他們也能這樣做。
2. 以互惠互利而非交易為基礎。真正的影響力源自於根植於相互關懷和承諾的關係，而非速效。
3. 為世代傳承而規劃。
我的工作不僅要對指標負責，也要對祖先和未來的親人負責。
西方的專業主義沒有給我一本手冊，但原住民的知識給了我一個指南針。這就是我的領導方式。
hashtagIndigenousLeadership hashtagDecolonizeProfessionalism hashtagLakotaProfessionals hashtagAuthenticLeadership hashtagSystemsThinking hashtagReciprocity hashtagLinkedInNative
(edited)
Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it..."
- White Elk
- White Elk
Professionalism is a whole scam. Keeping standing in your truth!
Wakinyan, may everyone listen and learn because you, you make sense, and the pervasive Western marketing paradigm of sales transactional mentality promulgated by Carnegie and others the past 75 years is utterly indefensible. It is obnoxious, arrogant and full of hubris. May you have the room, space and respect!
Never been said any better Wakinyan. People who choose to carry pieces of their heritage into corporate spaces and represent themselves fully, that's power.
Thanks for sharing, Wakinyan
We are would all do well to incorporate these values thanks for sharing.
Love this, Wakinyan!
Thanks so much for sharing, Wakinyan. This gives great perspective!
You are right thinking according to who you are. Do not give up. You are a Traiblazer!
Thanks for sharing, Wakinyan
Thanks for sharing, Wakinyan
Many Thanks for sharing, Wakinyan
It wasn’t built to bring out the best of humanity … your wisdom is spot on.
Wholeheartedly agree
Sounds like the Lakota professionals are a lot like many professionals that work for the state of Wisconsin! Sounds like you’re doing great work.
Love this! Thank you!
Thank you for this.. as I go into my 3rd year placement as a studenr midwife these words are life to me and reassure me that I can and will be an impactful professional in my calling.
Wakinyan: Yes the mainstream of business was not created for myself as well. Although I grew up in Phoenix AZ & attended white schools I did not fit into the systems. It is why I am an Dine' independent film_video maker. Making videos & writing fictional screenplay stories, poems, short pieces can be very creative; yet very technical. To raise money is hard to do. The mainstream systems in U.S. & Canada in film_tv_streaming, but not all, can be so very out of it_ultra conservative for me. I did not learn my Dine' bizaad_Dine' language growing up like the rest of my age group. I kept up Dine' bizaad_ language through zoom language classes since 2020 til now. It is better. Feels good. With yah, your expression. Ahe' hee.' Thank you.
Love this, Wakinyan ?
Thanks for sharing, Wakinyan
Thank you very much for sharing this, Wakinyan.
I felt this!
Love this!
Love this, Wakinyan
Thank you for this!
Authentic, reciprocity with the future of all in hand.
Thanks for sharing, Wakinyan
As a women of color, I see you and I I lift up your written word and receive your message Wakinyan. Thank you
Love this thank you
Well articulated! A community-first reciprocal connection. Not transaction, not extractive, not exploitative.
Hello, may I cite you in my dissertation please?
Beautiful, I feel your words so deeply.
Insightful! We have so much to learn from your perspective and wisdom!
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing!
Brilliantly articulate, thank you
I agree
Thank you for putting these heart felt words into print. It can be tiresome to explain starting points and trajectories, and find that I thrive wholly when the compass in my heart does not need to defend this way of being in the worklplace.
Western Professionalism AKA Gatekeeping
Wakinyan - Thank you for sharing your enlightening perspectives which are so helpful to this "European" in collaborating with people from other cultures, and especially with people in Indian Country.
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