LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iolani/

In today’s episode, we focus on fostering inclusion and bringing diversity to our world. Our guest today is ‘Iolani Bullock.

‘Iolani is a Diversity and Inclusion expert and an author of the children's picture book Lenox takes flight. She is also a trained ballet dancer. 

‘Iolani was inspired to write the book when she was traveling to Thailand with her infant son and husband. While she was at the airport, she tried to find a travel book to read to her son. The books she came across didn't have very diverse characters. They didn't have very interesting storylines or, different characters, from different backgrounds. When she couldn't find the book that she wanted to read with her son, she decided that she should create it.

After her decision to write her own book, ‘Iolani started by journaling and writing new ideas on her phone since she was still on holiday in Thailand. She would look at her son for inspiration. Since the majority of the book takes place in an airport, thinking back to when she traveled for the first time as a 13-year-old, really gave her inspiration. The book took a lot of iteration, not only when she was turning her bullet points into stories but through her collaboration with her editors. 

One thing that ‘Iolani focuses on in her children’s book is the diversity and inclusion aspect of it. In this book, she brings together the blind, children of color, and even black Americans who were in the world war. These images help normalize different cultures and people that they will see in the society as they are growing up.

Having written this book while working from home, ‘Iolani gives us tips on how to have a successful work-life balance. These tips include:

• Spending time outside, moving your body. You don’t have to take your recurring calls inside the house, you can have that call when taking a walk. This helps you clear your mind and gives you space to be creative.
• Bounce your ideas off people you trust. 
• Speak and write your ideas when your creative juices start flowing. 

In summary, Finding a community that inspires you and you can use to bounce ideas off also helps. The more you put into your creative process, the more you will get out. 

You can reach out to ‘Iolani on:  

Website: Lenox takes flight

Copyright 2024 Mark Stinson