
Story shared by Najah Al-Atassi
As I celebrate my third anniversary with Rise, I find myself reflecting deeply on our core values: Kindness, Trust, Community, Courage, Shared Value, and Knowledge. Over the years, these values have not only shaped the way we work but have also profoundly impacted how I approach my personal life.
One idea that excites me is the power of combining these values in pairs. For example, kindness by itself is one of the greatest investments we can make in the universe. It fosters empathy, connection and fulfillment in ways that far exceed material success. Yet, kindness is most valuable when it is paired with courage. It takes courage to stand for your values and remain kind in situations where kindness may be mistaken for weakness. It takes courage to show up with kindness in our relationships with colleagues, clients, and communities, especially when doing so may leave us vulnerable, underestimated, or not taken seriously in the corporate world. We start many of our meetings by asking our clients to share a moment of gratitude. We usually see surprised faces that don’t know how to respond. Then a brave person will open with something simple that encourages others to share; it is always wonderful to start meeting in a good way.
On the other hand, courage without kindness can become intimidating. When not balanced by kindness, courage can alienate people, making it harder to build trust and authentic connections. It’s this balance between courage and kindness that I strive to embody every day—whether it’s in my work, my relationships, or how I approach the world around me; I’ve learned that the most meaningful growth comes from practicing these two values together.
With these values at the forefront, I can approach my work with a renewed sense of purpose. At Rise, we guide our clients through their own Reconciliation Journey. We meet them where they are. At the start of each project, we invite them to reflect on their corporate values, and we brainstorm with them how those values align with their path toward Reconciliation. This process allows us to co-create a shared Reconciliation vision—one that is not just aspirational but grounded in their commitment to real, actionable change.
Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many clients as they navigate their Reconciliation journey. Witnessing them courageously finding their creative ways that bring their visions to life fills my heart with a sense of fulfillment that is hard to describe. These journeys are not always easy, but they are deeply meaningful. It takes courage for clients to acknowledge their place in the history of colonization, to be aware of how they benefited from the harm that has been done (and in many instances, continues to be done) to Rights Holders, and to take responsibility for building a future where we can be good neighbors in a kind way.
As I reflect on my time with Rise and I look forward to my fourth year, I am filled with gratitude. I work in a kind environment that encourages me to bring my whole self to the work I do. In return, I find the courage to show up fully to make meaningful contributions to a future that aligns with my values—and the values of those I am fortunate enough to work with.