This episode wasn’t planned.
I bumped my original topic because this conversation felt too important to ignore. I’ve been getting DMs, coaching clients are asking the same question, and I can feel the tension myself:
Should I say something about what’s happening right now?
Is it bad for my brand if I don’t?
Am I being irresponsible if I stay silent?
This episode is specifically for business owners—not influencers, not personal diary accounts—who are trying to navigate heavy political and social moments while still running a business.
First things first: this is your business.
If you’re a social media manager, you can make suggestions—but the decision always belongs to the business owner.
And before we even talk about whether to speak up, I want to say this clearly:
👉 You do not have to make a post about every political or social issue unless you genuinely feel called to.
If you do want to speak up, I believe you have a responsibility to be fully informed. Posting based on hearsay or someone else’s talking points puts you in a position where people will (rightfully) ask questions you may not be prepared to answer.
Caring is good.
Being thoughtful is better.
Two truths can exist at the same time
One perspective that deeply resonated with me comes from Shannon McKinstrie.
Some people feel called to speak up—and that’s beautiful.
Some people are at capacity—emotionally, mentally, physically—and that’s valid too.
We were not meant to consume this level of pain, conflict, and cruelty 24/7. Constant exposure impacts our nervous systems in ways we don’t always recognize.
And here’s something we forget:
Instagram is not the only place impact happens.
You can care deeply and still choose not to broadcast your thoughts online. You can donate, volunteer, have private conversations, protest, or support causes quietly. Silence on social media does not equal indifference.
You are allowed to protect your heart and care deeply.
Your business can be a place of stability
Another perspective I love comes from Maria Wendt, who talks about staying in your lane—especially during heavy weeks.
Your audience may actually crave:
- Predictability
- Stability
- Familiar leadership
Most people aren’t scrolling Instagram hoping for everyone’s hot takes. For some, your page is the one place that feels normal.
For certain people, your consistency is the safest thing in their day.
And no—having a large audience does not automatically mean you’re obligated to comment on everything. Influence does not equal obligation.
What are you an expert in?
Why do people come to your page?
That matters.
So… when should you speak up?
You might choose to speak if:
- You feel regulated enough to do it thoughtfully
- It directly connects to your lived experience or expertise
- You’re prepared for questions—not just applause
And you might choose not to speak if:
- You’re doing it out of fear
- You’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or dysregulated
- You feel pressured to keep up with everyone else
No matter what you do, someone will think it’s wrong. That can’t be the metric.
Running your business doesn’t mean you don’t care
I want to say this louder for the people in the back:
Running your business does not mean you don’t care.
Often, it means you care enough to keep showing up.
Speaking up is valid.
Staying in your lane is valid.
Mixing both at different times is valid.
You don’t owe Instagram a statement.
You don’t owe your audience emotional labor.
What you do owe them is:
- Integrity
- Self-trust
- Alignment
Before posting, ask yourself:
- What feels steady for me right now?
- What can I actually sustain?
If your body is ready and your nervous system is grounded—share.
If not, it’s okay to pause.
One final journal prompt I love:
What kind of leader do I want to be during heavy seasons?
There’s no single right answer—only the one that aligns with you.
I’m always open to conversation (not debate), and I’m cheering for you no matter what you choose.
Click here to see Shannon McKinstrie’s Thread
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