Shannon Watts on Neurodivergent Leadership and Burning It All Down

Morra Aarons-Mele (0:00)

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Shannon Watts was a mother of five, newly remarried, had had a long career in public relations, managed severe as she says ADHD and OCD. And then one day when she learned about the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, took to Facebook and changed the world. She created Moms Demand Action, which is a grassroots gun safety group. It has chapters in every single state. It has over 11 million supporters. It has helped pass legislation for common sense gun laws and it has helped elevate and inspire and mobilize women to run for office to stem the epidemic of gun safety in this country. Shannon is a hero of mine as a former political consultant. I studied what she did in terms of movement building at Moms Demand. It was so successful. You would see these women in their red t-shirts at local hearings, at state hearings, and marching in Washington. It's incredible what she built. Shannon is a fire starter and she now helps other women live on fire, as she says. I wanted to talk to Shannon because I struggle. I struggle with living on fire. I live a pretty unconventional career. I've done a lot of really cool stuff. I am very, very emboldened to do what I want to do.

But I struggle. I struggle because I want people to like me. I worry about getting blowback and I struggle with my own desires in the world, my desires to create change and help people feel better at work, no matter how they're wired and be themselves.

Well, I myself struggle to be myself and my hungry little heart seeks reassurance every single day. So Shannon helps me think about how I want to live on fire and she will help you too, guided by your values, your abilities and your action. My conversation with Shannon Watts.

How are you, Shannon?

Shannon Watts (4:50)

I'm good. How are you?

Morra Aarons-Mele (4:51)

I'm good. I'm good. I'm so excited. I don't know if you remember, I used to have another podcast 100 years ago and I had you on to talk about your organizing principles and how you built Moms Demand Action.

As a former political consultant, you are one of my all-time heroes.

Shannon Watts (5:13)

That is very flattering and I really appreciate that. Thank you.

Morra Aarons-Mele (5:17)

Well, what you built is so incredible and this is not a show about organizing or politics, but it really is.