YouTube video (James Laughlin) reflecting on an interview with Roman Schulier, a former Ukrainian lawyer turned soldier. The speaker relays Schulier’s conviction in eventual victory, a warning that war can reach other communities, and an admonition to stamp out racism, sexism, sectarianism and division by fostering empathy and connection at the community level.
I recently interviewed Roman Schulier. Roman was a lawyer in the Ukraine. He put down his pen and lifted up a weapon to defend his country. And when I interviewed him, I was asking him about what he hopes for for the future. And you know what? He was determined and was clear that the outcome was victory. And him and his fellow Ukrainians would do everything to make sure that victory was theirs. And the one thing he reminded me of was this, James, in your community in New Zealand, please don't think that war couldn't arrive on your do doorstep. He said the one thing that you've got to stamp out at your community level is making sure you don't accept racism, sexism, sectarianism, none of that. He says that's where it starts. It starts with division. So as a leader, please get out there and connect the people around you. Show the love, show the empathy.
