How to Be Well and Excel as a Changemaker for Our Common Humanity in 2025

In today's episode of The Changemaker’s Compass Podcast, I reflect on the incoming president in the United States, and the recent changes to Meta’s platforms, including the elimination of fact-checking and shifts in content moderation.

These changes have sparked significant debate and raised challenging questions for leaders and change makers about how to navigate social media.

This episode challenges us to consider:

• How can we, as leaders and changemakers, continue to make an impact in increasingly hostile online spaces?
• Is it possible to cultivate meaningful change without sacrificing our mental health or values?

Here’s what I explore in this episode:

1. Meta’s Content Moderation Changes: What the elimination of fact-checking means for social media dynamics, including the potential rise of misinformation and polarization.
2. The Debate Over Community Moderation: Could these changes empower communities to take a stand and moderate content effectively where companies have struggled?
3. The Dilemma: Stay or Leave?: Should we abandon platforms becoming increasingly toxic, or stay and engage with those willing to have meaningful conversations? What are the risks of surrendering these spaces to voices that aim to silence or marginalize others.
4. The Growing Challenges of Social Media: How algorithmic changes may amplify polarizing content or provoke discomfort and hostility, and the reality of increased arguments, targeted attacks, and the erosion of respectful dialogue.
5. The Impact on Leaders: Why outspoken leaders face more challenges than others, and the importance of standing firm in your values to support your community and maintain a presence for those who look to you for guidance.
6. Finding the Balance: How to navigate these platforms while protecting your well-being, so that you can lead with dignity, respect, and truth amidst growing tensions online.

Articles mentioned in today’s episode:

• What to Do When You’re Confused, Frustrated, and Doubt Your Leadership Abilities: Why self-care is the key to inspired leadership and meaningful change.
• In Defiance by Celeste Trianon
• Don’t Mourn the Fact-Checkers by Jacob Mchangama
• Why I remain hopeful about America by Robert Reich
• Meta’s policy changes

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