This week on [un]phased, Shaunna and Lisa break down the data. More specifically, why it is important to collect data and to view data with a critical eye? Many endurance sport organizations collect information about who is participating in their events and the experiences they may have had. But what is often overlooked is who is not represented in this data. As Shaunna reminds us, we have to pay attention to the “asterisks” at the bottom of the page, the “less than one percent” groups and ask ourselves: what folks are we missing? Whose experiences aren’t we gathering? In doing so, we create an opportunity to more deeply understand the gaps and strategize ways to include underrepresented groups in endurance sport.

It is also important to understand that data collection cannot be done with a “one and done” mindset; it is a cyclical process of continuous evaluation. For organizations in our sport, this is an important practice to continuously implement both internally and externally. It will ensure growth and the meaningful evolution of all areas of your business. In other words, any leader in endurance sport should run the data as often as possible to make smart, inclusive, and enduring decisions.

Our micro-allyship challenge to our listeners this week is to run the numbers. Question the numbers. Look at data with a critical eye, examine who is being represented, and more importantly, who is not.

Send in your questions, comments, or micro-allyship journey to [email protected].