Getting in the Room

Showing up, being seen, and finding a seat at the table.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Singer in person for the first time. While visiting Chicago, I reached out, and he was kind enough to meet up with me. We shared a lovely connecting conversation over coffee, discussing social work, psychodynamic theories, his career, and what it means to hold influence in our shared profession.

If you’re not familiar, Jonathan Singer, PhD, LCSW, is a true pioneer in social work. And it’s not just me calling him that. In 2023, the National Association of Social Workers named him a pioneer in the field- rightfully so. He’s had a significant impact both through his research on suicidality and as the host of the Social Work Podcast, which has released hundreds of episodes and amassed millions of downloads. He’s a “who’s who” in the field, and I’m deeply grateful that he offered me his personal time, on a Friday afternoon, to talk shop and offer support.

Reaching out to Jonathan, connecting, and having this engaging conversation reminded me of a lesson I learned 15 years ago as an undergrad - a lesson I continue to practice today.

I was sitting in the office of Student Voluntary Services, the largest student-led organization on our campus, and where I served on the executive board. Flipping through a copy of the freshly printed welcome guides that would be handed out to all incoming freshmen. As I turned the pages, I realized, I knew (or at least knew of) every student featured in the booklet. These were the students I engaged with every day, through volunteering, band, athletics, and other elements of student life. These were the students who worked campus jobs, joined student orgs, attended events, and actually interacted with the campus community beyond going to class.

Now, Ball State isn’t a massive school, but it’s not a tiny one either. As a Division 1 university with around 14,000 undergrads, you’d think there would’ve been a wide variety of students involved. But there was only a relatively small group of students showing up and participating across different areas of campus life and as a result, only a headful of students being asked to take the lead.

That moment, flipping through the guide taught me something I’ve never forgotten: leadership is more accessible than many people think.

You don’t have to be the smartest or the most experienced, you just have to show up, and say yes. No one is going to come and find you and ask you to lead. You must position yourself in the right rooms and raise your hand when opportunities arise.

When I think about my career in social work, the relationships I’ve developed, and the opportunities I’ve had, I don’t think it’s because I’ve done anything “special.” I’m a regular social worker, practicing in private practice in Indianapolis. But I show up. I ask questions, I get involved, and I participate in conversations that push the profession forward. Opportunities to connect with leaders, like Jonathan, are available for me because I take the courageous step to show up and engage while so few do.

This reflection isn’t really about Jonathan (although he deserves all the flowers). But about participation. Engagement. And how leadership, despite how exclusive it can appear, is often a DM away.