Allyship Begins Where Your Comfort Ends with Kevan Smith

Update: 2025-06-25

Description

In this episode, I am joined by the insightful Kevan Smith, a content creator and the founder of the community interest company, Brighton United. Kevan shares his profound perspectives on the crucial difference between merely welcoming people and creating a true sense of belonging.

We explore his concept of 'Human Alchemy'—a framework for innovation and collaboration built on shared values, vision, and voice. Kevan speaks to the power of cross-pollination between social change movements and the responsibility we all have to step up for causes beyond our own immediate communities. The conversation also navigates the complexities of male presence in activist spaces, the importance of men as allies, and the collective need to become comfortable with being uncomfortable to foster genuine unity and progress.

Key Takeaways

Welcome vs. Belonging: There is a fundamental difference between welcoming someone into a pre-existing space and creating an environment where they feel they truly belong. Belonging implies ownership and the power to co-create the space, which requires established groups to relinquish some control and embrace growth.
Human Alchemy: True innovation and solutions to societal discord can be found through "Human Alchemy". This involves first understanding your own values, clarifying your vision for the future, and then learning to use your voice to communicate and connect with others who share that vision, even if they come from different backgrounds.
The Power of Adjacent Allies: The most impactful change can occur when you set your own grievances aside to fight for a cause that is not directly your own. When individuals, such as men supporting women's rights, use their position to advocate for others, their message can have a unique and powerful influence.
Male Responsibility in Social Change: There is often a deficiency of male presence in spaces dedicated to social change and activism. It is crucial for men to become introspective about the energy they bring into spaces, to challenge the toxic aspects of patriarchy, and to cultivate the resilience and responsibility to show up as better allies.

Episode Highlights

09:45 : Kevan explains the critical distinction between making people feel welcome and ensuring they feel a true sense of belonging.
13:30 : The breakdown of "Human Alchemy," a three-part concept for connection and innovation based on values, vision, and voice.
24:40 : Kevan discusses the power of putting your own grievances aside to fight for a cause that is not your own and shares his experience at an International Women's Day event.
48:00 : Reflecting on a difficult personal experience, Kevan discusses how men can unwittingly bring a toxic or conflict-based energy to otherwise harmonious spaces and why that might lead to their exclusion.
01:10:30 : Kevan suggests that it often takes a man to challenge a man, highlighting the need for allies and ambassadors to call out problematic behaviour and model a different way of showing up.

About the Guest

Kevan Smith is a content creator and founder of Brighton United, a community interest company dedicated to fostering inclusive representation and belonging in business and cultural spaces. His work focuses on the power of communication and connection to drive positive change.