Nicole Snell, CEO of Girls Fight Back, shares insights on managing conflict, ego, and masculinity. She discusses self-defense, awareness, and intervention. They also talk about empowerment, education, and the role of sport in social change. Nicole emphasizes the power of listening and learning for systemic change.
Empowerment self-defense equips individuals with skills to protect themselves and navigate high-stress situations, breaking the stereotype that women must limit their lives due to safety concerns.
Challenging negative forms of masculinity and encouraging enthusiastic consent are crucial in combatting violence, with men playing a pivotal role in being allies and intervening in harassment or violent situations.
Deep dives
Promoting Self-Defense and Empowerment
Nicole Snell, CEO of Girls Fightback, discusses her passion for teaching self-defense and personal safety. She travels around the world conducting interactive seminars for all gender identities, with a primary focus on women. Nicole shares her personal survivor story and emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals with skills to protect themselves. She aims to break the stereotype that women must limit their lives due to safety concerns and instead wants to equip them with the confidence and abilities to navigate high-stress situations and pursue their passions.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes
Nicole addresses the societal expectations placed on men and women when managing conflicts. She encourages women to stand in their power, be assertive, and set boundaries without feeling the need to always be nice. Nicole also teaches men how to be allies and intervene in situations where they witness harassment or violence. She discusses consent education, the importance of enthusiastic consent, and the need for everyone to accept and respect boundaries, highlighting the role men play in challenging negative forms of masculinity that contribute to violent behavior.
The Power of Bystander Intervention
Nicole emphasizes the significance of bystander intervention in preventing and addressing violence. She encourages individuals to speak up when they witness situations that make them uneasy or uncomfortable. Nicole acknowledges the potential consequences, such as social isolation or retaliation, but stresses that speaking up sends a powerful message that certain behaviors or comments are not acceptable. By challenging harmful narratives, individuals can generate social pushback and promote cultural change, creating a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
Prioritizing Awareness and Individual Safety
Nicole discusses the importance of personal awareness without placing the burden of preventing violence solely on individuals. She emphasizes the need for conscious acknowledgment of surroundings while understanding that violence is never the victim's fault. Nicole advocates for building skills in responding to potentially dangerous situations and creating a society that prioritizes safety for all. She also highlights the positive impact of empowerment self-defense in reducing bullying, harassment, and anxiety while boosting confidence and resilience in individuals.
Nicole Snell is the owner and CEO of Girls Fight Back, a personal self-defense, safety, and empowerment company for women and marginalized communities.
Nicole shares her knowledge on managing conflict, ego, and masculinity. She talks about how we can be more confident, courageous, and truly aware when faced with danger, violence, and unwanted behavior.
[01:23] Introducing Nicole Snell [02:35] What Nicole Does [05:57] Nicole’s Training for Self-Defense [10:12] Elements of Handling Conflict [14:58] Conflict and Masculinity [18:38] Empowerment and Education [24:53] The Pandemic Shift [26:43] Youth Behavior and School Violence [29:17] Awareness and Acknowledgement [32:35] The Bystander Effect and Intervention [39:14] Nicole’s 2022 [41:01] Listening and Educating for Change [42:50] Nicole’s Recommendations