by Jimmy Zhang

In fencing, a riposte is what comes after the parry. You have just deflected an attack. You have stayed calm under pressure. Now what?

You strike back. Not out of anger, but with precision, timing, and purpose. The riposte is your chance to shift from defense to action. In that moment, the balance of power changes.

Inclusive leadership is no different.

It is not enough to defuse tension or block bias. The real test is what you do next. Do you let the moment pass, or do you step in with intention?

From Holding Space to Creating Change

Sometimes leadership means creating psychological safety and listening deeply. But other times, it means stepping up, speaking out, or making a clear decision. The riposte is that follow-through. It is where courage meets opportunity.

You have already created space with your parry. The riposte is how you use it.

It might mean reaffirming values, inviting someone in, addressing a pattern, or creating a new path forward. The point is to take action, not just absorb impact.

A Shift in Mindset

Fencers train so that the riposte becomes second nature. You parry, you riposte. No hesitation. You do not wait to be told it is your turn. You recognize the moment and act.

That is the same muscle leaders need to build. Inclusion is not just about removing barriers. It is about building momentum. It is about helping others see what is possible and taking that first step toward it.

Riposte Is Responsibility

Every leader has moments when they are on the spot. When people are watching. When it is easier to stay quiet. But the riposte reminds us the point is not just to block what is wrong. It is to move toward what is right.

Leadership is full of these openings. Ripostes do not need to be loud or dramatic. But they need to be real. Grounded. Clear.

That is how you shift the conversation. That is how you earn trust. That is how you lead.

From the Strip to Leadership

At Allez, we teach fencers to see the riposte not as a reaction, but as a choice. A chance to reclaim the rhythm of the match.

Inclusive leadership is built on the same idea. You listen. You adapt. You respond. And when the time comes, you step forward. Not just to protect, but to progress.

The riposte is not about getting even. It is about moving forward with purpose.

And that, more than anything, is what leadership demands.

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