It’s not just about politics—it’s about the way we’ve trained ourselves, almost unconsciously, to assume we already know the full story. We see a headline, a clip, a social post, and instantly craft a narrative that affirms our side. What gets lost is empathy, curiosity, understanding, and the hard but necessary work of understanding.
This same snap mindset shows up on the employment line. When we encounter people from groups that Mission 2 Ascend champions—the disabled, the veteran, the previously incarcerated—we too often default to assumption. We decide, in a glance, what they can or cannot do, how they (don’t) fit, or how you’d go about training them. Like in the broader culture, there’s a lot of judgment and not enough listening.
But here’s the truth: every disabled worker carries a story of resilience most of us can barely imagine. Every veteran has trained under pressure and knows the meaning of commitment and teamwork. Every individual who has served time and now seeks a second chance has already endured the weight of society’s judgment and chosen to rebuild anyway. These are not liabilities; they are assets. But only if we pause long enough to look beyond the snap judgment and actually hear the person in front of us.
As a society, we’re at our best when we resist the temptation of the instant conclusion. Whether in the wake of tragedy or in the interview room, we need to create space for listening, for empathy, for understanding. Because when we slow down, we don’t just reduce the shouting—we start to see the humanity that was there all along.
That’s the mission. That’s how we ASCEND.
Josh Nowack is a dad, a fair chance employer, and someone who believes deeply in second chances—because he’s lived one. He’s the co-founder of Breaking Free Industries, a custom apparel company in Orange County, California that hires those who’ve been told “no” too many times. He’s just trying to pay it forward—with purpose, not perfection.
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