Rachel Botsman

Have you ever had a conversation with a friend in which they tell you how awful their job is?

This happens to me a lot. When I suggest doing something different often the response is, “I can’t. I’m a doctor/communications director/about to become a lawyer,” fill in the blank…

I’ve noticed these conversations have two common themes:

1. We resist quitting, even when we know it’s the right time to do so because we fear giving up a part of our identity. What will I be if I leave this thing behind?
2. People mistake sticking with something as not deciding. Deciding to stay in something is still a decision.

The Latin root for quit is quietus which means “free,” or “to put to rest, be quiet.” I love the idea of quitting being a release from something.

What’s wrong with this photo?

Yes, it’s me and five very intelligent men talking about trust and democracy.

🔷 When people say it’s hard to find women to talk on panels, I say look much harder.

🔷 When people say women often turn down invitations because they think they’re not qualified, I say tell them why their voice is important.

🔷 When men say over-representation makes them uncomfortable - I believe you but insist on balance before you accept an invitation.

🔷 When men notice the absence of women in a room or a panel, say something!

I don’t like all-woman panels. It’s kind of an easy gender diversity checkbox. Conference organisers need to do the real work and find ways to bring new voices to the main table.

I’ve endured ‘manels’ (all male panels + me) for all too long. Restoring trust requires thinking and acting on who has the primacy of voice.