Representation Matters. In my ‘live like a local’ era, I found myself at a concert this weekend. My 8-year-old neighbor was performing so I invited myself. I was immediately proud of these young women. This was not a group performance. Rather, each girl stood in front of a mic, clearly stating her name and what she was going to sing, and then performed a solo.
When I was young, I don’t think I would have had the courage to sing a solo to a group of strangers (heck, I don’t have that level of bravery now without some liquid courage). As a child, I remember being self-conscious and awkward, hyper-aware of judgement and not wanting to draw attention to myself.
The key may have been the teacher: young, cool, relatable and supportive. The performers each chose a song that they wanted to perform – most from popular artists, majority female. I wondered if there were as many successful female singers in my youth that I followed. I don’t think so. Representation matters.
This summer’s Olympics were hailed for their gender parity, the success of female athletes, and the diversity of the competitors. I saw examples of women hyping women, and young girls seeing opportunity in athletics because they could see competitors that looked like them: race, body type, overcoming adversity. Seeing what you can be allows you to dream and to know what is possible. Representation matters.
In my work with female leaders, I make a point of reminding them that whether they want to be or not, they are role models for their employees. If employees see women in the C-Suite and board rooms, leading companies, work streams, projects and teams, then they know that women can be successful in their company and the workforce. If working mothers show what is possible and how to be productive and take on leadership roles, then fellow employees see that they can too – if they choose to. Organizations devoid of female leadership send a clear message that women may not be successful as they ascend the proverbial ladder at this company. Representation matters.
So, to Franki and her fellow songbirds – continue to stand proudly in front of that microphone. Make choices that speak to you and that you feel most comfortable with. Show up confidently and be proud (even if you have butterflies inside). Find role models and mentors that see in you what you may not see in yourself. Sing like no one is watching but know that many other girls are. You are a role model. Representation matters.
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