You know how we are told, particularly women, to say yes to opportunities, and then work out the details later?

Well…..

I was contemplating this thought as I entered the gym this morning. Luckily, because it’s raining, I suspect, the gym was very quiet. The last time I went (over a week ago, on a public holiday), it was heaving. So. Many. People. There were people on every machine. Sometimes two people taking turns. 

When I was returning to work 4 months after the birth of our first son. It was hard. It was hard because my manager didn’t remember I was coming back. It was hard because my husband didn’t think he would need to pick up or drop off our son at childcare. It was hard because I wanted to crawl under my desk and just sleep from exhaustion.

This week (Monday 1 August to Sunday 7 August) is world breastfeeding week. This week makes me reflect each year on my journey breastfeeding my two boys. Of course, we all know that breast is best but it’s not an easy road and it’s not for everyone. It’s important to remember that fed is best. When you are in the fog of a young baby you can get pretty caught up on stuff that doesn’t matter too much in the long run.

I used to love international women’s day. I used to love the events that brought fabulous women together to celebrate their fabulousness. I loved listening to different speakers and hearing about their career journey. I loved the opportunity to get dressed up and attend lunches and morning and afternoon teas, and breakfasts and cocktail events.

I was going to start off by saying I’m annoyed today but actually, I’m pissed off. But not just today, it’s been building over the last week.

I started The Culture Ministry because over the past 20 years of my career (mainly in male dominated businesses) I have been frustrated by the lack of progress and change needed to improve diversity and inclusion in organisations.

Brooke Black, is the Director People, Culture and Talent at the Department of Premier and Cabinet (NSW, Australia) who not only lives and breathes flexible work (she job shares in a senior role) she was instrumental in building a flexible work culture over the past 6 years. How did she do it? And what are her lessons? Here you go…..

“Hi my name is Lisa and I am a cynic”

I admit I am probably more more cynical than my pre-pandemic state, and I realised that this is a strength when working in D&I, so I decided to own this feedback.

I found out that working in D&I is lonely and tough. Decisions take a long time to happen. Actions take a long time to implement. Progress is slow and wins don’t happen very often. There are so many things that need attention and there is never enough time in the day. Sound familiar?

Last Friday I had lunch with two other women friends, both in full time senior roles. We talked about whether we are working back in the office, or still at home. One friend noted that she doesn’t want to bring her whole self to work. My ears pricked up. When you work in diversity and inclusion, we are often talking about being comfortable and feeling safe to bring “your whole self” to work as a sign of an inclusive culture.