Are you stepping forward, or holding back?

I had the opportunity to speak last night at an impact event for a charity that's close to my heart.

One that wholeheartedly supports women and girls. 

I was privileged in being asked to attend.

Listening to the powerful stories of those who have been positively impacted by the charity’s support, moved everyone who was there.

It was humbling, deeply eye opening and a real kick to remember that despite everything I think is a challenge in my life, I have incredible privilege.

I don’t have to choose between heat or food.

I don’t have to fight to see my kids because of toxic family dynamics.

I don’t have to prove my worth endlessly just to qualify and scrape by in a minimum wage job.

And then figure out how I afford childcare. 

I don’t have to worry about a roof over my head or face the terror of sleeping in a tent every single night, because I have no other option. 

But I listened to stories of women last night who do.

I’ve read a stat that the fastest growing demographic group impacted by homelessness currently are women over 50. 

Women who are vulnerable to the impact of divorce, lower earning power due to childcare responsibilities, mental health challenges, menopause.

Women who should be able to thrive in their prime. With so much life experience, wisdom and knowledge.

It's 2024. 

How. Can. This. Be?

It made me angry. About myself and my ignorance, and the situation so many have no choice but to face. 

About the imbalance of board tables, the brokenness of our systems and the huge wealth and privilege gap that exists in our world.

I know the world is very dark right now. But we’ve started to normalise this.

It’s not normal. And never should be. 

And there’s nothing like meeting it head on to get your head back on straight and feel very sobered into remembering how much I do have.

When do we truly decide to step forward and do something different to effect the change we so desperately need to see in this world? 

Where are all the change-makers? 

How many of us as leaders, business owners,entrepreneurs or senior professionals focus on the bottom line most of the time, rather than the reality of helping the human condition?

Many of us do. 

So many still don’t.

As a leader and a business owner, I have a voice. 

But there are thousands of people who are voiceless.

I want to use my voice better to support those who are voiceless.

They need all our support. 

If I can play a small part in helping shrink the gap of  knowledge of the lived experience between poverty and prosperity in the work I do, then I have a duty to do so. 

I’m not sure where to start, or what to do. I just know I can do more.

Because I do have a choice. And I can step forward and do more. 

I hope you join me in choosing to do the same.

With love

Tamsyn x