Follow the Leader (But Not Too Closely)

I chose "Pop Muzik" by M (Robin Scott) to set the tone for this post because of its ability to worm its way into playlist as a new wave, disco punk song with an uplifting effect on the listener. It is a musical celebration of a particular expression and invites the listeners to take part in this celebration.  The songs that I love the most are the ones that bring together multiple elements that seemingly do not agree. I take a similar approach to my own professional wardrobe. There is no need for me to blend into the pack of gray, navy, and black suit wearing professionals. Not when my style exists as the perfect opportunity for expressing myself within a workplace. My thesis is that for too long "professional" has been synonymous with "muted". This comes from the idea that to be taken seriously, professionals must blend in so they can become another cog in the corporate machine. Ironically, this is a surprisingly gender-neutral stance to be taken by...

 As an early-career LGBTQ professional navigating the world of business academia, I've experienced firsthand the unique challenges we face when it comes to mentorship. While many mentorship programs are often touted as pathways to career advancement and self-empowerment, I've encountered the frustrating reality: a lack of inclusive support systems and a surprising amount of resistance to the idea of mentoring, both from potential mentors and mentees. These are generic issues with mentoring programs before we even begin to touch on the struggles faced by LGBTQ persons of business. This observed disconnect stems from a complex mix of factors, including unconscious biases, an all around lack of awareness about the specific needs of LGBTQ professionals, and a deep-rooted fear of vulnerability. I've decided to attempt to delve into these challenges, drawing on my own experiences as both a mentee and a coordinator for an executive mentor program at my institution, to explore how ...