How others see us

I met up with a friend recently. She didn't climb the obvious, money-making ladder in her profession and chose instead to become a public servant. We talked about her feelings of inadequacy compared with colleagues who've risen to great heights in the corporate world. Astonishing really.

She changes people's lives for the better every single day. I told her how proud I am of her. But I can't help feeling sad about how often the most high-achieving and brilliant people don't see their true worth.

Why is there so often a disconnect between humility and talent?

A year ago, when Russia invaded Ukraine, I wrote about how human beings seem condemned to make the same mistakes. A year into this dreadful war and I'm still thinking about the past. I was eleven when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. My school friends and I thought a nuclear war was imminent. The world rolled back from that precipice. The Cold War came to an end. New wars tainted our history. And yet, here we are again with a war that is so reminiscent of other wars.

Please let us learn not to make the same mistakes.

Interesting and useful links 🖇️

ILGA Europe work for LGBTI rights across Europe and Central Asia. Their latest review finds that 2022 was the most violent year for LGBTI people across the region in the past decade. You can download it here.

Hospice UK has just published this report into end of life care for trans and gender diverse people.

Sustrans has recently teamed up with Transport for All to ensure disabled people's experiences are at the heart of transport policy. More info here.

What am I reading? 📚

Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen should be required reading for everyone. It shows what happens when a drive for profit, a lack of scrutiny and an absence of care collide.

What am I listening to?👂

Massive love for my friend, Jasvir. Have a listen to his story here.

Joy-giving things 😍

I thought evenings in the park with Flaco was a nice, wholesome story to share some joy. Of course it's turned into a big argument on the internet about the pros and cons of rewilding, keeping creatures in captivity and who's got the longest camera lens. (I made the last bit up)

So here's a picture of a Eurasian Eagle owl, anyway. (Not Flaco, I don't think)

Have a great weekend

Lucy

I write this newsletter because I believe in sharing progressive ideas that help us work towards a truly equal world.

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ChangeOut is created by Lucy Caldicott. You can find more about my work at ChangeOut.org. If you’re looking to have a chat about culture, leadership, purpose, equity, or a facilitated team discussion about any of those things, get in touch. You can also find me on Bluesky, Instagram, and, LinkedIn.

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