Representation & diversity matters, so does expertise.

When I heard about almost 35% of the people in the company being laid off, it didn’t surprise me. The only thing I could do was sympathize. This was a nature of their own doing.

Back in 2018, I had the fantastic opportunity to intern at a company whose environment resonated with me. The vibe, the nature, the people — everything seemed almost picture-perfect. But there was a peculiar detail that caught my attention right from the start: it appeared that the company predominantly hired women. As the only male intern, it did strike me as unusual, but I chose to focus on my tasks and soak up as much experience as possible.

With each passing week, I noticed that not just the rank-and-file, but key leadership positions like the CTO, VP, and many managerial roles were held by women. My initial thought? “That’s so empowering!” After all, in an era where we’re pushing for equal representation and breaking gender barriers, this felt like progress.

Amongst the leaders, there was Ellie, a seasoned professional on the same team as me, much older than me. Her expertise and aura were undeniable. I naturally gravitated towards her, seeing her as a mentor and role model. Every few weeks we paired together on work and I just couldn't help myself but look up to her in awe for her smartness and thinking.