Today, I had a surprising phone call from an old colleague. Without going into details, he wanted to reach out and see if there’s any open Program Management position in my company.
My mom and dad taught us the value of LOVE and FORGIVENESS. They both showed us how to open our doors time and time again to anyone, without judgement, whether they TRULY believe in LOVE and worthy of TRUST. That being said, I did not hesitate and offered to review his resume.
After the phone call, I recalled the reason I have left my previous job. When I was in company A, I reported directly to this guy…he was my supervisor. He’s pleasant, he has good technical skills and very organized. The problem is when no one’s around. I remember him coming to my desk and CONSTANTLY telling me, “Look at those offices, there’s no women there for a reason.” I honestly did not understand why he discouraged me so much, when he himself have two wonderful daughters. You would think that he would pave the way for them ensuring that he shows women’s strength and capabilities? I’ve decided to prove him wrong, so I worked hard! I continue to exceed expectations and became the go-to-person in the Program Management team. But then I realized that if my direct supervisor doesn’t believe that I can excel, I would never grow. Still I’m determined to prove him wrong, so I worked even harder! Until one day when he said, “You could either be a good mom, or a good Program Manager, take a pick!” That’s when I searched for a different company.
I was really torn about this, so I’ve asked a mentor. She said, “MJ, I value the culture of our team way more than what a person’s experience and expertise could bring to the team. ” She explained to me the possibility that if we hire one person with experience but have no respect for women, then the women we have that strives for perfection would be discouraged and eventually leave our team. It was that simple to her. She was right!
Would I allow this person to do the same to others? No, no I won’t…😡 This is a lesson I have learned today ☺️ .
POWERFUL WOMEN 