Who gets interrupted? Who gets credited? Who feels safe disagreeing? Who gets feedback, and how?
There isn’t one story of “women in leadership”. Experience is shaped by race, class, disability, gender identity, personality, and background. Even within a small team, perspectives differ.
We don’t think leadership is something you announce. It’s something people experience. At Alive, leadership isn’t about hierarchy so much as responsibility. People lead their projects. They lead their thinking. They’re trusted to speak up.
That doesn’t mean we always get it right.
There have been moments where we’ve realised – afterwards – that someone didn’t feel heard. Or that an assumption slipped through unchecked. When that happens, the response matters more than defensiveness.
Accountability is not a press release. It’s a conversation.
We’re opening up space for that conversation.
If you have a question about navigating creative industries (whether that’s stepping into leadership, challenging something that doesn’t sit right, or figuring out how to advocate for yourself), email us at hello@alivewithideas.com. We would love to offer a helping hand or just some insight.
We don’t have all the answers. But we can share what’s helped, what hasn’t, and what we’re still working on.
A note from Alan, (co-founder and director)
“Leadership is often shaped in small, everyday moments. Who we listen to. Who feels able to speak up. It’s about how we respond when challenged or when we do the challenging. It’s a behaviour.
We won’t always get it right. I’m not sure anyone can. But if we keep noticing, keep listening and keep adjusting, we can keep moving closer to something that feels fair for everyone.
I’m incredibly grateful to the Alive team for the thought, care and openness they’ve brought to this series of blogs. Their willingness to share matters. I’ve learned so much from the team (past and present) and they continue to shape how I see the world.”
As we close this three-part series, it feels important to say: this isn’t a campaign. It’s an ongoing practice of paying attention.
We’re not aiming to overhaul an industry. We’re trying to operate thoughtfully within it. If you want to talk about portfolios, leadership, tricky situations, or next steps, our inbox is always open.
