Silence protects the status quo.
Why this matters → (30 sec read)
Silence at work is rarely accidental.
It’s shaped by what people believe will happen if they speak.
“Silence protects the status quo.”
— Jesse Wilson
When people fear reprisals, embarrassment, or getting it wrong, staying quiet can feel like the safest option.
But as we learn from Jesse Wilson’s 1 minute video today - silence doesn’t stop harm, it allows existing patterns to continue, unchallenged and unchanged.
For leaders → (30-second read)
Speaking up doesn’t require grand gestures - it requires support.
“Speaking up — even in small ways — helps shift cultures.”
— Jesse Wilson
When leaders respond with curiosity rather than defensiveness, and consistency rather than dismissal, they send a clear signal: Naming impact is welcome, raising concerns is safe, silence isn’t the only option
Culture isn’t shaped by policies alone, it’s shaped by what happens in everyday moments and how people are supported when they do speak up.
Bringing it all together
Speaking up is often framed as an individual choice but it’s rarely an individual problem.
People pay close attention to what happens when others raise concerns. Who is believed? Who is protected? Who is quietly side-lined?
Over time, these observations form a map of what’s safe and what isn’t. When silence is rewarded, it spreads.
Shifting culture doesn’t start with asking people to be braver.
It starts with making it safer to be honest.
Reflection
What happens in your workplace when someone speaks up?
What signals are people receiving, intentionally or not, about whether silence or honesty is safer?
🔔 coming up on The Work Edit:
Tomorrow, we’ll reflect on how unspoken rules, intent and impact, uncertainty, and silence intersect — and why making the rules visible is essential for wellbeing and equity at work.
Want to feel more confident talking about Race and other topics at work?
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Thursday 7 May, 12-1:30 - Examining Beliefs - Foundations of EDI Thursday 14 May, 12-1:30 - Today's Sex & Equality Landscape
Thursday 21 May, 12-1:30 - Flags, Pronouns & Human Rights Thursday 28 May, 12-1:30 - Talkin' 'Bout my Generation
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coming up on Cultural Calendar Club
12 Months of live, inspiring, entertaining talks events, made financially accessible for all organisations
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International women’s day
Redefining macho
Monday 9 March 2026
12:00 13:00
Not yet a member of Cultural Calendar Club? Join today or Contact Us.
Rebecca created the “Redefining MACHO” framework to encourage better male allyship and foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace. This framework consists of five simple, actionable steps that everyone can implement today to enhance DE&I within their organisations and the broader business community.
M = Meaningful Mentor
A = Amplify Awareness
C = Capture Confidence
H = Harmony with Home
O = Orchestrate Opportunities
Rebecca will discuss how this framework can unlock numerous small actions that collectively support the development of diverse teams, actively champion equity, and ensure that inclusion is experienced by all. She has conducted several “Redefining MACHO” workshops and events, gathering valuable feedback and real-life examples that provide a clear roadmap for change.
She will also share her “Work Life Harmony Handbook” and “Confidence Boosting Alphabet” to help SMASH Imposter Syndrome.