Ok, I’ll admit, I was thrilled to see my LinkedIn follower count click over 15k a few weeks ago. How should I celebrate? Should I do a (balloon-free) congratulatory post? A competition? A reflection of my 15 years on LinkedIn?! Bleurgh….
It didn’t feel right. The news from the US and closer to home is a continual reminder that no matter how big your following might be, it is still a bubble. History is messy right now, and no amount of self-congratulation is going to change that.
I’ve been talking about critical mass, being a follower and the Domino Effect in the Podcast, and I would love to think 15k followers constitute a critical mass, BUT… there is always a but isn’t there?
As I explore in this week’s Podcast episode – Speak Up Woman! – there is still a very long way to go before we can be sure the balance is tipped: equality for women in the space, equality for those most impacted by climate change or pollution, equality for nature, it’s all a long way off.
‘Familiarity leads to complacency.’
Being comfortable in our bubble means we are even more shocked when we encounter others who don’t want the same.
‘Complacency is the enemy of success.’
Staying in our comfort zone, avoiding confrontation, and patting ourselves on the back will not change a thing. Nice as it might feel.
Hard yards are exactly that, and they need doing now, more than ever.
So, to ‘celebrate,’ I’m launching Carbon Literacy training in my village—something I’ve been putting off for three years, worried about local reactions. Despite knowing many people, most don’t actually know what I do—that’s the honest truth. I’ll be putting my head above the parapet, and while I don’t know how it will go, I’m ready to give it my best.
Funny way to celebrate? Well, yes, but celebrating mediocracy isn’t rewarding anymore either – celebrating a win, a tiny but significant shift, a change that can be felt in an area that isn’t yet moving, that’s what I want to celebrate.
In return, can I ask a favour? Keep the support coming. I get a lot from your support on LinkedIn, and I thank every single one of you for following, sharing and reposting my posts.
If you haven’t yet hopped over… do take a listen to the Straight Talking Sustainability podcast. I’d love your input & feedback – it’s a learning project and a way for me to cut through the noise and share the best way for you to do the same. But it does get lonely!
See you on the ice*
– Emma Burlow
*My Gran used to say this, and now my mum and I say it. We have no idea why! Any clues?