Arlan Hamilton, the inspiring founder of Backstage Capital, once said: “Women and minorities are not just underrepresented; they are also underestimated.”
What image comes to mind when you picture a film director? A scientist? An engineer? A CEO?
Throughout our history, the images of leaders across dozens of professional fields have mostly fit a very narrow category. As a result, women and minorities face the constant challenge of not being taken seriously.
I’m a film director by trade and I have experienced this problem firsthand. Hundreds of times.
In July 2017, I began making t-shirts emblazoned with the message “This Is What a Film Director Looks Like.” I find it incredibly empowering to wear a message linked to my greatest challenge and frustration… with the potential to change the minds of those who read it. And whenever I wear it, it’s always an amazing conversation starter.