When The Experience Lab moved into our new offices, contractors were everywhere. Angela Sanderson-Green, one of our directors was on site and in charge. Contractors walked past her to talk to Greg Jarema, our Creative Producer and 30 years her junior.
Every time Greg sent them away: “She’s in charge here. She’s the one you need to speak to.”
This sits at the heart of a new national campaign from CEOs for Gender Equity. They portray everyday remarks: unpacking the dishwasher is “women’s work” and a dad doing the childcare run is told his “wife must wear the pants”.
CEOs for Gender Equity asked us to partner with them on a new campaign. Our actors spend their week in training rooms across the country, portraying the behaviours organisations are seeking to improve.
Dr Ashley McGrath, Chief Executive Officer of CEOs for Gender Equity, said the choice to use our team was deliberate.
“We chose to work with The Experience Lab because their actors bring more than performance skills - they understand the workplace behaviours, biases and stereotypes we’re trying to challenge. Their experience in workplace training brings authenticity to the ads, and I love that these men aren’t just delivering a message on screen, they’re actively choosing to be part of the solution. That’s exactly the kind of leadership and allyship we need to shift outdated gender norms.”Dr Ashley McGrathChief Executive Officer, CEOs for Gender Equity
Nigel Luck, our Head of Design and Development, kept his reason simple: “I’m always delighted to support CEOs for Gender Equity and to advocate looking after people and providing opportunities for everyone.”
The timing matters. Too many men stay silent when a mate makes a sexist comment. Each time it slides, the behaviour continues to escalate.
Speaking up is an Upstander action. It takes one sentence, to make a difference.
I’m proud to work alongside men who have practised that behaviour for years, on stage and off.
Greg had his ready when the contractors came calling.
“She’s in charge here.”
