I Am Worried.

We end a week following the most turbulent presidential election of my life time. I am still coming to terms with what lies ahead. I felt it important to articulate my thoughts.

As a female CEO in the life sciences community, I have long believed that we were gaining momentum in building an industry that was welcoming to diversity of sex, race, creed and sexual preference. How many committees have I contributed to make diversity mean something to our industry! We all share stories of small successes to bring others forward in their careers. On Tuesday morning I felt we were standing at the door-step of a new world order where indeed women were not second but perhaps equals, although one might question whether equal is actually “twice as good” to just be there.  

Within about 3 hours - on Election night evening my hope was crushed in the agony of defeat. And why was it so crushing?

Over the last year I have watched a man demonstrate by action and words, his essential belief that women were subservient to his needs and desires. Rationale for his language and behavior have made millions of individuals overlook his actions – and this man now holds the future of our country in his hands. I am so very frightened for those of us how don’t fit his scheme.   

Incredibly, we might get through this. My fears - the “locker room” talk will be taken in jest by many and open a new manner of action where others view it as acceptable to once again assume supremacy in the board room, at the executive table or yes in the locker room.  Many say no – we can’t let this happen.

And so I was struck by the occurrence ongoing during the final days of the election – the Harvard University men’s soccer teams “scouting reports” of their female team counterparts – yes we learned teams – not just the 2012 team initially described as an isolated incident. In fact, we learned that these privileged young men took it upon themselves to enjoy this routine yearly. When President Faust learned of these actions she canceled their season.  And importantly, I have learned that such traditions don’t only occur at Harvard – but at other institutions of higher learning across our country

The irony seems quite apparent to me – their punishment, cancellation of their remaining season. Yet when they graduate from their institution, no evidence of their behavior will carry with them. And yes, these young Harvard men, and scores of men like them, will soon fill our board rooms and executive suites of our companies across this great country and across the world. 

So one must ask, have we really been kidding ourselves that diversity and inclusion really matters to these men and others across our country in leadership roles – who now have a president who carries their banner – “It was just locker room talk” all the way to the White House?

And so I am worried – for my colleagues, for our daughters and for all who don’t fit their mode of action.