The Scandal Cycle: Why We Can't Let Important Conversations Fade Away

Scandals—Hot Today, Gone Tomorrow?

Hey there, friends. I bet your Threads Feed, WhatsApp Groups, and text messages are as on fire as mine have been the past few days with the news about Kiwi Camara, the ex-CEO of CS Disco. If you've missed it (not sure how you did), he's facing some serious allegations of sexual assault, and there's a lawsuit looming.

And if you're like me, you're mad, disgusted, and maybe a little numb because, dammit all, this isn't a unique event. However, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Are we just going to fire off tweets and chats for a few days and then forget this ever happened?

The Scandal Cycle: Why It's a Dangerous Loop

You've probably noticed that scandals have a lifespan shorter than a goldfish's memory. We get all worked up; our keyboards are on fire, screenshots are flying, links to articles are zooming, and our thumbs are sore from scrolling. But then, in a week or so, the fervor dissipates.

Why does that happen? It's as if we collectively decide to hit "mute" on topics that make us uncomfortable. We cannot let our outrage be that fleeting.

The Metaphorical Business Closet: Where Unresolved Issues Reside

We all have that closet at home where we shove things we don't want to deal with, right? Well, businesses and industries have their metaphorical closets, too. We add another box to that closet whenever we let a scandal fade from our collective memory. And let's be honest, that closet is already bursting at the seams.

We're talking about boxes marked "Sexual Harassment," "Racism," "Sexism," and the list goes on. Whenever we let a scandal die without any meaningful action, we take one of those emotionally charged issues and stuff it into the closet, locking the door behind us.

The issue is that the closet has a breaking point. Think about it: even a physical closet will burst if you add stuff. And when it explodes, the contents spill out, creating even more chaos and damage than if we'd tackled them individually as they came. Each unresolved issue is like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. The more we ignore them, the more volatile they become.

The closet isn't just in businesses. It's in our schools, in our churches, and even in our homes. We're talking about systemic issues that don't just magically disappear because we've shut a door on them. What if, instead of stuffing that closet, we took the time to unpack each box, examine it, and figure out how to dispose of it properly?

Echoes of #MeToo: Have We Become Numb?

Speaking of urgent issues, let's revisit the #MeToo movement. We all remember where we were when that hashtag went viral; this past week, it started again in the legal industry. It was revolutionary, giving long-suppressed voices a platform. People came forward, bravely sharing their stories. Companies, for a short time, sat up and took notice. We made changes, temporary changes.

Fast forward to today. Are we so inundated with scandals that they've become white noise? If you're sighing and scrolling past yet another sexual assault headline--maybe you even wanted to delete this post--it's time to hit that mental reset button. We should never become so numb that we gloss over the immense pain and suffering that these stories represent.

Each story should be a call to arms, a jolt to our collective conscience, forcing us to confront these issues head-on. We owe it to the brave souls who sparked the #MeToo movement or other movements around racism or gender bias to keep that same energy and not let their struggles be in vain.

Taking It From Talk To Action: No More Excuses?

All right, friends, it's crunch time. We ain't having it. At least I'm not. We've talked about the talk, but now we've got to walk the walk. And I don't mean that performative, for-the-gram kind of action. The one I talk about all the time. The one, if you follow me, you hear about regularly. I mean instituting lasting changes that make workplaces safer and more equitable.

Look, the bare minimum isn't going to cut it anymore. Sure, it's easy to tweet or share a post, but what about the real-life changes that need to happen? We're talking about transparent reporting, rigorous anti-harassment policies, and training that doesn't just mean sitting in front of a 15-minute video to check a box at the end. Slapping a generic harassment policy on your company's handbook isn't a solution.

What I'm talking about genuinely educates. We need to overhaul the entire system—transparent reporting that protects the victim, not the perpetrator; meaningful consequences for offenders, no matter how high up they are in the company; training that changes behaviors instead of just ticking a compliance box. Leaders, it's time to step up. Don't think you're a leader. Step up, and I bet you can be. I will tell you how because I believe in you.

The Power of Your Voice: More Than Just Social Media Likes

Every retweet or share helps spread awareness, but it's not the end game. We must take our outrage from the digital world into the real one.

Conversation creates change, and it's about time we all started chatting. You might think, "I'm not a CEO; what can I do?" Well, you can do a lot! You have a platform, no matter how small, and your voice matters. Your conversations with friends and colleagues can change perspectives. Your recommendations at work can inspire new policies.

Don't underestimate the power of collective voices. The choir of diverse voices, united in a common cause, pushes society forward. It's not enough to share a tweet. Call out bad behavior when you see it, even if it's uncomfortable; I know I have. Even yesterday, I mentioned bad behavior that I called out years ago about a man in legal whom everyone continues to support, and the men in the group chat, who all knew of this individual and his bad behavior, had not a word to say back.

I didn't care. I'll keep talking about it because I'm an advocate and know what can happen when you stay silent. Advocate for changes at your workplace or in the industry. Vote with your dollars by supporting businesses that align with your values.

My Experience: The Courage To Walk Away

I want to share something personal here. I've been in those murky waters where the line between professional and inappropriate gets blurred. Some of you know what I have dealt with and other women in the industry.

Let me get real for a second. I've had to make hard choices, like walking away from an enticing project or money. Being in a situation where your dignity is on the line is not just uncomfortable; it's soul-crushing. It's a feeling of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. And no one should ever have to choose between their integrity and livelihood. And guess what? I did walk away. We shouldn't have to make choices like that one that compromises our integrity, even when the stakes are high.

There's an idea that you should just put up with it, especially if you're starting out or in a vulnerable position.

The Long Game: This Isn't a Sprint, Folks

Real change is a marathon, not a sprint. It's not about one scandal or person. We didn't get into this mess overnight and won't get out of it that quickly, either. Change is slow, it's grueling, and it isn't straightforward. But it's also necessary.

We need to commit to this fight for the long haul. That means not just reacting to the latest scandal but actively working every day to create inclusive and safe environments for everyone. Everyone—from the intern to the CEO—must be held accountable for their actions.

So, as we move forward, let's focus on what matters, even when the hashtags stop trending, because the stakes are way too high for us to give up now.

Keep the conversation going!

Keep pushing for change!

...and most importantly...

Keep believing that we can make a difference!

More Than Just Allies: Being Truth-Seekers and Change-Makers

I've heard the term "ally" thrown around often, but what does it mean? Allyship isn't a passive state; it's an action word. It's about more than posting a supportive comment; it's about creating an environment where such behaviors are unacceptable.

Periodttt.

We must be more than just allies; we must be truth-seekers and change-makers.

So, here we are, scrolling through our feeds, our hearts heavy with yet another story of harassment and injustice. But let's not let this one fade away, lost in the chatter of the next big thing. Real, lasting change can only happen if we keep these conversations going—loudly, persistently, and unapologetically.

Until we talk again, let's promise each other this: We won't just talk; we'll act. We won't let our outrage fade into quiet acceptance. And most importantly, we won't let essential conversations like this become yesterday's news. I know I won't.

Keep talking!

Keep questioning!

Keep pushing for that change!

And remember, the change starts with you and me. Let's do this. You ready? I'm here and ready to help, fight, and drive the change.