The True Cost of Recognition: Integrity Over Profit

In today’s professional landscape, where visibility can often translate to success, it's imperative to question the integrity behind the awards and recognitions we chase or endorse. The allure of adding a prestigious title to one’s profile is undeniable, but at what cost? And more importantly, to what end?

An increasing number of organizations are offering awards that require payment for participation or even for winning. These pay-to-play schemes dilute the very purpose of accolades, which should be to recognize genuine achievement and foster real growth.

When we initiated the "Shepreneur Awards" initiative in 2018 - 2019, our aim was to create a merit-based recognition system that genuinely supported women entrepreneurs without any financial barriers. However, as the concept of awards increasingly lost its significance due to widespread commercialization, we made a conscious decision to discontinue calling our recognitions "awards." This shift was to ensure that our efforts remained focused on empowerment and genuine merit, distancing ourselves from the diluted impact that the term "awards" had begun to signify.

Here are key questions every professional should consider before participating in any award:

• Legacy and Authority: What is the historical significance and credibility of the organization offering the award? An award is only as prestigious as the authority of the body granting it.
• Transparency and Criteria: Are the selection criteria clear and accessible? Transparency in how recipients are chosen is fundamental to the award's legitimacy.
• Purpose and Impact: Does the award genuinely seek to empower participants, or is it primarily profit-driven? Recognitions should aim to uplift and support the community, not exploit it.
• Licensing and authority: This is the most important question, is the company or organization licensed by the government to actually give awards or recognitions to you within that specific category and have they taken the relevant permits from the government to do so.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: Is there a financial barrier to entry? True recognition should be accessible to all, regardless of their ability to pay.

I urge my peers and other industry leaders to promote and participate only in platforms that uphold these values. By doing so, we foster an environment where real achievements are celebrated and where recognition is a tool for true growth and empowerment, not a commodity to be bought.

Let us be the change-makers who insist on integrity and authenticity in every accolade we give or receive. It's time to hold these awarding bodies accountable and ensure they contribute positively to the professional community, particularly when they aim to support vulnerable groups like women entrepreneurs.

Together, we can redefine professional success to reflect our highest values, not our deepest pockets.