Page 32 of The Life Experiment

‘Layla, when I look at your record and read your sign-in times, do you know what I see?’ Michelle asked. ‘I see that instead of changing for the better, things have got worse. The world has endured a global pandemic yet we’re still expecting the impossible.’

As Michelle’s phone beeped with a notification and interrupted the conversation, Michelle rolled her eyes.

‘And don’t get me started on those things.’ She sighed. ‘People know you have a phone, therefore think you can be contacted at all hours. The nine-to-five no longer exists, yet we pay people as if it does, all the while expecting a twenty-four-seven workload.’

Too shocked to speak, Layla could only let out a small laugh in response.

‘I believe that in order to make change, you have to be the change,’ Michelle continued.

‘So now I’m here in the office I once dreamed of, I’m going to be the person I wish I’d worked for.

Someone who says “go home” instead of offering a pillow for another night on the floor. That’s where you come in.’

Layla blinked. ‘Me?’

‘Yes, you. I don’t want to sit back and watch young, talented people like yourself jump through the same hoops I did.

I didn’t rise to this rank to watch women have to give up jobs they love because they have children or be overlooked for promotions because they might go on maternity leave.

I don’t want to turn a blind eye to the racism, sexism and classism that has grown wild in our sector.

Do you know, when I examine the biggest contributions to cases in the last year, it’s the same few names mentioned each time.

But then when I look at promotions and pay rises, those names are nowhere to be found. ’

Layla held Michelle’s gaze. ‘Do you want me to say I’m surprised by that?’

‘No,’ Michelle replied, then she leaned closer. ‘But I want you to say you’ll help me lead a team to change it.’

Layla felt her jaw slacken. ‘You want my help?’

‘Why shouldn’t it be you? You’re talented, intelligent and well-respected.

You’ve also been pushed to a point where you’re ready to walk away.

I know that can’t have been an overnight decision, but it’s a useful one.

Mayweather & Halliwell can’t lose you, and it can’t lose all the people like you who are going to be the future of this industry. ’

For the second time since Michelle asked to speak with her, Layla found herself in a daze, this time for entirely different reasons.

‘You’ve worked hard for this place, Layla.

It’s about time you got recognition for that.

I want us to revolutionise the way we work.

I want days off to be taken, not lost. I want people to log off before midnight.

I want recruits to be supported, not lost to burnout.

I want to make this company better, and I want you to help me do it. ’

‘But Michelle, I’m exactly what you want to change,’ Layla replied. ‘Check my timesheet – I never left on time. I lost more annual leave than anyone.’

‘Which is why you’re the perfect person to lead the charge in showing us how we can be better. Something’s changed in you over the last few weeks.’

‘I guess you could say I’ve seen the importance of having a life outside the office.’

‘Good. Great!’ Michelle said, throwing her arms in the air in celebration. ‘Now let’s make it so everyone else sees that too.’

As Layla’s short timeline flashed before her, panic flickered across her face. Seeing it, Michelle leaned forward.

‘Layla, every night I go home to an incredible house, but I’m greeted by a husband who is surprised if I’m back before he’s in bed.

My children can access every activity they want thanks to what I earn, but they have little to no access to me.

I can schedule a meeting with the biggest businesses in the country at the click of my fingers, but find time for a doctor’s appointment?

A haircut? Never. Life shouldn’t be like this, and I shouldn’t be making it this way for those working under me.

Things need to change, and I’m going to drive that.

Hopefully with your help. Be the person I wish I’d had the courage to be when I was your age.

Someone with their whole life ahead of them, bending it to their will, not the other way around. ’

The sad irony of Michelle’s speech wasn’t lost on Layla. Her whole life ahead of her was a dream Layla had been forced to let go of. But still, Michelle’s words set off a firework inside Layla that said even if it wasn’t a lifetime, the next two years could be better than any that had come before.

‘What would you change if you could?’ Michelle asked, her eyes sparkling. ‘Who would you ask to work on the project? What ideas would you pitch? Tell me.’

Being brave didn’t come easily to Layla these days – all her bravery was spent on putting one foot in front of the other. But in that moment, she dared herself to find her voice.

‘It starts with listening to staff. All staff, not a select few. There’s no point in a detached leadership making changes they think people want. We need to hear what people actually want. Build a team that is reflective of the entire staff, not just the children of those in charge.’

‘Who would you include in that team?’

‘People like Rashida Allamad,’ Layla replied. ‘Not only is she a hard worker, but she’s also a parent. Every decision made directly impacts her family. We can’t do a project like this without the input of people like her.’

‘Hmm,’ Michelle said, tilting her head. ‘Is Rashida a little quiet for a changemaker?’

‘Is she quiet, or has she been silenced? Don’t mistake keeping your head down for not having ideas.

’ Part of Layla baulked at the audacity of challenging Michelle in this way, but when she remembered her talks with Rashida about all the things they wished they could change, she silenced her inner critic.

The colleagues she spent her days with weren’t her competition, Layla realised. Not if she didn’t want them to be. And if doors were being opened for Layla, she was damned sure she wasn’t going to close them on someone else.

Michelle studied Layla before her mouth curled into a smile. ‘Well done. You passed my little test. So, what do you say? Fancy helping me take on workplace culture and winning?’

Layla didn’t have to think twice. ‘I’m in.’