Weeknotes: A pre 2021 test
By: Farrah Nazir
Tags: Diversity And Inclusion, Narrative, Weeknotes

My spirit animal — Print by Le Gun

I set myself a goal for 2020 — publish six articles to improve my writing skills, and get better at sharing what I’m working on. I chose six, because I thought I wouldn’t manage more than one every two months.

I’m sad to say, I didn’t quite manage that. To be fair, I didn’t think we’d be living through a pandemic this year, so I’m trying to be kind to myself. But by setting a goal of six, I’ve also unintentionally made it harder for myself. Each article became added pressure….

What topic should I write about? Which should I choose over others? Was I ready to write about that topic? Had I got the balance right with topics? What was the core message I wanted to leave readers with? Does it read well? Is it a good enough piece of writing to include within my six?

You can see where my head goes.

For 2021, I’m thinking of changing tact, and instead publish #weeknotes.

To #Weeknote:

As defined by the web of Weeknotes, weeknotes are blog posts about our working week. Jennie Vass’ article does a good job of explaining what weeknotes are and why people write them. For me, I hope it will help me get better at writing, without all the pressure of writing a perfect piece, whilst also being more transparent with what I’m working on.

So, pre-2021, I’m writing a #weeknote as a test run, whilst also meeting my target of six by publishing this before the end of the year 😊.

What’s happened this week?

Lots. Happened. This. Week.

Along with Shomari Lewis Wilson and Salma Begum, I chaired a meeting that brought together people of colour driving change from across different sectors and industries to further explore a proposition we have been co-designing over the last two months for a new network.

We proposed five options for the direction the network could take, three of which proposed specific, but different outcomes. The fourth — a combination but staggered approach to the first three options, and the fifth — To stop now.

I’m relieved to say that the group are keen to continue, and we’ve got a plan for the new year. More on that in 2021!

Other big things — we heard more about Wellcome’s strategy and how we are designing our organisation so we are better placed to deliver it. Imran (Head of Public Engagement) announced he was leaving to live an exciting life in the US 😭 and Lara Clements announced she was taking over 😁.

I took part in a retrospective (lots of those happening right now) to capture lessons learnt on a new funding initiative we scoped up this year, facilitated by my wonderful colleague Mandy Costello. Only the most inspiring Delivery Manager I’ve ever met. I learn so much from her.

But also, DELIVERY MANAGERS. How could we possibly survive in the workplace without them?

What have I been thinking about?

Two big things have been on my mind this week.

The first — an immense feeling of sadness and happiness for Imran Khan, who is leaving the UK to live a dreamy life with his new wife. I’ve worked with that man for the best part of 7 years, and I’ve learnt so much. I’ve had the privilege of having a person like me in a more senior position to aspire to. As a person of colour, I know I’m rare (and incredibly lucky) to be able to say that.

So, I’m sad, yet happy, because his wife is amazing and San Francisco sounds amazing, and he is so happy! I will miss him dearly.

The second — I’ve been thinking a lot about how we frame challenges, particularly when it comes to increasing diversity and including perspectives that are critical to decision-making. I’ve been reflecting on how the framing can lead us down paths that unintentionally reinforce the very thing we are trying to remove. It’s a mistake we can all easily make, myself included.

What’s on the horizon next week

Linked to the above point on narratives, I’m looking forward to attending a meeting with Phoebe Tickell, Alice Sachrajda and others to explore the exam question: What if we came together to better support each other and build the connective soil between narrative practitioners?

I’m also supporting colleagues in the Education and learning team who are commissioning a coordinating organisation to create a model showing how young people connect with mental health science in low- and middle-income countries across Africa & Asia.

Next week is my last week as Wellcome’s staff forum chair. I have various hand over meetings with senior leaders, the forum members, and a special final one with Dan Caleb, the Vice Chair.

And with that, I complete my sixth article this year. Feedback welcomed!