A SUBTLE RED FLAG!

Unfortunately, at some point in your working life, you’ll probably encounter (or perhaps have already encountered) people who treat you poorly simply because of who they believe themselves to be—propped up by their job title, career status or social position.

Far too many expect you to dance to their tune, bend your schedule around theirs, and sacrifice your priorities to accommodate their lifestyle, timeline, or ego. If you don’t? They’ll likely drop you without a second thought—offering hollow promises of “catching up soon,” which, let’s be honest, rarely happen. Even if they do resurface, it often leaves a bitter taste. You can’t shake the sense that their renewed interest has less to do with valuing you and more to do with their pool of options at the time of them reaching out.

I’ve never quite understood those who act as though their time and commitments are sacred while expecting others to be endlessly flexible. For some of us—those not considered “high status” or particularly influential in our field—it’s disheartening to see how easily we’re dismissed, as if our worth only exists when the so-called elites find a use for us.

The real challenge is staying composed, exercising restraint, and keeping your composure. There’s no need for drama—you don’t want to burn a bridge that might still serve a purpose someday, trust me! It’s tempting to give someone like that a verbal dressing down, but the smarter move is to thank them politely for their time and move on. They’ve actually done you a favour by revealing their true colours. Now you hold the power to decide if, or how, you’ll ever engage with them again.

In recent years, we’ve watched countless high-profile figures across industries exposed for their appalling treatment of junior staff, young people, and anyone deemed “beneath” them. Eventually, masks are unveiled and karma is delivered. Always act with good intentions, so you protect your dignity and self-worth in situations where someone may try to manipulate their connection to you for personal gain. Also, remember that you can choose to say "no" and/or walk away from anything or anyone that causes you to feel self-doubt.

Do not be disheartened by those who mistreat you - see the positives and stay on your path.

Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk, founder of @theindustrytea_

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

MEN ARE NOT COMPLICATED.

Hold your horses! “Let me land!” as da yout dem seh! Ha-ha…

Okay, so I’m speaking directly to those who date men romantically - mostly straight women, being that’s me too - and I’m sharing this after an encounter that reminded me of a thought I’ve been pondering: men are not complicated. Or… are they?

From what I’ve observed, many men seem to choose and stay in relationships based more on emotional ease and timing than on validation, ego, or status. They often gravitate toward dynamics that feel safe, low-pressure, and comfortable for who they are at that particular stage in life. Of course, this might look different for different personalities - some may lean toward avoidant attachment styles, while others might approach connection differently.

Some women I’ve seen (and perhaps some of us have done this ourselves) adopt a kind of performative helplessness or submissiveness in relationships, often in the hope of drawing a partner back. In my experience, this rarely creates lasting fulfillment, because relationships built on performance alone rarely last. Men, like anyone, stay in relationships by choice - they respond to authenticity, not just need.

For women who don’t naturally adopt performative dependence, even while embracing their femininity, the experience can feel different. These women may deeply want romance and long-term commitment, but “playing princess” doesn’t come naturally, and that can leave them in a state of uncertainty or waiting longer for the kind of partnership that truly fits them.

So, the question arises: can a relationship last when one or both partners are performing, compromising, or concealing parts of themselves? Or is lasting connection only possible when both show up authentically?

We all have standards, boundaries, and non-negotiables. None are right or wrong - they’re just different from person to person.

From what I’ve seen, many men who are wrestling with internal conflict - torn between who they are and who they want to be - tend to feel more comfortable with partners who don’t push them far outside their comfort zones. Even when a woman is willing to encourage, support, and challenge them in meaningful ways - whether spiritually, emotionally, or practically - they sometimes choose the “easier” option. This isn’t about lack of love; it’s often about safety, timing, and how ready someone is to be vulnerable. Many men quietly long to be truly seen and supported, without feeling diminished or judged.

Here’s the twist: communication can change everything. When men are given space, time, and attentive listening, they often open up. No interruptions, judgment, or passive nodding - just genuine curiosity and presence. The right kind of dialogue can create the safety and trust necessary for both partners to grow together.

I want to be clear - I’m not saying men or women are “the problem.” Relationships are complicated, yes, but often it’s less about being inherently complicated and more about a lack of open, authentic conversation. Love alone doesn’t always guarantee loyalty or lasting connection; emotional understanding and alignment are key.

Not all men fit these patterns. Many do the work to grow, heal, and cultivate self-awareness. But for those still figuring it out, relationships can feel like a constant push-and-pull between comfort and growth.

What do you think? Have you observed something similar, or completely different? DM me via Instagram! I’d love to hear your perspective.

Image generated using ChatGPT and a personal photo.

Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk, founder of @theindustrytea_

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

LIVING WITHOUT THE MASK

Can you relate?

Many of us have believed, or still believe, that feeling deeply is a sign of weakness - that acknowledging our truth somehow means we’re failing. In reality, sitting with your emotions is a form of release - free from guilt or the fear that they’ll trip you up later.

In the same way you do not need to parade your private life/personal business all over social media, you don’t have to announce your feelings to the world unless it’s truly necessary. You don’t have to talk them through with others, either, unless you’re struggling to make sense of them or want to offload. But you also don’t need to deny yourself the truth—living authentically matters. Freedom lives on the other side of honesty - I learned that the hard way.

In my twenties, like many girls in that age-group, I wore a mask every time I was faced with difficult or conflicting emotions. I’d be hurt but act unbothered. I’d feel sad but project happiness. I’d feel let down and pretend I didn’t care. The internal tug of war was intense and exhausting. The emotional and mental energy it took to maintain that façade wore me down. I was losing myself, losing people I cared about, and ultimately walking straight into the failure I was trying to avoid. Although not easy, I set about making significant changes once I entered my 30s. I had to if I wanted better for myself and for those who were still rocking with me. I'm now age 45 (at the time this article was written) and finally understand the meaning of the saying, "the truth will set you free".

I lead with authenticity, no matter what! I do so responsibly and respectfully, but always with complete honesty about where I am emotionally, even if it risks the end of a relationship or connection. I’d rather face a loss rooted in truth than have something or someone stay in my life because I was pretending. Accepting who you are at every stage of life is what makes true growth and healing possible.

It isn’t easy - being real with yourself about who you are and how you feel in every moment can be incredibly difficult, especially in the midst of conflict or challenges with others. But there is no greater reward than freeing yourself from the chains of living a lie!

Over the coming days and weeks, give yourself a reality check. What or whom are you falsely connected to and why? Did it begin with feeling pressure? Was it about a selfish gain? Fear maybe? How is wearing the mask working out for you? Equally, who or what did you let go without first exploring and working through the issues that were negatively impacting you? Get real with yourself and with them. The life you genuinely want will begin once you start walking in your truth. 

Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk, founder of @theindustrytea_