The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines allyship as:
“the state of being an ally (= a person who helps and supports somebody) to a particular group of people that you yourself do not belong to, in order to help ensure their basic rights and ability to be happy and successful in society”
This book exposes the problems that arise from a patriarchal or narrow-minded work culture. It tells the story of professionals in multiple industries where they are confronted by male dominance or discrimination. We see how characters become allies for each other to support personal and professional development.
Allyship Actually follows Lucy – a spirited newcomer to the tech industry – and David – a seasoned professional – as their paths and those of other characters cross in unexpected ways, against a bustling London backdrop.
The characters’ careers develop amid toxic cultures. Based on real-life events, the narrative gives a vivid depiction of Lucy and David’s frustration with outdated work cultures, and their efforts to support colleagues suffering inequity or harassment.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: The central characters
Chapter 2: The start of IT
Chapter 3: The first job
Chapter 4: The job description
Chapter 5: The interviews
Chapter 6: The other side of the table
Chapter 7: The bird in IT
Chapter 8: The job offer/rejection
Chapter 9: The first day
Chapter 10: In da club
Chapter 11: Horrible bosses
Chapter 12: Tales of real-world allyship
Chapter 13: Why so biased?
Chapter 14: Horrible bosses 2
Chapter 15: Feeling stuck
Chapter 16: Handling ‘IT’
Chapter 17: B*tch
Chapter 18: Are men saying the wrong things?
Chapter 19: Are we still experiencing this?
Chapter 20: The offsite meeting
Chapter 21: Stalker
Chapter 22: The Christmas party
Chapter 23: Imposter syndrome
Chapter 24: Cultural differences
Chapter 25: She helps him
Chapter 26: I want to quit
Chapter 27: Always on; always anxious
Chapter 28: Can anyone help?
Chapter 29: Enough is enough
Chapter 30: The introduction
Chapter 31: Self-employed and self-sufficient
Chapter 32: Did you go shopping?
Chapter 33: Thank you, next
Chapter 34: Friendships
Chapter 35: 2024 and beyond
Chapter 36: The power skills
Chapter 37: Let’s write a book
Chapter 38: New beginnings
Chapter 39: Allyship Actually
Appendix: Through their voices
About the authors – Who we really are
Resources
Further reading
About the Author :
Lucy Grimwade (she/her) completed a Computing BSc and then followed a somewhat linear path in ITSM/as an IT professional.
In 2018, after going through personal and professional challenges, she embarked on a journey to become a qualified professional coach. Lucy has completed more than 200 hours of coaching, has a coaching diploma with the internationally recognised ICF, and holds additional qualifications in NLP and CBT.
Lucy classes herself as a modern-day feminist. She is passionate about empowering and doing the right thing by and for women. Lucy also hosted a podcast called “Talk Female Friday” to share stories and advice from real women in real situations.
She is a huge advocate for allyship. She is focused on making sure that all people, especially women and people of colour, are not only invited to the table but also have a seat, a voice and a contribution.
David Barrow (he/him) has more than 30 years’ experience working in IT ‘service’ roles. He has made a career out of IT, starting out in small businesses and gradually becoming a trusted consultant to a number of large global organisations.
David acts as a mentor to people at various levels both in partnership with Reed within the ‘Women in Technology’ initiative and as a committee member for ITSM and ITAM for the British Computer Society. He is also part of a committee for the British Standards Institute looking at education in service management.
David is passionate about acting as an ally, having benefitted from some great allies – but he’s also seen how people can be let down based on their gender, religion or life choices, and he’d like to help level this field
