What does “you can’t be what you can’t see” mean?

It means people find it far harder to imagine a future for themselves that they’ve never seen anyone like them achieve. When you don’t see your identity, background or experience reflected in role models and leaders, ambition quietly shrinks — not because the talent isn’t there, but because the example isn’t.

Why does representation matter at work?

Representation signals possibility and belonging. Seeing people like you succeed tells you that you can too, that you’re welcome, and that the path is open. Its absence does the opposite — it leaves people feeling unseen, lost and unsure they belong, however capable they are.

Isn’t representation just tokenism?

Tokenism is putting one person in the picture and calling it done. Real representation is depth and authenticity — people present at every level, able to be themselves and to occupy the space fully, not just to tick a box. The aim is for people to belong, not to be exhibits.

You Can’t Be What You Can’t See

It’s an old adage, but it endures because it’s true: you can’t be what you can’t see. We build a sense of what’s possible for us from the examples around us. When those examples never include someone like us, the message — however unintended — is that this place, this role, this future, probably isn’t for people like me.

“It’s the old adage, isn’t it? You can’t be what you can’t see. So if you don’t see the representation, you can end up feeling lost, feeling unseen.” — Joanne Lockwood, Inclusion Bites (“Mirrors and Doorways”)

Why representation matters

Representation does two quiet but powerful things. It signals possibility — “someone like me has done this, so I could too.” And it signals belonging — “people like me are welcome here.” Role models, visible leaders and diverse panels aren’t window dressing; they’re proof. They turn an abstract “you’re welcome” into something people can actually see.

The cost of invisibility

The flip side is real and often invisible to those who’ve never experienced it. When you don’t see yourself reflected, you can feel lost and unseen — and you spend energy wondering whether you fit, instead of doing your best work. Talented people opt out of paths that were technically open to them, simply because no one signalled that the door was for them.

Representation is not tokenism

Putting one person from an underrepresented group in the brochure isn’t representation — it’s decoration, and people see straight through it. Genuine representation has depth: people present at every level, able to be themselves and to occupy the space fully rather than perform a part. The goal isn’t to exhibit people; it’s for them to belong.

What leaders can do

Make role models visible. Share diverse stories, speakers and case studies — internally and externally.
Mind the platform. Diverse panels, authors and decision-makers, not the same few faces.
Sponsor, don’t just admire. Open doors for people who don’t yet see themselves at the next level.
Create the mirrors and the doorways. Mirrors so people see themselves; doorways so they can walk through.

Bring it to your organisation

As a visible role model herself, Joanne speaks to exactly this — why representation matters and how to make it real rather than performative. Explore LGBTQIA+ Inclusion & Pride and Inclusive Culture & Belonging, or hear the stories on the Inclusion Bites podcast.

You can’t be what you can’t see