😬 The Raised Eyebrow Problem: Reputation, Gossip & The Reality of Our Industry

Today’s topic is one many people whisper about… but almost no one says out loud.

Reputation. Gossip.
And the power of “the face.”

You know the one I mean —the raised eyebrow, the tiny smirk, the cryptic “oh… interesting choice” when your name comes up for a role.

Not defamatory.
Not explicit.
Just enough to plant doubt.

And honestly? I’m tired of it.

Our industry has evolved massively — we talk more about wellbeing, fairness, diversity, transparency… but reputation-based gatekeeping still creeps in far more than we admit.

And it is rarely about genuine professional concern.

In my experience — both observing it and being on the receiving end — it usually stems from:

😒 insecurity
😬 jealousy
😑 fear for their own position
🙄 or someone simply deciding they don’t “like” you, often because you’re good at your job

Not exactly scientific criteria for hiring.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had excellent interviews:
great conversations, warm feedback, “we plan to make an offer” energy…
and then — silence. Ghosting worthy of a dating app!

And we all know what probably happened... my name went into a room, and someone pulled the face.

No detail, no context, no evidence —
just one person’s historic grudge colouring a decision.

The frustrating part?
It happens to brilliant people all the time.

I’ve seen candidates worry about someone from their past speaking negatively about them.

I’ve seen hiring teams weigh one person’s vague “not sure about them…” more heavily than years of experience, glowing references, and obvious talent.

Here’s what I do when I’m hiring:

I trust my gut.
I trust my interview.
I trust the person in front of me.

If someone has:
⭐ longevity in roles
⭐ repeat employment
⭐ strong references
⭐ a track record of delivering
⭐ professionalism and clarity

…then one person’s raised eyebrow isn’t worth anything.

So as we walk into 2026, here’s my gentle (but firm) suggestion:

👉 Let’s stop giving power to the people who pull faces.
👉 Judge people on their merit, not someone else’s insecurity.
👉 And remember that gossip is not a hiring tool.

We are an industry built on collaboration, trust, talent and teamwork.

Let’s not allow old grudges and whispered comments to decide who gets a fair chance.

Onwards — with fewer eyebrows raised, and more doors opened. ✨

#TheProcrastinatingProducer #ProductionLife #FreelanceLife #CreativeIndustry #HiringPractices #Leadership #HonestPost #WorkCulture #Professionalism #2026Energy #DoBetter #BehindTheScenes