Job Titles Don’t Matter. Really?
Many women in music are navigating two kinds of bias that rarely get named.
I experienced this myself during my years in music, and I hear versions of it from clients too.
The first is daily undermining.
Being introduced in rooms you fought to get into as:
“Sarah from the team” or with no mention of the leadership role you hold.
How you’re introduced matters.
The second battle is titles.
When a woman asks for progression or a title that reflects her contribution, she’s often told:
“Titles don’t really matter here.”
Yet titles often hold real value:
increased pay
decision making power
future opportunity
In an industry where 84% of senior leaders are white men, we should be honest about who titles have historically benefited.
If you’re told titles don’t matter, it’s fair to ask what does matter, and how progression is recognised.
What can help?
If someone introduces you vaguely or doesn’t explain your leadership responsibility add your role yourself.
“Thanks for the intro. I lead…”
Start keeping a record of the decisions you make, the people you lead, and the results you deliver. This strengthens your case for progression.
You’re never stuck somewhere that fails to see your value.
Always in your corner,
Sarah
