SIC’s Career Spotlights: Mary Raftopoulos
Mary Raftopoulos is an accomplished writer, editor and journalist. She founded This is impt—a place for BAME people to share their testimonies about their experiences with racism in the UK. She regularly writes articles and records podcast episodes that expand on the topics from these testimonies, in the hopes that sharing these experiences encourages people to take a stand, and helps quietened voices to be heard.
What motivated you to enter your field of work?
I am someone who has multiple interests and I felt like working in an environment that is fast-paced and forever changing suited me but, I also wanted to write and create in different mediums which is why I love working in (many) chosen fields.
How do you think being chronically ill has changed your approach to how you do your job?
I feel like before I was always worried about mentioning my anxiety or my Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) to HR or adding it to my job application because I felt like they would interpret that as this role will be too stressful for me to do, you know. But as I have gotten older I have realised I wouldn’t want to work for a company like that, having the realisation that I am worthy, I am more than just an employee and that I also have the ability to choose. I can choose if this company is right for me and should I choose to leave, that's ok.
It’s like dating. I kind of wish I figured that out years ago because it would have been very helpful and I would have been less stressed and I wouldn’t have stayed in jobs I hated. I’ve learnt to listen to my body and put my health first rather than soldiering through. Coming from a theatre and dance background my natural instincts are to “go on with the show”, slap a smile on my face and work through the pain and I have had to learn to go against my natural instincts which is hard sometimes but I’ve definitely gotten better at it.
Did you experience any setbacks when you started working due to your disability? How did you overcome them?
I’m quite lucky that I’ve never had any major setbacks due to my anxiety and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) being manageable.
Are there any specific projects you are particularly proud of?
My work as the founder of This is Impt, launching my podcast and my work with the C Word Magazine. I have had several articles (written by myself or others) published highlighting racism in the UK, mental health and feminism. I have also had the opportunity to interview some amazing people!
What is your career advice for those who aspire to do a similar role?
I think my biggest takeaway has been that I am more than just an employee. I am someone who chooses to work for a company. I don’t owe them my blood, sweat and tears—my life is more than just this job and that hustle mentality we always see glorified in life isn’t the status quo. You can work hard AND still have a life outside the office.
I would also say thinking outside the box and using your personal experiences and skills that make you different will only enable you to create things that no one else can. There are things that you can see that no one else can—use that in whatever you decide to do in life. Also, never let anyone silence you. You are not bossy, you are assertive. You are not emotional, you are passionate, and you are not feisty, you are driven.