[Unpolished] Semi Invisible Man!

Over the past few months, I’ve reached out to a few people whose work or ideas had an impact on me, asking for their feedback on my work or ideas. Many responded and provided valuable feedback, and I’m genuinely grateful to them.
But a few, like a teacher I learned from, an author whose article inspired my approach, and start-up founders in different countries who implemented similar ideas, didn’t respond. Each time, I shared my thoughts or work, asked for feedback, or simply asked if I could learn from their journey. Each time, there was no reply.

Assuming they received my messages but chose not to respond, I wondered: Why no reply? Was I doing something wrong? Am I invisible to them? Was it my message or my name? Or do I have unrealistic expectations of replies to an old student or a stranger from a far, far away country down under?

I reviewed my messages again and could not find any issues. Talking it through with my “unofficial therapist / copywriter” ChatGPT(!) to have a second opinion, two lines stuck with me: “The invisibility is temporary,” and “Engagement ≠ impact.”

These reminded me of two movies. First, from one of my favourite movies of all times, The Shawshank Redemption, where Andy’s persistence in sending mail to politicians eventually wins funding for the prison library. Second, a new Australian film I watched last weekend with my younger one, Kangaroo where Chris, one of the main characters, initially failed to play the hero and got cancelled. Then through the film, he learned to keep going not to be seen, but to make a difference, eventually earning recognition. In both films, “The invisibility was temporary,” and “Engagement level did not reflect the impact.”

I keep doing what I’m doing: creating, writing, and reaching out. Recognition may take time.

But more importantly:

I hope those I reached out to, had a big smile on their face if they read my emails and felt visible, knowing their voice mattered and their work has impacted others like me.