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How I did not get published

Last week I got asked to write a piece by the Financial News, related to fundraising for remote causes (vs. local).  Though I did not say much, I was so excited. After all these years, here was my very first op-ed, about a theme I definitely had something to say. 650 words to speak my mind and also bring to the world a bit more about ALG. 
I was asked to write the article following my participation in the FN Extra Mile 40 list, for which I got nominated a few months back. This is a new list published by the FN, highlighting the service of people working in the city in multiple fronts - from giving, to doing, fundraising and the like. I was (naturally) in the doers list but I have been keeping a profile on the nomination.  Other than the front page on MS Today, not much of the world knew about it. In time, I believe the list will grow similar to Top 50 Influential Women in Finance, but until then, I am just proud to have been on it. 
Anyway, back to the article. Kimbal Musk was the guest speaker for the event, and had some controversial statements that I appreciated for honesty (full interview published this week on the FN).  Along the interview, the FN asked me to write about one of the key points of controversy, and to be controversial. After my first draft of blunt though nice honesty, the confrontation did not make it through scrutiny of Corporate Affairs.  I did explain we ended in very good terms and Mr. Musk even came to me after the Q&A but there is just to much risk about speaking one's mind.  Amongst one of my most difficult periods at work, I really did not put up a fight.  Moreover, I tend to be an understanding employee and I know why the draft was going through so many changes in one out of 7 paragraphs.... So I let it go, and God knows how sad I was when the FN said the way it was worded was not controversial enough and they gave up on the op ed as they knew I would not be allowed to be any more controversial.  
I was that close to get published... I guess I could put my piece here. I will probably give it a few more weeks (and check my employment contract) before I do so, I always have the hope it can perhaps make its way to some publication... 

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