Our program “Sesi Açıyoruz!”, which we launched with the contributions of Harvard Business Review, met with the audience with 14 episodes in 2023. I would like to share with you the evaluation of this journey, during which we experienced moments full of pride and hope, and my thanks.
“Sesi Açıyoruz!” actually harbors a big dream behind it. This dream is not pink, but like a mosaic of all the colors of life…
When I came across Carol Stewart’s podcast during a difficult period I was going through, I was inspired by women who openly shared their challenges. This experience, which led to the establishment of the community, also shaped our program “Turning Up the Volume!”.
Because just like life itself, work life is full of ups, downs, and inequalities.

In “Sesi Açıyoruz!”, we aimed to share not only success stories but also real stories that contain the courage to fall down and the strength to start again.
The program has become a platform where our guests, have the courage to share their difficulties, their own stories, ups and downs, regrets and successes with sincerity but by raising their voices.

The positive feedback we received from our valuable viewers who followed our program shows that the program contributed to many people. However, I think I benefited the most as the host; my guests were struggling people who shaped their lives for a purpose, giving opportunity and support to others. It was invaluable for me to get to know them and be inspired by them. Thank you to all our viewers and guests this year.

In 2023, we witnessed a lot of different ways of thinking and gained awareness together in “Sesi Açıyoruz!”.
Some of the learnings were upsetting:

• Gender equality still has a long way to go.
• Technology, unfortunately, does not contribute to gender equality.
• There is still gender inequality in the art world.
• In our country, 82% of young people are subjected to violence because of their gender.

From our esteemed guests who enlightened us with their experiences, we were encouraged by learning the following:

• Curiosity is the secret key to success.
• We should be open to forgetting and relearning as much as knowing.
• The importance of being multi-talented and emotionally intelligent is increasing.
• In business and private life, it is important to be who we are, not other identities.
• There is a place for emotions in business life.
• We should be aware of our unconscious prejudices and stereotypes.
• We have to ask whose voices are not heard, and who has no right to speak.
• Equality of opportunity in business life is possible by excluding all issues that do not affect performance.
• True inclusion is the way to achieve equal opportunities.
• Girls should be encouraged to pursue science.
• Dreaming, not being afraid of getting a ‘no’ and working hard will lead to goals.

In 2024, we will continue to address these important issues and many more on “Sesi Açıyoruz!”.
I wish you all a year full of health, happiness and success.

With best regards,
Bahar Taşkın Öztürk