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of the underlying forces that shaped the crisis. Her
most recent book,
The Silo Effect
, again draws on
this perspective, this time uncovering how our need
to classify, categorise and specialise can make
organisations dangerously blinkered. She also
believes that what we as a society don’t talk about
– the ‘social silences’ – can often be crucial to
understanding why things go so unexpectedly awry.
Journalism may have offeredTett a glittering
career, but what of its own long-term future?
‘It’s the best of times and worst of times to be a
journalist,’ she says.‘It’s the worst of times because
the business model for the media is crumbling as
advertising moves to digital platforms. It’s also the
worst of times because the press is under direct
assault from the US President.
‘But the sheer ferocity of the attacks has rallied
popular support among parts of society for the
principle of free media, and media consumption is
now higher than it has ever been at any point in
history. Meanwhile, technology is enabling us to
be wildly innovative in all manner of different
ways. And it is also the best of times because the
world needs serious journalism more than ever
before – we have a mission. So I think being a
journalist is the best job in the world – and, yes,
I would recommend it.’
Melding a successful career with family life has
proved tricky.‘I am a single mother, which is not a
position I ever expected to be in, but which makes
me doubly grateful to be financially self-sufficient
and to be able to hold down a job and look after my
two girls.The juggle is tough, tough, tough and
don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.’
Sleeping and exercising, being highly disciplined
with her diary, and celebrating her daughters and
friends areTett’s ways of staying on top of things.
‘I also say a gratitude prayer or two with my
daughters each day at suppertime,’ she adds in
conclusion.‘They cringe and as a protest one of
them insists on doing hers to the Flying Spaghetti
Monster [a satirical, atheist religious movement].’
Starstock/Photoshot
THE INVESTOR
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GILLIAN TETT