I was interviewed by Jill Murray, VP of EMEA Marketing and self-proclaimed “Executive Sponsor of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.” The reality couldn’t be further from the title. Despite speaking fluent English throughout the interview—even though I am European—she asked, “What is your level of English?” This was not only unnecessary, it was patronising. She then followed up with a bizarre comment about Germans “tending to have good English,” and attempted to justify her commitment to diversity by saying she had hired a Mexican—yet didn’t even know what language is spoken in Mexico. It was one inappropriate, tone-deaf comment after another. For context: I’ve spent over a decade leading international teams at major global IT organisations, operating entirely in English-speaking environments. To be subjected to that level of ignorance and unconscious bias from someone in her position was not just insulting—it was alarming. I withdrew from the process immediately. The hiring manager later contacted me to apologise and acknowledged the situation, which I appreciated. But the damage was done. I regret not speaking up at the time. But I refuse to stay silent now.