In today’s politically charged climate – we keep hearing iterations of the same thing: “You just have to work hard to end up ahead”.

But let’s pause and really interrogate that promise. The idea of meritocracy — that anyone can rise to the top through sheer grit and determination – sounds fair and even inspiring on the surface. It’s a story that appeals to our sense of justice and individual agency. Yet, when we look closer, it becomes clear that this narrative often serves as a comforting myth rather than a reflection of reality. It overlooks the complex web of factors that shape people’s lives long before they even enter the workforce: family wealth, access to quality education, social connections, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways that bias creeps into every stage of the journey.

This is not in any way a new concept, but here we are repeating it again in hopes those that missed the boat initially will start to understand. Because if meritocracy were real, our leadership teams and boardrooms would look a lot more diverse.

So, here’s what’s actually true:

➡️ Talent is everywhere, but *opportunity* isn’t.
➡️ Networks, biases (conscious and unconscious), and systemic barriers still decide who gets seen, heard, and promoted.
➡️ Countless studies show that equally qualified candidates are judged differently based on their name, background, or accent.
➡️ Wealth and privilege are often inherited, meaning meritocracy serves to maintain existing social hierarchies rather than dismantle them.
➡️ Structural barriers related to race, class, disability, and other identities limit access to education, quality jobs, and leadership roles.
➡️ The narrative of meritocracy shifts blame onto individuals for “failing” while ignoring the rigged systems that favour a select few.
➡️ Meritocracy can mask systemic racism and justify unequal outcomes by promoting a “colour blind” ideology that denies the impact of discrimination.
➡️ The “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality ignores that not everyone starts the race at the same place or with the same support.
➡️ Believing in meritocracy can lead to self-blame among marginalized groups, who internalize failure as personal rather than systemic.
➡️ Real equity requires actively dismantling these barriers, not just assuming a level playing field exists.

So, the next time someone tells you that all it takes is hard work to succeed, remember that the playing field is far from level – and pretending otherwise only perpetuates injustice. True progress means acknowledging the barriers that exist and working collectively to remove them, not just for a select few, but for everyone. If we want a society where talent truly rises to the top, we must move beyond the myth of meritocracy and commit to building real pathways for equity and inclusion. Because until opportunity is as widespread as talent, the promise of meritocracy will remain just that – a promise, and not a reality.

Learn more about what we do and who we do it for on our services page.

Sign up for our newsletter here for more insights on marketing, advertising, communications, and how the industry intersects with inclusion.