Professionalism? More like, Oppressionalism

What does professionalism actually mean in 2026?

Is it about doing your job well…or is it still code for “fit in, don’t rock the boat, and definitely don’t say f**k”?

In this episode of Brenda, You’re On Mute, we’re joined by Dr Jamie Pei — coach, trainer, and unapologetic challenger of the “shoulds.”

Jamie shares the story of being rejected by a potential client for dropping a couple of F-bombs on her website — raising a bigger question:

👉 Who decides what’s “professional”… and who gets excluded?

We get into:

Why professionalism is vague — and easily weaponised

The hidden labour of code-switching

When to play the game (and when to walk away)

How to start breaking the rules — without blowing up your life

Jamie also hosts the podcast 'Notes on Being Unruly', where she dismantles the invisible rules we all live by: notes on being unruly | Jamie Pei

If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing a version of yourself at work… this one’s for you.