⚖️ Structural Inequality: Polite Silence vs. Blunt Truth

💸 In Dubai, inequality isn’t hidden. It’s right there: Lamborghinis next to labor buses. Nobody pretends it’s sad, nobody calls for change. It simply is. The pecking order is clear, unapologetic, and accepted.

😶 In the West, we play a different game. We polish inequality with layers of politeness. We don’t talk about money — it’s “unseemly.” We pretend everyone is equal. And by making inequality an off-limits topic, we protect the status quo. No one complains. No one rocks the boat.

But here’s the thing: when an investment professional tells me they have nothing to show after 20 years, or a corporate lawyer admits they won’t be able to retire — even in Portugal — the polite silence cracks. Reality forces its way in.

So what’s worse?
 👉 A world where inequality is blunt and visible, like in Dubai?
 👉 Or a world where inequality is politely swept under the rug, like in Canada, France, or the US?

Maybe it’s time we stop smiling over structural inequality — and start talking about it.

📩 Full reflections in my new podcast: Peel Back the Veneer

Peggy Van de Plassche is a value creation strategist and senior advisor with over 20 years of experience in private equity, financial services, healthcare, and technology. She works with investment firms, boards, and C-suite leaders to accelerate portfolio company performance, drive operational transformation, and unlock long-term value. Peggy specializes in the execution of complex value creation plans—spanning capital allocation, digital enablement, transaction advisory, and leadership alignment. Her work consistently bridges strategy and implementation, helping investors and operators maximize EBITDA and enterprise value. A founding board member of Invest in Canada, she also brings deep expertise in public-private partnerships and institutional capital deployment—critical levers for competitive advantage in today’s global landscape. Her clients have included BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial. Learn more at peggyvandeplassche.com.

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