Hi, guys
I'm looking for advice on a situation that has arisen. So, I'm attending a few conferences in Bangalore at the moment and I've also been invited as a speaker to an event (Event B). One of my clients volunteered to cover the cost of my travel partially, so as a gesture of reciprocation, I decided to make sure this speaking gig was representative of them "JadeArgent Lawyer at X" instead of just "JadeArgent Lawyer". I did NOT get my speaking invitation because of my work with X. Event B has also released a small visual of my photo and title announcing me as a speaker.
Now, today I met one of the C level execs of X and he was a speaker at an event. This is how the conversation went:
He: I wasn't expecting to see you here
Me: You're speaking at this event, of course I had to come!
He: You're speaking at B Event, right?
Me: Yes!
He: Do you have a different photo? Someone asked me - "Is she from your team?"
Me: In a bad way or...?
He: Yes, in a bad way. Get a different photo.
He walked away.
Now, obviously, the photo is no babe, but it's also objectively not the worse photo out there. I did feel super hurt about it (I was exhausted and hadn't eaten anything all day cause I was busy with work coincidentally for this client only) and almost felt like tearing up.
Now I'm not super close to this C Level exec, my work largely involves working with a different C level exec... What I want to know is, should I address this situation in any way? I already work in a super male dominated field and as much as it might be politically incorrect to say, I do not want to be labelled as "difficult" or "touchy" or "over emotional" or anything...
Should I being it up to the C level exec I work with? Keep in mind, I will probably not see him till Mid/End December.