If you’ve ever watched Wicked, you know Elphaba’s moment of defying gravity isn’t just about flying—it’s about breaking free from the limits placed on her. For so many of us, the ceilings we hit are real—glass ceilings of gender bias, inequities, and lack of access to opportunities. But what about the other ceilings? The invisible ones built from stories we’ve been conditioned to believe?

When we lack leadership/executive presence, especially when giving a speech, participating in a debate, or leading a team, the cost is high.  Our posture, visibility, and energetics play a pivotal role in how we are perceived and how effectively we lead.

We can wield our power like a hammer or like a light bulb. We get to choose. If power is employed not as a hammer, but as a light bulb, the ability to influence, inspire, and create positive change is more evident.

Maybe you got tired of all the criticism and backlash you endured for speaking up or standing out the way you were “supposed” to as a woman. So you held yourself back, muted yourself, and hid your superpowers to the point where you may have even forgotten what they are and how you feel when you permit your full self to shine. In the new world of work, visibility is more important than ever, but you can’t hide under a rock if you want to advance and to be impactful. The world needs your brand of brilliance whether it knows it or not. There are people out here yearning for someone just like you to say what’s in your heart, to be who you’re meant to be, to build and create the products, services, or experiences you have been uniquely shaped to birth.

Navigating complex corporate dynamics is no joke and often as women we tell ourselves that we should play small rather than risk backlash, consequences or judgment.

You can have the best of intentions when setting goals or making decisions but if you aren't aware of how you tend to sabotage those very intentions, then you will likely not get the outcomes you want.

I believe leadership – true, impactful leadership – is a blend of being poised and powerful. But what does that really mean for us, today, in our lives and careers or businesses?

Empathy can transform your leadership approach, making it more inclusive, adaptive, and impactful. It's about leveraging that emotional intelligence to not just achieve goals but to enrich and uplift those around you.

As we journey through life, the power of self-belief acts as our guiding light, illuminating the path toward realizing our deepest desires. It's this unwavering confidence in ourselves that shapes the outcomes we dare to dream of that we want to see become reality. Yet, understanding our worth and embodying that belief is only part of the equation. The gap between where we stand and where we wish to be often requires more than just self-assurance; it often calls for aligned support, and a guiding hand(s) to help bridge the divide.

Most people are unclear about what they are here to do and so many have given up on the notion of finding their calling or purpose (or perhaps never even had it). Hear this truth: YOU are DESTINED to do something remarkable with your life –it is what you are divinely designed to do. You are CHOSEN and EQUIPPED to make a specific impact in your sphere of influence. If you dare to believe that MORE is possible, that belief will carry you to the reality of what you most desire, as you take steps forward each day.

Success, especially in leadership and personal growth, requires commitment. It's not just about taking the step to join a course, program, or cohort; it's about committing to the journey, to the effort, and the belief in oneself. IT IS YOUR TIME to do what you were born to do.

Most of us are familiar with the term 'glass ceiling' - the unseen barrier hindering women from top corporate roles. Yet, there's a lesser-known but equally critical concept: the 'glass cliff'. This metaphor extends the challenge beyond just reaching leadership positions. It's about the precariousness that often accompanies these roles, especially for Black women and women of color. This results in a role fraught with unsustainable workloads, lack of support, and unrecognized efforts, leading to burnout and frustration. You can change that!

So many of us live lives smaller than we’re meant to or designed for because we do not have faith in who we are and WHOSE we are! And what gets in the way of that? F.E.A.R.

Think of your personal brand of what people say about you when you’re not in the room. What would you want them to say about you? Whether you are intentional about it or not, you are creating a personal brand with everything interaction folks have with you; you are your own walking advertisement. It is important to understand what brand image you are conveying and how to develop a Unique Value Proposition that positions you for success.

Have you considered what it means to truly shine in your career? For each of us, the definition of shining is personal, rooted in our unique passions, aspirations, and values. Shining can be about aligning with our purpose, expressing our authentic selves, and making a meaningful impact in the arenas we’re in.

How long will you wait before you unveil your full magnificence? You are meant to grow and evolve, come to a higher level of self-awareness, serve your tribe with grace and ease, and shine your light as the beacon you’re called to be. To fulfill your divinely designed destiny, your cup has to be filled and your modus operandi is going to look different than other people because you need to operate from a playbook that allows your brilliance to be fully unveiled! With any growth or leveling up, it is crucial to have support from a guide who can help you remove the veils in the way of your sight and light and help you to value yourself for the precious blessing you are. Support is here for you in so many ways but YOU have to be ready and willing to receive it.

At a certain point in my life, even though I was great at my job, I knew it was not my purpose. For years I’d been trying to find that right gig that would light up my heart. When I found image consulting, my inner fire was ignited. This was it! So I left the comfort, security, steady pay, and familiarity of my career to leap into the unknown where I had no road map, guide, or certainty. But I had an inner fire, passion, faith, and belief that I had what it took to make it happen. But I realized there are aspects of my life I’m pretty private about and my growth edge with authenticity is to be more open about those when appropriate and in the right context. To lean into that muscle today, here are a few things you may not know about me...maybe.

By embracing our role as perpetual students of life, we open ourselves up to limitless possibilities for learning and growth. It takes humility and self-awareness to admit that there is always room for improvement.

Do you trust your intuition? Or do you dismiss or deny it because you don't like what it is telling you? I’ve learned along the way to lean into that inner guidance and to hear the way it communicates to me, and it has made a huge difference in how I make decisions or perceive situations.

Part of transformation is letting go of the old. Another word for “letting go” is shedding—the old, the things that hold you back, old perspectives, old clothes that no longer fit, relationships past their due dates, roles that we’ve outgrown, old environments, etc. When do you know it is time to shed something? Read more to learn the signs.

There is SO much power in the pause. When I can slow down and listen to what my heart and gut are saying to me, I realize that some of my choices are misaligned with my true desires. Because at those times, I’m operating in reactive mode versus one of intentionality.

Sometimes, we hold ourselves back without even realizing it. We allow self-doubt, fear of judgment, or the comfort of staying in our comfort zones to hinder our progress. We question whether we have what it takes to reach that next level and hesitate to step into our full potential. But remember, growth happens outside of our comfort zones. It's in those moments of vulnerability that we discover our true potential and make a lasting impact.

Your energy or “vibe” is not just a physical force; it is a culmination of your thoughts, emotions, and authentic essence. When harnessed effectively, it becomes a catalyst for transformation and an essential component of your leadership toolkit. By understanding and optimizing your energetic presence, you can unlock a whole new level of leadership brilliance.

Let us reflect a bit on that thing that often gets overlooked: our own well-being and personal growth. When we neglect our own health and happiness, it can have a significant impact on those around us too. With that in mind, I want you to ask yourself three simple questions.

Leading unapologetically means embracing your authentic self and fearlessly stepping into your role as a leader. It means owning your strengths, weakness and unique perspectives without feeling the need to conform or apologize for who you are.

Overthinking not only hinders our decision-making but also affects our overall well-being. It robs us of the present moment, leaving us unfulfilled and disconnected from our true potential. By constantly dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we miss out on the opportunities right in front of us. Fortunately, there are practical strategies that can help us break free from the cycle of excessive rumination and self-doubt.

At times of corporate turmoil, it's not uncommon for companies to appoint women, to steer the ship. This is the glass cliff in action - a phenomenon where women ascend to power during a crisis or downturn, placing them in inherently unstable positions with a higher failure risk. If you grappling with this or similar, here are a couple of options to avoid burnout.

Success, especially in leadership and personal growth, requires commitment. It's not just about taking the step to join a course, program, or cohort; it's about committing to the journey, to the effort, and the belief in oneself. Like the Gran Turismo journey, when clients work with me for at least six months, they are not just investing time and resources; they are embarking on a journey of transformation that makes that initial investment reap gains that could blow their minds!

Your strengths, talents, and expertise want to shine more brightly in this season of your life, because you have been called to lead in a purpose you are especially designed to fulfill. So aren’t you tired of kicking the “invest in my professional growth” can down the road? The time is NOW. May this post demonstrate the benefit of surrendering and going with the flow rather than trying to control the results you want in your life and career.