Ever felt boxed in by the way others see you?

Sometimes, it’s not about who you are. It’s about how you’ve positioned yourself.

The roles we claim. The titles we repeat. The way we introduce ourselves in rooms.

It can all shape how others perceive us… and how we start to see ourselves.

That’s the tricky part. When your story is powerful but the framing sells it short.

So if you’re feeling overlooked, boxed in, or misunderstood, maybe it’s not about changing who you are. Maybe it’s about how you're presenting what you bring to the table.

Who supports you while you’re supporting everyone else?

As a leader, you’re expected to manage tension, navigate hard conversations, and protect psychological safety.

But conflict takes a toll on you too.

You can’t keep showing up for your team if you’re constantly suppressing your own stress, emotions, and fatigue.

You can lead with empathy and boundaries. And you can hold others with care without abandoning yourself.

You don’t have to choose between strength and self-compassion.

What if the reason you feel stuck… is because you’re chasing a version of success that was never yours to begin with?

We hear a lot of noise about what it takes to succeed.

Hustle harder. Say yes to everything. Wait for the “right” time. Be loud, be visible, be everywhere.

But some of those beliefs are just myths. Passed around like advice, but often rooted in fear, pressure, or outdated ideas.

And if you're feeling discouraged or behind, maybe it's not because you’re not enough.

Maybe it’s because you’ve been measuring yourself against the wrong standards.

Ever been told you’re not “qualified enough”?

Or maybe you’ve said it to yourself.

But here’s what I’ve seen over and over again:

You’re not underqualified.

You’re just not telling your story in a way that lands.

You’re playing down the things that actually matter.

As leaders, it can feel like a team member’s failure is a reflection of us.

So we step in. We fix. We shield.

Sometimes, we even take the task on ourselves.

But good leaders know better. They don’t shield you from every fall.

They give you space to stumble—then help you rise stronger.

Because growth doesn’t happen through perfection.

Did you spiral a little when the pandemic started?

I did too.

My work depended on in-person workshops. So when events started getting cancelled, panic crept in. I questioned everything — my plans, my path, my ability to pivot.

But once I caught my breath, I started asking different questions.

How do I know everyone will cancel?

How do I know they’re not cancelling because of the pandemic and not because I’m not good enough?

Why do some teams thrive while others just survive?

Motivation isn't just about perks, promotions, or pep talks.

It lives in the everyday interactions that make people feel seen, trusted, and supported.

It's in the way you set expectations, listen when it matters, and respond to mistakes.

People don’t lose motivation because they’re lazy. They lose it when they feel disconnected. Unheard. Stuck. Micromanaged. Or forgotten.

If you're leading a team, mentoring someone, or even trying to stay motivated yourself—start with the basics.

Would your team tell you if something wasn’t working?

When people feel safe, they don’t hold back. They feel comfortable asking questions. They raise red flags. They share ideas that might just move everything forward.

But when they feel judged, ignored, or constantly under a microscope, they start to shrink. They say less. They play it safe. They disengage.

Psychological safety makes feedback honest, conversations real, and growth possible.

And no, this isn’t about avoiding hard things.

It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to face them together.

When the excitement fades, what keeps you moving?

Motivation fuels action.

But not all motivation comes from the same place or leads to the same results.

Because motivation isn't one-dimensional. Both extrinsic and intrinsic drivers have power.

External rewards get you moving, while internal purpose keeps you going.

You don’t have to choose one over the other.