My Name Is On The Door

When I worked in the corporate world, I wondered how much of myself it was safe to reveal without causing damage to my career. Could I speak up about the things that didn't make sense or were just plain wrong?

Why did we have to dress and act a certain way to fit in and move up? Why weren't women in positions of leadership? Why was the organization so incredibly white?

Not speaking up became the norm.

One of the things that I love most about running my own business is that I no longer answer to anyone but myself. I can write a newsletter and say what I think. I can post anything I want on Instagram. I can tell the truth on every business call I'm on.

And I can hardly coach clients to be fully themselves in their work and life if I'm not willing to walk my talk. My name is on the door.

I've seen the truth-telling of many of my clients and colleagues. Some of them have gone public with their opinions and the resulting business decisions they've made that have turned off some clients or potential clients. They're more courageous than many billionaires, and they inspire me!

You may not be in a position to say what you think and that's OK. I've been there. But I'm looking forward to the day when all of us can tell the truth in every place we show up.