Being highly visible can be scary, especially if not many (or any) people around you don't look like you. I get it, my friend.

In my first career as a corporate communications specialist for the German luxury car industry, I was so invisible that I used to send out holiday e-cards with my face on it so people would know who they were dealing with all year long.

(And yes, some didn't even know I was a woman.)

Do these messages sound familiar?

“Be humble and let your hard work speak for itself.”

“Don't be a know-it-all, it doesn't suit you.”

“Leave the attention to those with more important things to say.”

Maybe, like me, you learned that being invisible is a lot safer than putting yourself out there.

I've come a long way since, and so can you.

And it's worth the trouble, because if you are not advocating for yourself, most likely nobody else will.

I know it takes a lot of courage, but there is a way to soften the discomfort: taking baby steps.

Every time you raise your hand, speak up in a meeting, give a presentation, list your accomplishments, ask for a raise, apply for your dream job – despite being scared – you teach your brain that it's safe.

You survived doing the scary thing, so you can do it again.

This is how you expand your comfort zone.

I know how slow going this can be.

I wish I could offer you a faster, more comfortable way, I really do.

But putting in the time and effort to take a gazillion baby steps is the only way that actually works.

Having a coach in your corner to guide you through this process, help you back up when you're struggling, and celebrate your successes with you makes this journey a whole lot easier. (I know that, because there's no way I could have done it without a coach by my side.)

If you want some help with this, message me and we'll set up a time to talk.