From Stuck to Unstoppable: Kelly's Quest to Transform Executive Perceptions - Part 2

Breaking the Invisible Barriers: The Bold Steps Kelly Took

Last Friday, I shared the first part of Kelly A.'s leadership journey—how she went from feeling overlooked in her Vice President role to igniting a spark of change. Today, we dive into the bold steps Kelly took to break through the invisible barriers that had been holding her back.

The Invisible Barriers We Don’t Talk About?

For many women, especially in leadership, the biggest barriers aren’t always structural. They’re psychological, woven into the narratives we’ve absorbed: Be competent but not too assertive. Speak up but not too bold. Lead but not overshadow.

Kelly had internalized these unspoken rules without even realizing it. The Hogan Assessment we completed during our coaching sessions was a game-changer. It revealed that while Kelly was seen as highly competent, her hesitance to assert her ideas in strategic discussions made her appear less influential. This wasn’t about lack of skill—it was about perception.

Reframing the Narrative?

In one pivotal session, I asked Kelly: “What if advocating for yourself isn’t about self-promotion but about leadership? What if staying silent deprives your organization of critical insights only you can provide?”

That question shifted everything.

Kelly realized that she wasn’t just holding back for herself; she was withholding value from the very organization she wanted to impact. This reframing turned her hesitation into a leadership responsibility.

Taking Bold, Strategic Action?

Armed with new clarity, Kelly and I crafted an action plan rooted in the SPARK model:

1. Lead with Visibility:?Kelly took the lead on a high-impact, cross-departmental project that had direct exposure to senior leadership. This wasn’t just about doing good work—it was about strategically positioning herself where decisions were made.
2. Speak with Purpose:?Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, Kelly scheduled one-on-one meetings with key decision-makers. She shared her vision, ideas for organizational growth, and positioned herself as a strategic thinker, not just an operational leader.
3. Own the Room:?Kelly crafted and practiced an executive-level elevator pitch that clearly articulated her leadership value. No more downplaying her contributions. She learned to articulate her impact with confidence and clarity.

The Ripple Effect of Bold Moves?

As Kelly implemented these strategies, the results were immediate and powerful:

• She received public recognition from senior executives for her leadership on the cross-functional project.
• Decision-makers began seeking her input on strategic initiatives.
• Most importantly, Kelly no longer waited for validation. She created it through action.

One of my favorite moments from our coaching journey was when Kelly said,

I used to think I needed permission to lead at the next level. Now I realize I just needed to show up like I already belonged there.

Breaking Barriers Isn’t a One-Time Event

It’s a continuous process of choosing to be bold, even when doubt creeps in. Kelly’s story isn’t unique because she faced barriers; it’s powerful because she chose to dismantle them—one courageous step at a time.

In the final article of this series, I'll share how Kelly sustained her growth beyond coaching, embedding these lessons into her leadership journey for lasting impact.

If you see yourself in Kelly’s story, I'm also here to help you take those bold steps. Schedule a free consultation. And, stay tuned for the final leg of Kelly's journey.