Why Bragging with Purpose is the Key to Success for Women—and Businesses

Ever feel like your hard work isn’t being noticed?

You’re not alone. So many women still believe the myth that “good work speaks for itself.” But here’s the truth: it doesn’t. If you’re not making your achievements visible, you’re holding yourself back—and missing out on opportunities for growth and recognition.

And businesses? You’re missing out too.

The latest Women in the Workplace 2024 report from McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org shows that while women’s representation has increased, their day-to-day experiences haven’t changed much—or have even worsened in some cases. It’s clear: progress is fragile.

So, what’s the solution? Empowering women to brag with purpose. Yes, I said it: bragging, and doing it with confidence.

The Fragile Progress of Women in Leadership

The 2024 Women in the Workplace report highlights that although women’s representation has increased, businesses still aren’t fully tapping into the unique value women bring as leaders.

Progress is happening, but it’s shaky, right? And those barriers—especially that critical first promotion to management? They’re still standing. For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women make the same leap. That broken rung weakens the leadership pipeline and costs businesses in terms of performance and innovation.

If companies want real, lasting change, they need to do more than open the door for women—they need to empower them to own their success and be seen.

Engagement Starts with Visibility

Employee engagement thrives when people feel seen and valued. But how often are women doing the work and not getting the recognition they deserve? Without recognition, engagement drops. Simple as that.

For women, this means embracing bragging with pride—talking about success because you’ve earned it. And for businesses, it means creating a culture that celebrates these wins. Organizations must recognize and celebrate the diverse ways success shows up.

That’s where I come in. Through my workshops and keynotes, I help companies create environments where bragging is a tool that benefits both individuals and businesses.

Why Bragging with Purpose Matters

Let’s be honest: bragging has gotten a bad rap. But when done with intention and pride, it’s pure magic. Not the "look-at-me" type of bragging—the kind where you share your wins because they matter, and because you’ve earned it.

In my book Bragging Rights, I define bragging as talking about your success with pride—the reframe is it's justified self-love. It’s about owning your value and making sure others see it. When employees, especially women, feel empowered to talk about their contributions, engagement skyrockets. They feel seen, validated, and motivated to contribute at higher levels.

So how do you brag with purpose? Here’s how:

1. Frame Success Around Impact

Bragging isn’t just listing accomplishments. It’s about showing the ripple effect of your work. Did you streamline a process, save costs, or boost customer satisfaction? Brag about it! It’s not just about you; it’s about the value you’re adding to the organization.

2. Build Your Network of Advocates

Bragging isn’t a solo activity. Cultivate a network of people who can amplify your successes. Leaders, help your employees recognize and celebrate each other’s wins. When recognition flows freely, engagement thrives.

3. Encourage a Culture of Bragging

When organizations create a culture of open recognition, engagement improves. Bragging isn’t just good for the individual—it’s good for business. Build an environment where achievements are celebrated openly, and watch performance soar.

Turning Fragile Progress into Lasting Momentum

We’re at a pivotal point. The progress highlighted by 麦肯锡 and LeanIn.Org can either lead to lasting change—or fade away. The benefits of more women in leadership are clear: stronger business performance and higher employee engagement.

But promoting women isn’t enough. Organizations need to foster environments where women feel empowered to brag about their successes.

Leaders, it’s time to act: encourage the women in your organization to share their wins. Help them build confidence, celebrate their contributions, and recognize the impact they’re making. Bragging is a leadership tool, not vanity.

As women, we need to embrace bragging as a way to make our value visible. It’s not arrogance—it’s ensuring our work is recognized and celebrated. When we brag with purpose, we create momentum that benefits us, our organizations, and the entire business landscape.

Next Steps

Let’s turn bragging into a superpower. My workshops and keynotes guide your team to confidently express their accomplishments—whether they shine with quiet strength or bold energy.

How do you make sure your successes are noticed? Drop your best tips below—I’m all ears! Let’s start a conversation about bragging with pride (because we all deserve a little love for our work).