Happy new year, friend.
There’s a particular kind of leader I keep thinking about lately.
She’s sharp. Trusted. Often the person others turn to when things get complicated.
And yet — when it comes time to speak publicly, share her thinking, or step into visibility — she hesitates.
Not because she doesn’t have something to say.
But because she doesn’t love the way visibility is usually done.
The polish.
The performance.
The sense that you’re supposed to sound confident before you feel ready.
So she tells herself:
“I’ll wait until I’m clearer.”
“I’ll do it when it feels more natural.”
“I’m just better behind the scenes.”
What I’ve been noticing is this:
Visibility doesn’t require loving the spotlight.
It requires finding a shape that fits you.
We tend to treat visibility like a single lane — loud stages, daily posting, constant output. But influence actually shows up in far more human ways.
"Thought leadership can be great, but it can also be kind of icky depending on how you execute it."
If you don’t love being on stage… maybe your voice belongs in conversations — podcasts, small group discussions, teaching courses, or interviews.
If social media drains you… maybe a newsletter or Substack feels steadier, quieter, more like sharing your thoughts over time. (Kinda like what we’re doing here…)
If writing doesn’t feel natural… maybe partnering with a ghostwriter helps translate what you say into something others can read.
If posting feels performative… maybe you focus on engagement for a while — simply leaving thoughtful comments, meaningful replies, and being present rather than prolific.
And if you love a challenge but not an audience… maybe your thinking merits the depth of a writing book, not the flash of stepping onto a stage.
None of these options are better or worse than the others.
They’re just different shapes of presence. Different ways to bring your knowledge and expertise outwards into the world.
When visibility starts to feel icky, it’s often because we’re borrowing someone else’s version of it — instead of designing a style that actually suits us.
So here’s the question I’ll leave you with:
Where have you been holding back your voice — not because it lacks value, but because you haven’t found the form that fits?
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This email was inspired by a recent conversation on our podcast with Paige McPheely, founder of Base. It was one of those moments that stayed with us and kept unfolding long after the episode ended.
p.s. Every issue of this newsletter is written by hand, by one of our amazing Wednesday Women team. Have an idea for something we should include? Simply reply to this email and we’ll be in touch!
