Being excellent is no longer enough. Visibility takes courage.

In this solo episode of Leading You, I unpack a conversation I hear far too often:
“I’m brilliant at what I do… so why am I invisible?”

Flawless execution won’t get you promoted. Long hours and loyalty won’t make you unmissable. And burnout isn’t always a result of doing too much - it’s often a sign of overfunctioning and “pushing too hard”.

I share a raw story from my own corporate career - a moment where, despite being the go-to, high-performing support for a senior leader, I was passed over for a promotion. Not because of lack of skill. But because I’d positioned myself as the support act, not the star.

This episode is a wake-up call for high-performing women who’ve been quietly waiting to be noticed. Because in today’s leadership landscape, recognition doesn’t come from hard work alone. It comes from positioning, visibility, and the courage to own your edge.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why being excellent isn’t the same as being visible
• How to recognise when you’re blending in - and what it’s costing you
• The trap of over-functioning and waiting to be chosen
• Why positioning and courage matter more than flawless delivery
• How to shift from being the option to being the standard
• A powerful call to own your story, voice, and leadership identit

Actions & Reflection Prompts:

• Where are you still blending in — and what would it look like to stand out?
• Stop waiting for permission to use your voice. Speak now.
• Anchor yourself with a personal “Who I Am” statement — not a résumé.
• Ask: Am I positioning myself as a leader, or someone who supports one?

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Why “being good” is no longer enough
03:15 – The lie we’re told early in our careers
06:40 – A story of being overlooked despite excellence
12:20 – The cost of staying invisible
16:05 – Why positioning changes everything
19:50 – Practical steps to own your edge
24:10 – Final reflections: courage is the new standard

Links:
Join the Courage To Be You Masterclass
Get the Clarity Compass Mini Program

Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/
Instagram: @juliehydeleads
Website: https://juliehyde.com.au