Propeller Pusher Blog

Cultivate, Navigate, and Elevate careers with cutting-edge strategic guidance.

Black female professional speaking confidently at a leadership summit.

What It Really Takes to Be Seen and Heard

August 07, 20252 min read

You’re doing the work.
You have the credentials, the track record, and the vision.
But why does it still feel like your voice is getting lost in the room?

Visibility isn’t about shouting louder—it’s about standing firmly in who you are and making your presence impossible to ignore. For high-achieving professionals like you, being seen and heard isn’t about ego—it’s about impact.

If you’re tired of shrinking, second-guessing, or waiting for someone to notice your value, this blog is your permission slip to take up space.

The Visibility Gap No One Talks About
There’s a gap between being capable and being recognized.
And that gap is often filled with internal questions like:

  • Am I saying the right thing?

  • What if I sound too much?

  • Will they take me seriously?

Here’s the truth: You don’t become visible by playing it safe.
You become visible by standing in your values and using your voice—even when it shakes.

Three Shifts to Amplify Your Presence

1. Own Your Story

Your journey, your values, your wins—these shape your brand more than any title ever will.
Start showing up from your
why instead of hiding behind what you do.

Ask yourself:

  • What moments shaped who I am as a leader?

  • What do I want to be known for?

This is the foundation of authenticity. When you own your story, you create resonance—not just recognition.

2. Speak With Purpose

To be heard, you must speak. To be remembered, you must speak with intention.

That means:

  • Choosing language that reflects your leadership (ditch the disclaimers!)

  • Sharing perspectives in meetings, not just updates

  • Making your ideas solutions-focused, not just opinion-based

Presence isn’t just about confidence—it’s about clarity.

3. Align Your Identity With Your Influence

How you show up visually and vocally shapes how others perceive your credibility.

Audit your presence:

  • Does your LinkedIn reflect your leadership or just your last job?

  • Are you dressing for the room you’re in—or the room you want to lead?

  • Are your online and offline voices aligned?

You don’t have to fake it. You just need to align your brand with your brilliance.

Real Talk: You Don’t Have to Wait
One of our clients, Lisa—a 42-year-old marketing manager—thought she needed another certification before pitching herself for a speaking opportunity. After a few clarity sessions, she realized she was already qualified. Within weeks, she booked her first panel appearance and was later invited to lead a workshop.

She didn’t change anything on paper.
She just stopped hiding.

Final Word
Visibility isn’t vanity. It’s leadership.
You deserve to be seen—not for who others expect you to be, but for who you
already are.

It’s time to stop waiting to be discovered and start showing up as the leader you’ve always been.

personal brandcareer visibilityauthentic leadership professional presenceexecutive identityiPropelYou
blog author image

Coach Tamara

Coach Tamara Williams, CEO of iPropel You, is an author, renowned career strategist, and executive coach dedicated to empowering ladder climbers to cultivate their professional brand, navigate their journey, and elevate their leadership in career, business, and life to new heights. 7K+ propelled in 25+ countries since 2015.

Back to Blog