What part of yourself did you have to destroy to survive in this world?
That was the question asked in today’s Administrative Professionals Conference keynote from Kiesha B. Free. The answers that came back broke my heart.
Authenticity.
A voice.
Dreams.
Sobriety.
Confidence.
Artistry.
Childhood.
Femininity.
Passions.
Kindness.
Identity.
Over and over again, the same themes appeared. People silenced, shrunken, forced to blend in, told to hide their true selves in order to be accepted, to be safe, to keep a job, to please family, to survive.
And it made me stop. Because this is what I see, time and time again, in our profession. Assistants who are told they are too much or not enough. Who are asked to make themselves invisible in order for everyone else to shine. Who destroy their own light so others can feel comfortable.
The truth is, you were never hired to disappear.
You were hired because of who you are. Your voice. Your insight. Your intelligence. Your creativity. Your humanity.
Yes, we all learn to adapt. But adapting is not the same as erasing yourself. You cannot be the strategic partner your executive needs if you are silent. You cannot drive business outcomes if you are busy dimming your own light. You cannot lead if you are constantly told to shrink.
Take it all back.
Your voice.
Your passions.
Your authenticity.
Your confidence.
Your creativity.
Your joy.
Because when you stand in who you are, unapologetically, you shift not only your own career – you shift the profession.
No more destroying yourself to survive. It’s time to thrive, exactly as you are.
