Be so big they can’t ignore you

You’ve been told your whole life to lower your voice, soften your edges, and blend in. Maybe it was “you’re too loud” in class or “too intense” at work. So you developed a habit of taking up little space, until one day you felt like a ghost in your own story.

Last year, I arrived at a tech conference knowing I was one of two Black women in a sea of white guys in polos. I booked a bright yellow blazer and red lipstick—an armor of color. When I walked in, heads turned. My heart thumped. I’d always felt “too much,” but in that moment, I felt utterly complete.

That day I met people who remembered me by my energy, not by my hoodie and jeans. I realized being unapologetically yourself is the greatest service you can give others: permission to shine just as brightly. Studies on authenticity show people who express their true selves inspire trust and creativity in teams.

Boldness isn’t arrogance—it’s an invitation to others to be brave. When you choose to stand tall, you create space for the whole room to rise.

You know what sets you apart: voices, laughs, ideas that won’t be subdued. Tonight, pick one arena—a group chat, your next meeting, or your Instagram story—and let your full self show up. Wear the color, share your truth, lead with your quirky awesomeness, and watch how your bold move shifts the room. Go big.