The Moment I Realized I Was Playing Small (Even at the Top)

This month marks one year from my last day of a 23 yrs corporate career and got inspired to share this with you! (Do you like my Corporate shot? I still laugh at the signature pose hehe).

By the way don't get me wrong.. I'm incredibly grateful for that chapter of my life.... it was my school!!!! 

People often leave corporate because they’re exhausted, overworked, or unappreciated.

That wasn’t me.

I had it good. An incredible team. A leader I loved. A role I was thriving in.

From Process Engineer to VP of Global Talent Acquisition : spanning three areas of the business- woohoo!

On paper, I was the definition of success.

But inside?

I started feeling like a caged bird (stole this from how my dad described it)

I found myself constantly having to prove myself, check boxes, & wait for permission.

And I knew ….I had more to offer. More creativity. More impact. More freedom.

I didn’t leave because I hated my job.

I left because I finally LOVED myself enough to go BIG.

And let me tell you, building a business hasn’t been easy. It’s been scary. Stretching. And messy.

But the growth? The alignment? The ownership over my time, my voice, my VISION & IMPACT? PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Did I include enough exclamation points here to make the point ? lol)

 I share this with you because I know many of you are in a similar place. Craving more. But not sure where to start.

 So here are the 5 lessons I wish someone had told me sooner:

1. Success isn’t just what you’ve achieved: it’s who you’re becoming.

If your accomplishments are growing but your spirit is shrinking… it’s time to pause and realign.

2. Playing small doesn’t always look small: it feels small.

You can be in the top 1% and still feel like you’re dimming your light to fit in.

3. Waiting for permission is a dream killer.

No title, certification, or approval will make you feel “ready.” You start by starting- Let's go!

4. Your resume opens doors. Your superpowers change rooms.

Once I began leading with my superpowers things shifted. Not just professionally, but personally.

5. Fear doesn’t mean stop ---> it means stretch.

Yes, it’s scary. But so is regret!! Choose your hard. And choose your joy.

So now I ask you, Unicorn:

✨ Where are you still playing small… even if everything “looks fine”?

✨ What would change if you started trusting your superpowers instead of shrinking them?

Take 5 minutes today. Reflect. Journal. Be radically honest contigo (with yourself)

Say YES TO YOU ! 

With bold love,

Jennie 🦄💥