This is such a powerful reframe. I’ve been in your shoes, Caroline, feeling so awkward that I notice that something could be better, and also knowing that I will be dismissed for bringing it up. Thank you for reminding all of us bossy women that it’s not us—but that we can lean on others to help our knowledge and experience go further.
Thanks for sharing! If the world labels it as bossy, I’d call it strength, firmness, or being strategic. Here’s to all women, whether they’re reading this or not — may we continue to be brave, know our worth, and never apologize for fixing what needs to be fixed.
Also, thank you, Deb for involving your sister and many other women in your Substack. It’s wonderful to see you creating spaces that lift other women up. 😊
This piece captures something very real: influence is not only about being right, but about creating the conditions in which being right can be heard. A lot of good ideas fail in organizations not on merit, but on sequencing, coalition, and timing. What I especially liked is the shift from "say it louder" to "build the landing zone." In corporate life, the meeting is often not where the decision gets made. It is where the decision becomes visible.
This hurt a little to read. Because I've been that little girl being told I was too much by peers and even adults and after years of oscillating between the too much and not enough I think I've finally found a good medium for myself.
Wow. Thank you, Caroline! A few of your lines struck a chord in me and caused me to stop and reread it out loud, slowly, so that it sunk deep into the old scars I’ve carried around about being “bossy.” Thank you for the reminder that we’re not called to shrink, but that we are in certain rooms to help find solutions. Your contribution will help me to show up in a new way in the rooms I’ve been called into 💝
Big relate!! I’d lately been giving myself shit for wondering whether I come off as a know-it-all. Even though same as u I tried to deliver my thoughts as meekly as possible. Great reframing + advice - thank you!
Great article, Caroline❣️ (there’s an emoji for effect lol). Building your coalition and having the pre-meetings are very important concepts, especially for women who are often alone in a room full of men. Unfortunately, I don’t think much has changed in 30+ years - I’m still trying to not be bold and not sound “bossy” because not all men want to hear a different opinion or a different way of doing something. It sounds sad to say, but I think I’m learning to bite my tongue and keep my mouth shut as I’ve gotten older. (What is the emoji for being exasperated?)
Thanks for sharing these straight to the core reflections. Would be also great to hear your reflections on how to read the room, in person and remotely
This is such a powerful reframe. I’ve been in your shoes, Caroline, feeling so awkward that I notice that something could be better, and also knowing that I will be dismissed for bringing it up. Thank you for reminding all of us bossy women that it’s not us—but that we can lean on others to help our knowledge and experience go further.
Thanks for sharing! If the world labels it as bossy, I’d call it strength, firmness, or being strategic. Here’s to all women, whether they’re reading this or not — may we continue to be brave, know our worth, and never apologize for fixing what needs to be fixed.
Also, thank you, Deb for involving your sister and many other women in your Substack. It’s wonderful to see you creating spaces that lift other women up. 😊
This piece captures something very real: influence is not only about being right, but about creating the conditions in which being right can be heard. A lot of good ideas fail in organizations not on merit, but on sequencing, coalition, and timing. What I especially liked is the shift from "say it louder" to "build the landing zone." In corporate life, the meeting is often not where the decision gets made. It is where the decision becomes visible.
This hurt a little to read. Because I've been that little girl being told I was too much by peers and even adults and after years of oscillating between the too much and not enough I think I've finally found a good medium for myself.
Spot on!
Wow. Thank you, Caroline! A few of your lines struck a chord in me and caused me to stop and reread it out loud, slowly, so that it sunk deep into the old scars I’ve carried around about being “bossy.” Thank you for the reminder that we’re not called to shrink, but that we are in certain rooms to help find solutions. Your contribution will help me to show up in a new way in the rooms I’ve been called into 💝
Respect! And hugs to you as a human.
Solid advice.
I hope you keep writing!
With influence one can go places, and I can't wait to see what those places become.
Almost want to ask when is the next article coming :)?
I couldn’t help being bossy, it came with my success perm.
Very relatable! Thank you for this article.
I love this article. Wise, enjoyable, inspiring. Thank you (^_^)!
Brava!
Big relate!! I’d lately been giving myself shit for wondering whether I come off as a know-it-all. Even though same as u I tried to deliver my thoughts as meekly as possible. Great reframing + advice - thank you!
Great article, Caroline❣️ (there’s an emoji for effect lol). Building your coalition and having the pre-meetings are very important concepts, especially for women who are often alone in a room full of men. Unfortunately, I don’t think much has changed in 30+ years - I’m still trying to not be bold and not sound “bossy” because not all men want to hear a different opinion or a different way of doing something. It sounds sad to say, but I think I’m learning to bite my tongue and keep my mouth shut as I’ve gotten older. (What is the emoji for being exasperated?)
Thanks for sharing these straight to the core reflections. Would be also great to hear your reflections on how to read the room, in person and remotely