Career Clarity Newsletter - May Edition

Quiet Excellence Isn’t Enough—It’s Time to Be Recognized 🌟

 Happy May 🌼

This month, as we celebrate the incredible women who nurture and uplift us, we're also turning our focus to visibility. Not just being seen—but being recognized for the unique value we bring to the table.

If you've ever felt overlooked or unsure how to stand out, you're not alone. For many women, especially women of colour, doing excellent work quietly hasn’t been enough to earn recognition or open doors.

It’s time to change that.

Throughout May, we’re leaning into authentic confidence, claiming our space, and showing up fully—without shrinking or compromising who we are.

Let’s make this the month you stop playing small and step boldly into your brilliance.

1 | WHAT’S NEW 🌟

Doing great work isn’t enough if no one knows about it.

Visibility isn't about bragging. It’s about being known for your value, not just your output.

That’s why I created a free guide for women who are ready to step out of the background and into the spotlight

Inside, you’ll find:
5 practical strategies to increase your visibility
Goal-setting prompts to take action with confidence
Reflection exercises to build habits that lead to recognition and influence

Download your free "Guide to Enhancing Your Visibility at Work" at www.leadtochange.ca/#guide

2 | SPOTLIGHT 💬

Getting Comfortable with Being Seen

For many of us, visibility can feel uncomfortable. Maybe you've been taught that humility means staying quiet, or that advocating for yourself is "too much." But the truth is: being visible doesn’t mean being boastful. It means letting people see the impact you already make.

Here are three ways to feel more comfortable with visibility, without compromising who you are:

  • Start small. Visibility doesn’t require a grand gesture. Try sharing a recent success with your manager or offering to present a team update. Each time you speak up, you’re building the muscle.

  • Reframe the discomfort. Instead of asking, “What will people think of me?” try asking, “What might open up if they actually understood my value?” Visibility creates opportunities—for you and those who benefit from your work.

  • Practice your voice. Whether it’s in a meeting, on LinkedIn, or with a peer, practice talking about your work in a clear, confident way. The more you do it, the less awkward it feels.

You don’t need to change who you are to be seen.

You just need to trust that your work is worth sharing—and that you’re worthy of recognition.

3 | PODCAST RECOMMENDATION 🎧

Negotiate Anything podcast: You're Not Missing Skills - You're Missing Status. Here's How to Get It

In this episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian talks with psychologist and author Alison Fragale about one of the most overlooked forces in career growth: status. Not power. Not personality. But how others perceive your value—and how you can influence that perception - including:

  • What “status” really is (and why it’s more powerful than strategy)

  • Why competence alone won’t get you promoted

  • How to build a network that speaks up for you

📖 For more insights, check out her book: Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve.

4 | COACHING REFLECTION 🤔

Too often, we assume our work will speak for itself. We stay heads-down, do more, and wait to be noticed—only to feel overlooked or undervalued.

But visibility isn’t just about being seen. It’s about owning your impact and making sure others understand the value you bring.

Reflection prompt: Think of a recent moment when you minimized your contribution, stayed silent in a meeting, or hesitated to share an accomplishment.

If you could do it over, how would you advocate for yourself differently? Here are some suggestions:

  • Reframe visibility – Are you mistaking it for self-promotion? What if it’s simply owning your worth?

  • Speak your value – How would you describe your contribution if you knew it mattered deeply?

  • Take one step – Share an insight, outcome, or idea with someone who needs to hear it.

You don’t need permission to be seen. You just need to believe your work is worth seeing.

5 | LET'S STAY CONNECTED! ☕

Your career journey isn’t meant to be navigated alone.

If you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or just need a fresh perspective, I’m here to support you. Whether it’s brainstorming your next move, tackling challenges, or gaining clarity, let’s chat about how we can make it happen together.

Book a complimentary discovery session here.

I look forward to connecting with you!

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Jennifer Purcell

I am a career coach who empowers women of colour to take control of their careers so they earn more, increase visibility and gain the recognition they deserve

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Getting More Comfortable Being Seen

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