Visibility is a paradox for many leaders, especially those of us navigating the intersection of being “different” in spaces not built for us. To be truly visible—seen, trusted, valued—requires more than simply showing up. It demands navigating the fine line between invisibility and hyper-visibility to find the rare, liberating space of comfortable visibility.
For racially diverse leaders, visibility is rarely neutral. Instead, it’s a high-wire act of three states:
Invisibility: Being unseen, overlooked, or undervalued—whether it’s in the quiet erasure of your contributions or in rooms where no one even thought to invite you.
Hyper-visibility: Carrying the weight of being under a microscope, where every move feels amplified, not for its merit, but for how it highlights your difference.
Comfortable Visibility: The sweet spot—being seen and valued for your authentic self, trusted for your expertise, and free from tokenism.
Reflecting on my earlier career, moments of invisibility cut deep. I’ve had my ideas taken, my efforts overlooked, and my voice dismissed. On the flip side, hyper-visibility came with its own weight: being singled out as a “diverse” voice, framed as a symbol rather than an individual. Both experiences left me questioning: Where do I fit? What do I want to be seen for?
To navigate this, I tried it all. I shrank myself to blend in, muting the edges that made me stand out. Other times, I leaned into my differences with unapologetic pride. Neither approach was “right.” But each taught me the power of conscious choice—showing up intentionally in spaces where I could lead on my own terms.
Over time, I’ve learned to find my own version of comfortable visibility. For me, it’s been about using my voice to stand up, speak, and offer alternative perspectives and solutions—ones that had a positive impact. It’s also about knowing when to step back and pick my battles, when to protect my energy, and when to rely on allies to use their visibility for the greater good.
This balance didn’t happen overnight. It came from trial, reflection, and a conscious decision to show up authentically in ways that felt right for me.
Now, as a coach, this theme resonates deeply with racially diverse leaders I work with. Together, we unpack:
When do you feel invisible, and what’s the cost?
When do you feel hyper-visible, and how can we release the burden?
How do you claim comfortable visibility—a space where authenticity meets power?
But here’s the bigger picture: when you own your visibility, you create ripples. Your leadership becomes a model, showing others—and the structures around you—what’s possible when we lead with authenticity and purpose.
Because true visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being felt. It’s about leading in a way that leaves a mark, not just on the room you’re in but on the people around you.
So, how are you showing up today? Are you taking the space you deserve? Or holding back, waiting to be invited in?
The journey to visibility isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. Take one conscious step. Speak where you’ve been quiet. Protect your energy where it’s been drained. And remember: when you lead authentically, your impact is already invincible.
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