Visibility Matters: How to Stand Out as the Leader You Truly Are

 On Feb 9, 2024, Expedia surprised everyone by announcing a new CEO. She was well-respected within the company, with Expedia’s team holding her in great esteem. However, the market reacted unexpectedly, causing a 19% drop in the stock value in just one day, leaving everyone at Expedia bewildered and questioning the reason behind such a drastic response.

It's disheartening to see the stock plummet by 19% following the appointment of a woman as CEO. Yet, the focus today isn't solely on this downturn. The core issue lies in her lack of external visibility, despite her robust internal reputation.

I was advised to increase my visibility for career growth, a suggestion I largely sidestepped. Doing a good job and being recognized by those who know me seemed sufficient. Surprisingly, many women share this sentiment. They're experts, known to their immediate teams, but beyond that, their visibility wanes.

The reality is stark—visibility and reputation are pivotal in leadership. In the realm of promotions or leadership roles, those in the public eye are often the ones considered. People need to build an opinion about their leader or their potential leader, and it's important to give them that opportunity.

For women looking to advance their careers, enhancing our visibility is key. Here are a few strategies:

• Volunteer in projects and events to expand your network.
• Share your achievements and insights through blogs, seminars, or conferences, both within and outside your organization.
• Teach areas of your expertise, whether through documentation, video tutorials, or live sessions.
• Speak up in meetings and group chats. Voice your agreements, disagreements, or introduce fresh perspectives, especially those that provoke thought and discussion.

Knowing what steps to take is one thing, but putting them into action is another challenge altogether. For support on this journey, consider joining the Women Leaders Community to enhance your leadership visibility and connect with others facing similar challenges: https://www.kimcoachinggroup.com/women-leaders-community