Early in my career, a leader once told me he was shocked by how much confidence I had. I only had a few years of experience, and to him, that confidence felt out of place or unnecessary. The words hurt but the tone cut into the dark meat. He said it in a sharp, negative way. He wanted me shrink myself down to fit the role he thought I belonged in. I remember calling my mom and telling her what happened and in her Midwestern Black Mama "who looked at my baby the wrong way" tone she said "Don’t let people stop you from having the audacity to create and live the life you want. Live with audacity.” I’ve kept that advice in my back pocket everywhere I go. Because the truth is: Supporters will encourage your audacity. Haters will try to erase it. Frenemies will try to take it. It’s not money, titles, or even years of experience that creates professional stability. It’s the audacity to keep dreaming, asking, and moving toward what you deserve even when people and systems try to take things from you. So today, I’ll remind you the same way my mom reminded me: Don’t let anyone take away your audacity. Your audacity will literally set you free. Stay hydrated. Stay lotion-ed. Mind the business that pays you.
I remember when I was consulting and less than 10 years in my career. My boss didn't say it to my face but a client said he said I , 'shoot from the hip'. Later he went on to nod off in a client meeting. Sigh... I'm pretty happy about the grit it takes to 'shoot from the hip'. 😉
Period! People will always have opinions about another person’s confidence, but living with audacity is how doors actually open. Thank you for sharing this reminder to protect it at all costs. A good piece of advice I’ve received with this same context: it’s best to walk with your head held high, because the ground doesn’t have that great of a view anyway.
Well said, Lexi 👏🏾 This reminded me of a time when an interviewer asked, “Where do you get your confidence from?” I didn’t take it negatively. They were genuinely curious, and that curiosity made our conversation memorable. Everyone won’t embrace your audacity, and living authentically means being comfortable with being misunderstood.
Eagles dont concern themselves with the squawks of pigeons. Glad your mom course corrected that before it was too ingrained. Bro wasnt a "leader" - he was a coward with a title, seems to be a lot of those these days. But another post for another time.
Learning this everyday, don’t let anyone take your “audacity” from you. Audacity isn’t arrogance, protect it, nurture it, and let it guide your career and life.
🔥 🔥 I've heard similar things. In my fist inhouse job, an executive woman said "You're...so....confident. These men won't like that." 🤯
I’ve always thought you’ve had an incredible amount of confidence (since college) and it’s something I have both admired and tried to emulate. Keep shining.
Such a powerful story Lexi B , thanks for sharing
On time message.