Why I Stopped Being Humble At Work

When I started over in the corporate world after leaving social work, I brought quite a bit of baggage with me.

The baggage that cost me the most, emotionally and financially, was being overly humble at work.

I didn’t take credit for the work I was leading or results I was delivering.
I didn’t ask for support from my manager.
I didn’t ask for a raise, let alone a promotion.

I thought it made me a “team player.” In fact, it did the opposite.

Turns out, women are 22% less likely to be considered for stretch assignments or strategic roles, not because we lack the skill, but because we’re not always seen as “ready.” (Harvard Business Review backs this up.)

A big part of that is because we have been socialized to be humble, agreeable, and not too loud about our wins.

What did all that humility do for me?
I got laid off. Yep. I got laid off just months after buying my first house near the company I worked for.

So, you bet I did some soul-searching after that experience.
I felt the sting of rejection and being unappreciated.
And I vowed to figure out what I needed to change to grow and thrive in my career.

If you’re an OG here, you know what happened next.
I landed even better roles shortly after and have been on an upward career growth trajectory ever since.

The ONE thing I did differently since that experience was I stopped being humble at work.

I didn’t become arrogant, but I made the decision to become visible at work. 

That meant leaning into what I brought to the table, learning what it takes to thrive in big corporate, and take charge of my destiny.

No more letting others control the narrative for my career. No. No.

I was no longer going to allow myself to be blindsided again.

I was going to be unapologetically not humble about my or my team’s wins and ASK for more.

It is rather important to note that this wasn’t in absence of being excellent in delivering value for my team or company and doing a killer job in my role. That was a given.

I doubled down on becoming better at my craft.

Before you cringe and think “I can’t do that,” yes, you can.

This is not about ego. It is about pursuing your goals more intentionally and becoming more self-aware.

I stopped waiting to be ‘discovered’ or saved by someone else at work (aka my manager).

I started speaking up more, asking for what I wanted, and showing up like I belonged, even when my brain was screaming otherwise.

Because I did belong. And so do you.

Here’s how YOU can be less humble and advocate for yourself at work, in a classy way:

Claim your wins, without disclaimers.
Say, “I led the strategy and our team drove a 25% lift,” instead of, “It was a team effort.” It still honours your team but owns your leadership. You had a big role to play as the leader. Don’t undermine your impact.

Ask for stretch roles, even before you feel ‘ready.’
When I put my hand up for high-visibility, new product launch projects, it changed how the leadership team saw me. More opportunities came my way because I asked for them. I even pitched a completely new role to the CEO of a company once and guess what… I got it. They created a role I pitched.
Don’t wait. You are more than ready, and even if you’re not, you have what it takes to figure it out.

Use your voice, don’t wait for permission.
To become more visible at work you need to get comfortable speaking up more and often. Spend more time prepping for important meetings so that you feel comfortable sharing your ‘very well thought out perspective.’
Show the value you bring consistently, even if you think its given. It is not.
Please make sure you actually know what you’re talking about, do your pre-work always.

And, not to be too humble, but none of my successes would’ve been possible if I hadn’t realized something needed to change in how I managed myself and my career. I sought the coaching and support I so desperately needed, and leaned into the guidance of my coaches and mentors who helped me transform my career.

I have invested more into myself in personal development, training, and coaching than most of my peers and friends over the last 8+ years.

At first, the sticker shock felt wild. Spending thousands on coaching or flying out for leadership programs and conferences felt like a luxury that didn’t math in my then budget. But over time, the ROI? 100% worth it.

You have to bet on yourself. If you don’t, who will?

Every major breakthrough, every bold move, and every promotion, they weren’t just the result of external opportunities. They came from years of inner work.

That is what ultimately led me to ‘have the guts’ to launch and scale my startup. I am confident I will figure it out as I go.

It all started with choosing to be less humble with my dreams, and investing in me.

Upcoming Events at Executiv

Women In The C-Suite Speaker Panel & Networking Mixer, Retail Leaders 

After the incredible success of our Women in the C-Suite event last November, we’re back - this time with a focus on one of Canada’s most dynamic industries: Retail.

And we’re making it extra special—this will be our first-ever event at the iconic MaRS Discovery District in Toronto.

There’s no better time to spotlight and support Canadian retail, and the powerhouse C-Suite women leaders who are redefining what it means to lead in this fast-moving, ever-evolving space.

Join us for:
 ✅ Keynote & Speaker Panel with 5 C-Suite Women Leaders
 ✅ Meet the best and brightest women in leadership in the retail industry in Canada
 ✅ Curated networking with real talk and real connections
 ✅ A private mixer for members & non-members alike

Date: May 27, 2025 @ 5pm - 7pm EST
Location: MaRS Discovery District (Toronto)

As always with Executiv: curated, honest, and authentic.

You'll want to be in this room.
🎟️ Tickets are 90% SOLD OUT! Get YOURS today.

Accelerate Your Career Growth with Executiv

Email us at [email protected] or visit www.executiv.ca to learn more about our programs and membership.

Our exclusive, invite-only network brings together 100+ top women in leadership from F500 companies.

We are a community that is highly vetted, deeply connected, and committed to each other’s success.

Our services are made available on-demand through our platform and app!

Follow Executiv on LinkedIn and IG!

“Different is good. Don’t fit in. Don’t sit still. Don’t ever try to be less than what you are.”

Angelina Jolie