The Vulnerability Hangover: Why Visibility is Worth the Discomfort (Especially in 2025)

Do you know that feeling? The knot in your stomach after hitting "post" on LinkedIn? The slight flush in your cheeks after sharing an opinion in a virtual meeting? Yeah, that's the "vulnerability hangover." And if you're like me, especially when you’re navigating the balance of learning how to stand out whilst wanting everyone to think you’ve got it all together, you've probably felt it more than once.

We all have primal fears. Fear of rejection, fear of being seen, fear of… well, just putting ourselves out there. As professionals with a decade (or more!) under our belts, we know we should be visible. We know it's crucial for networking, for establishing thought leadership and getting ahead. But knowing and doing are two very different things.

Being visible has evolved. It's not just putting your hand up to speak anymore. It's LinkedIn posts, live streamed events… and your company has a podcast now?! It's about being present in the digital world where our industries operate.

I've learned a lot about this over the past six years: that initial discomfort? It's temporary. It's like a muscle ache after a good workout, it’s a sign you're growing. And the long-term return of pushing past it? It's significant.

Why the Vulnerability is Worth It (Especially For Us)

• Building Real Connections: In your hybrid workplace, trust is paramount.  Sharing your genuine insights, even when you've overcome struggles, builds authentic connections. Think about how many times a simple comment on Teams has shown you that a person really knows what they’re talking about and hopefully turned into a valuable professional relationship.

• Establishing Thought Leadership: Markets and risk are constantly evolving. Sharing your expertise, your analysis of trends, your perspective on challenges – it positions you as a respected voice.

• Opening Doors to Opportunity: Those connections? That reputation? They lead to opportunities you might never have imagined. New clients, collaborations, career advancements – it's like compound interest for your professional life.

• Creating Community: Sharing your knowledge and engaging with others creates a community of like-minded professionals. This community can be a valuable source of information and support. 

Addressing Specific Fears

We know the specific anxieties that come with our fields: regulatory compliance, data sensitivity, and the pressure to maintain a polished image.

• Compliance is Key: Always consult with legal or compliance before sharing.

• Focus on Insights: Share your analysis, not necessarily your personal opinions.

• Professionalism Matters: Maintain a consistent, professional tone.

A System, Not Just Motivation

Let's ditch the idea that we have to be motivated to make progress. Planned, consistent action is more important when building your personal brand for career growth.

• Schedule Visibility Time: Dedicate weekly time to engage on platforms like LinkedIn, sharing insights and joining conversations.

• Craft a Personal Vision Statement: Define your career aspirations and how you want to be perceived. See how to do this in “Elevate Your Brand with Public Speaking”

• Plan What You’ll Share: Strategically plan posts and engagements to showcase your expertise and how/when you’ll keep in touch with your network.

• Engage Authentically: Actively participate in conversations and follow up with the people who you make genuine connections with.

The Vulnerability Hangover is Real and Temporary

That feeling of unease after posting? It's normal. It means you're pushing boundaries. Acknowledge it, sit with it, and know it will pass. The benefits of visibility far outweigh the temporary discomfort.

This week, let's commit to showing up. Even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. 

Let's build those connections, establish our expertise, and create the careers we want. After all, we've got valuable insights to share, and the world needs to hear them.