Part 2: The Quiet Pushback

The glow of that successful presentation lasted for weeks. My confidence soared as I threw myself into new projects and meetings with even more energy. But soon, subtle cracks began to appear.  

At first, I thought I was imagining things. The once-enthusiastic nods were replaced with polite smiles. People who used to approach me after meetings began walking past without a word.  

Then came the feedback.  

“Great presentation, but maybe dial it back a bit next time,” one colleague said, half-smiling.  

Another time, after a heated brainstorming session, someone pulled me aside and said, “You have a strong presence, but it can be a little overwhelming.”  

Overwhelming? I wasn’t sure what that meant. But it stuck with me.  

Then, during a team lunch, I overheard a conversation that felt like a punch to the gut. “She’s great, but it’s just… a lot sometimes. You know what I mean?” someone said. The others nodded in quiet agreement, their voices dropping as I walked by.  

I began second-guessing myself.  

The next time I presented, I tried speaking more softly, using less hand movement, and holding back some of the ideas I was truly excited about. I felt awkward, unsure, but no one seemed to notice. And that’s when it hit me—they were more comfortable with this muted version of me.  

That realization crushed me.  

Don’t miss Part 3: The Realization and Resolve.