Be a Pop of Color in a Sea Of Gray

I've always been bold and expressive. While my social style is generally amiable, my coworkers often saw me as the expressive one, bringing positive energy and enthusiasm wherever I went. It wasn’t just about my personality—I felt a deep urge to express my soul, and it always seemed to do so in technicolor.

Midway through my career, I received the classic piece of advice: dress for the job you want. In other words, put on the corporate uniform. So, I dutifully reached for my black and gray dress suit and blended into the professional landscape. But the fit wasn’t quite right, both literally and figuratively.

After spending two decades in a conservative profession, it became a balancing act—trying to stand out without being "too much." I wanted to make a positive impact, but I feared being perceived as too loud or bold. Interestingly, while people didn’t always comment on my style, they definitely noticed when my energy was absent from the room. And that said more than words could.

A turning point came a little over a year ago. I was at a corporate conference, scanning a sea of black and gray, while wearing my favorite hot pink blazer. At first, I regretted the decision to stand out so much. But then it hit me—this is who I am. My authentic self brings color, energy, and enthusiasm to the workplace. In a world that was growing increasingly monochrome, that vibrancy was needed more than ever. So, I wore my pink blazer with pride.

That moment reinforced a truth I had long known but hadn’t fully embraced: My team didn’t need a watered-down version of me. They needed me—fully, unapologetically, me.

In leadership, our impact is magnified when we lean into our strengths—what Gay Hendricks calls the “zone of genius” in The Big Leap. When we design teams where each person’s unique strengths complement one another, we create a kaleidoscope of leadership styles. Not everyone should wear hot pink; that would be overwhelming. Just as I wasn’t comfortable blending into a sea of gray, not everyone thrives by standing out. But finding the courage to be your authentic self is key to leadership—and that starts with knowing who you are.

What does it mean for you to be a pop of color in a sea of gray? How would you describe your signature leadership style?

I'd love to hear your thoughts—because the world needs who you were made to be.