The woman kept tearing me down

“I was seen as a threat.”

I naively didn’t see it, because it wouldn’t even register into my thinking, but this is what I came to learn.

Before I started my business 2.5 years ago, I had a long corporate background.

I was the Head of Brand for a multimillion-dollar investment property company, and the thing that forced my hand to leave, was the toxic culture and the massive emotional and physical toll that stress put on my body.

The support girls below me (my team supposedly) were young and eager to climb through that glass ceiling, and they felt like they had to climb over me to get there. 

They were threatened by me, even though I was their manager ,and that meant attacking my relationships, being manipulative, creating behind the scenes drama.

Just… toxic.

Here’s the thing though. I never cared about the glass ceiling. I never cared about climbing to the top. I just always wanted to do a really good job. I was super passionate about what I did, and getting results was what mattered to me – not a title or a certain position. Never has.

I have always been promoted to leadership roles simply because I am really good and what I do and that was seen and wanted. My last corporate job (ever) started as part time support as I had started my business back in 2019 when I left Lavan, but within 6 months they moved into management and then Covid happened.

Everyone told me I should play the game. 

“You need to be more strategic. You can’t just focus on the work – you need to focus on politics.”

But that wasn’t me. I just wanted to show up, do excellent work, and support the people around me.

And you know what the biggest thing I love about being in my own business for 2.5 years now? It’s so much more supportive. So glad I took the leap and left, and wow, how my life has changed.

For me, I am super passionate about supporting other women. I will go out of my way to do this – and it’s so nice because it’s actually accepted and appreciated. I’m no longer seen as a threat, which I just absolutely love.

I’ll go out of my way to show up for someone because I know it means a lot to them. I’ll send a message when I notice great content. Reach out and check if is OK when I see them struggling. These things cost nothing and make the world of difference to the other person.

I think the Perth entrepreneur community is beautiful and supportive in a way corporate never was.

So, here’s my question for you – what can you do to show even 25% more support to the people around you? Is this something you do a lot of already?

Imagine if we all did just a bit more. The cumulative effect of that. One extra message acknowledging someone’s great work. One more check-in when you notice someone struggling. One additional moment of genuine celebration for someone’s win.

These small acts of support cost nothing, but together they change everything.

The world needs more people who choose kindness over competition.

Have a great week and let me know if you resonated with this message.

Speak soon