Which female star actress of Moulin Rouge! and Aquaman once trained in massage therapy as a teenager so she could support her family while her mother was undergoing treatment?

[ Answer at the bottom ]

You want to get noticed by leadership, but every time you try, you worry about crossing into “people-pleaser” territory. 

But instead of standing out, you end up stretched thin and invisible. 

The reality? 

Executives don’t respect people who say yes to everything.

They notice those who move the needle.

***

Think of your professional reputation like a spotlight. 

When you aim it everywhere, it weakens. When you focus it on what truly matters, it shines bright. 

Standing out isn’t about pleasing everyone, it’s about showing discernment, boundaries, and impact. 

The goal isn’t to be liked by all… it’s to be trusted by the right people.

Here’s how to deal with your boss so you “Break Out and Move Up!”:

Step 1: Lead With Value, Not Volume
Executives don’t measure effort, they measure outcomes.

Example: Instead of volunteering for every task, focus on the ones that create visible results. Say, “I can take this project and ensure it’s done efficiently,” instead of “I’ll do whatever you need.” Specificity signals confidence.

Step 2: Set Boundaries With Grace
Respect grows when you protect your priorities.

Example: If you’re asked to take on more than you can handle, try, “I’d love to support this… can we shift priorities so I can give it the attention it deserves?” Boundaries show you care about quality, not just approval.

Step 3: Communicate With Clarity
Executives value those who simplify complexity.

Example: In updates, skip the details. Focus on what’s done, what’s next, and what’s needed. Clear, concise communication makes you memorable and trustworthy.

***

You don’t stand out by doing more, you stand out by doing what matters most… and doing it well. 

Stop chasing approval. Start earning respect. 

This week, pick one area where you can add visible value.

And say no to what dilutes your impact. Focused effort builds real presence.

I still remember the first time my younger daughter lied to me.

It was small.
Something about finishing homework.
Nothing earth-shattering.

But the part that caught me wasn’t the lie itself.
It was the hesitation in her eyes…
as if she was trying to become the version of themselves they thought I wanted.

Not who they really were.
Who they believed they had to be to avoid disappointing me.

And in that moment, the issue stopped being about homework.
It became a lesson in human behavior.

People hide the truth when they believe honesty puts the relationship at risk.
People perform when they feel who they are isn’t enough.

And it’s the same in the workplace.

I’ve watched brilliant professionals shape-shift in front of executives… agreeing with everything, censoring themselves, nodding along just to seem cooperative.

Not because they lack ideas.
But because they fear that standing out requires pleasing everyone.

Here’s the truth I learned in my own home:

Authenticity builds trust. Performance builds distance.

Executives don’t remember the people who blend in.
They remember the ones who show clarity, conviction, and grounded confidence.

Standing out isn’t about being louder.
And it definitely isn’t about being agreeable.
It’s about being someone whose presence brings honesty, stability, and perspective.

That moment with my child reminded me:

People don’t need perfection.
They need truth delivered with integrity.

So if you want to stand out without slipping into people-pleasing, start there.

Lead with honesty, not performance.

You’ll be surprised how quickly the room pays attention.

💵 The Art of Getting Noticed and Paid What You’re Worth

❤️ Mentors vs Sponsors: And Why You Need Both

🙋🏻‍♀️ The Best Framework I’ve Seen for Leading Without a Title

DID YOU KNOW?

Nicole Kidman trained as a masseuse as a teenager to help her mother with post-cancer treatment, a skill she still uses to pamper family, revealing a little-known personal talent that contrasts with her famous acting career.

HEADS UP:

In next Sunday’s issue of Career Ladder you will discover… “How to Improve Your Job Without Changing Your Role”

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