I realized that the role I had been playing became how many people saw me as a person. Instead of a critical thinker, I was simply viewed as critical.
I spent some time beating myself up over missed opportunities and blindspots that suddenly became so clear, then I started to learn how to let go.
While in corporate America, I spent more time than I can count thinking about how I can authentically express myself and be heard without coming across as “too angry”. What is the “right” amount of passion and commitment I can convey when I am advocating for myself and others while remaining likable? How do I come across as powerful and intelligent without being labeled as intimidating? Bottom line: exhausting.