From Hiding to Impact: Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy

Wearing Many Hats but Remaining Hidden 

Mary spent more than 45 years wearing many hats—team lead, project developer, systems analyst, and business analyst in IT. She thrived in her roles, yet she consistently refused to move into management, even though she was a gifted extrovert. Instead, she posed as an introvert, shrinking back from her authentic self. On the surface, it looked like she was making career choices, but in truth, Mary was hiding. 

Like so many of us, Mary tried to change her results without first addressing the belief systems that shaped her decisions. Her reluctance wasn’t about lack of skill or opportunity; it was about internal barriers. Years ago, during a team-building exercise based on Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner’s The Leadership Challenge, she was confronted with her own greatness. In that moment, she realized just how much she had worked to remain unseen, quietly carrying self-inflicted limitations that had kept her from stepping fully into the leader God created her to be. 

The Challenge of Remaining Hidden 

Sometimes these barriers are deeply personal, but they can also be shaped by culture and ethnicity. Many people, like Mary, internalize limitations from the environments they grew up in, the narratives spoken over them, or the expectations placed upon them by society. When these cultural or ethnic mindsets go unchallenged, they can convince us to shrink back, remain silent, or settle for mediocrity—robbing both us and the world of the brilliance God has placed within. 

When we shy away from developing our full potential, the consequences extend far beyond ourselves. Families, friends, and communities are deprived of the unique, God-given abilities meant to transform lives and impact the world. We can remain tucked away in mediocrity, or we can build, become better, and rise into our best selves—creating maximum impact in our sphere of influence. 

Biblical Anchor 

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:14–16 (KJV): 

 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 

Leadership is not about hiding but shining—illuminating the path so others can follow and God can be glorified. 

Reflection Questions