Make this major shift in Q2
A client had a revelation in a session the other day.
She had this pattern of holding back, always assuming she would get rejected, that people don't like her. So she said less, waited too long to negotiate on important projects, afraid to bother people.
She was waiting for others to approve of her, but then criticizing herself for playing small.
She was missing opportunities to apply to bigger roles and creating the impact she wanted.
I see this especially with high achievers who are afraid of what rejection might do to their sense of self.
And I know this pattern intimately — from my own experience of having to put myself out there over and over, as I built my own business.
Over-Relying On External Validation Is Costly
The impact of holding back out of fear of being rejected is very common, and most of us don't realize we’re doing it:
You present a vanilla version of yourself rather than your actual opinions
You have a great idea you've been sitting on, but you keep finding reasons why now isn't the right time
You postpone critical conversations, with your manager, your client, your partner.
But no amount of validation or accomplishments remove the fear of rejection.
What Rejection Really Is
Rejection is not a verdict on how good, smart, or worthy you are, or how valuable your work is.
It just means there a lack of fit. The other person’s need doesn’t match yours at that particular moment.
One story I tell my kids about rejection is this: when I first came to New York at 23 and my internship ended, so did my visa. So I took the only job that would sponsor one: selling life insurance at MetLife.
My boss Jonathan would tell our team over and over: get to as many NOs as you can, because each one gets you closer to a YES.
I absolutelty hated getting those nos. And I still do, though it hurts much less and the pain dissolves much faster.
I never forgot the truth in that teaching.
There Is No Shortcut
Every time you put yourself out there, you strengthen your self trust. You create the conditions for your own psychological safety.
You build a new identity. You become the kind of person who is honest and goes after what they want.
The pattern of holding back ends the moment you decide it does.
Q2 Is Here. Time To Go All In
I designed a 90 minsQ2Clarity Session to help you get clear on what's been working in Q1 and what to focus on this quarter.
Together we will look at what you need to double down on, and how to step out of your comfort zone and play big in Q2.
BOOK YOUR Q2 CLARITY SESSION HERE
Once you book your session I will send you the workbook so you can prep. I cannot wait to help you start building Q2 with intention and clarity.
XO
Ramona
P.S. If you are a leader who wants to build psychological safety within your team, I work with organizations on exactly that. Book a conversation HERE.
Hi, I’m Ramona, founder and executive leadership coach partnering with senior leaders, founders, and organizations to build the leadership capacity needed to lead effectively through growth, transition, and ambiguity.
I’ve coached leaders and facilitated leadership development for organizations including Google, Meta, Adobe, Cisco, Deloitte, Accenture, Anthropic, Warner Media, Nordstrom, Mars, Vuori, VC firms, and scaling startups, supporting leaders navigating increased scope, complexity, and pressure.
My approach integrates leadership strategy, evidence-based coaching, emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and mindfulness to help leaders think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and lead with authentic confidence as their roles evolve.
My credentials include: IPEC Certified Leadership Coach | Leadership Circle Profile (LCP)coach | Certified Positive Intelligence Coach | Emotional Intelligence Trainer | Mindfulness Meditation Teacher.
Before coaching, I spent years in senior marketing research and strategy roles at companies including Twitter, eBay, Ancestry, and StubHub, so I deeply understand the pressures of corporate leadership.
I believe that when leaders embody their highest potential, they don’t just advance their careers and organizations—they create ripples of positive change.
