When Being Bold Backfires: The Cost of Colouring Outside the Box (Especially Around Men)

Let me be real for a second.
Being a woman who colours outside the box isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a calling. It’s how I see the world. My vision has never been small, and I’ve never subscribed to the idea that I need to shrink myself to fit into someone else’s idea of "how things are done."

But let me tell you what I’ve learned the hard way: when you're bold, fearless, and unapologetically you, working with men—especially the ones who feel threatened by that kind of power—can be damaging to your career.

I’ve seen it.
I’ve lived it.

Men who claim to want innovation, creativity, and leadership… but only if it’s served with a side of submission. The moment you start challenging the status quo, bringing fresh ideas, and not asking for permission to be brilliant—you're labelled "too much."
Too loud.
Too emotional.
Too ambitious.
Too opinionated.

What they really mean is: Too hard to control.

I’m not here to water myself down. I’m not here to be palatable. I’m not here to tick boxes in their playbook. I’ve built my own damn book. And yes, it's bold, it’s vibrant, and it’s written in colours most people haven’t even dared to pick up.

If you're a woman like me—visionary, bold, and unwilling to dim your light—this is your reminder:
You are not the problem.
The box is.

And the truth is, the world needs more women who don’t just think outside the box—they set it on fire and build something better.

So here’s to all of us who were never meant to be contained.
We’re not difficult. We’re disruptive. And that’s exactly what makes us powerful.

Advice for the Next Generation of Fearless Women

To the younger women coming up behind us—listen up. You don’t have to play by the old rules. Here’s how you protect your power and stay true to your vision:

1. Document everything.
   Keep receipts, keep emails, keep records. If someone tries to twist your narrative or block your growth, you'll have proof of your work and your worth.

2. Build your tribe.
   Surround yourself with other bold women who get it. You need a support system that doesn’t flinch when you shine.

3. Know your worth—and then add tax.
   Don’t let them talk you into less than you deserve. Negotiate. Speak up. Walk away if you need to.

4. Set boundaries early and often.
   Being nice isn’t the same as being available for exploitation. Protect your energy like it’s currency—because it is.

5. Keep showing up as your full self.
   Even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable. Your authenticity is your superpower.

6. Learn the game—but don’t lose your soul.
   Know how the system works so you can navigate it. But don’t compromise your integrity to win. Long-term success is built on being real, not being liked.

7. Create your own lane.
   If the table won’t make room for you, build your own damn table—and make it bigger, louder, and more inclusive than theirs ever was.

You don’t have to dim your light to fit into someone else’s box. Burn the box. Be the fire.