7 Visibility Pitfalls That Hold You Back and What to Do Instead

Written by Gaëlle Berruel, Visibility & Confidence Coach, Motivational Speaker

Gaëlle is a renowned Visibility & Confidence Coach empowering senior women leaders to be seen, recognised, and valued. She is the founder of A Rockstar Mindset, co-author of Women Making A Difference, and UK Ambassador for Psychologies magazine. Gaëlle has been featured in NBC, CBS, and Psychologies.

Gorgeous, did you notice it? Waiting quietly for recognition is overrated. Let your achievements speak for themselves is obsolete. The world won’t see you unless you show up. In today’s fast-paced environments, visibility isn’t just a bonus; it’s essential. It’s how you create the impact you’re meant to make.

The problem? Self-promotion wasn’t a subject available to study at school or at university.

No one taught us how to own our voice, amplify our presence, and do it in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Worse, the fear of looking inauthentic or “too much” holds many women back from being visible and making a difference.

But here’s the truth: Visibility is an act of service. When you show up, you don’t just open doors for your own success; you inspire others and make a difference.

The key is doing it authentically without falling into the traps that make self-promotion feel awkward, exhausting, or ineffective.

So, let’s talk about it.

7 biggest pitfalls to avoid to be visible authentically and what to do instead

1. See visibility as a means to an end

Many people see visibility as another tick-box exercise or a means to an end. They want to be visible to increase their reputation and credibility, and once that is done, visibility is no longer their concern. The problem is that being visible on a short-term basis is the antithesis of building connection and trust.

Being visible is an act of service and a courageous act to be unapologetic about your authenticity and character. If you do it from these perspectives, the return on investment is beyond what you could ever imagine because you do it from a place of service, giving value, not from a place of greed, manipulation, or transaction.

I have been doing it for seven years now, and the opportunities that have fallen into my world have been nothing short of extraordinary. They have translated into working with my ideal clients, speaking on prestigious stages, being recognised for my work (visibility consultancy of the year in 2024), becoming a best-selling author, and meeting amazing people, powerhouses, and trailblazers, all united to make a difference.

2. Not cultivating a flexible and outside-of-the-box mindset

The danger? Seeing threats, dangers, risks and negativity everywhere instead of leading your inner focus system (the Reticular Activating System) to show you new perspectives and opportunities to be bolder to step into the unknown.

It’s always behind your fear that your potential awaits. That’s why cultivating A Rockstar Mindset is a game-changer for your visibility, impact, and recognition.

3. Build your confidence based only on practice

Why? Because from the moment you stop practising, you’re going to lose your confidence. The challenge is that this type of confidence is based on your consistency. Let’s be real here; being consistent requires motivation, commitment, and discipline.

You are a work in progress and, particularly, human. Being inconsistent is going to happen. The key? Learn from it and give yourself the support to be consistent (coaching, delegation, systems).

4. Fake it to make it

This attitude reinforces the imposter syndrome and makes you feel like an imposter or a fraud. It is a direct ticket to self-sabotage. Trust me, Gorgeous, you do not want to feel this way. Instead, do the inner work and invest in your personal development.

By doing so, you will discover your genius and brilliance - what makes you fascinating, what you can bring to the table that no one can, and this Gorgeous is your Rockstar Vibe, this blend of uniqueness, awesomeness, and magic that you have that no one has.

When you unlock it, you have crystal clarity about your talents, strengths, and gifts, and you can shine unapologetically.

5. Lack of consistency

You send a crystal-clear message that you’re not serious about your career or purpose. You’re not here for the long haul to bring them value, and inconsistency builds mistrust. Instead, Gorgeous, be open to this truthbomb: Visibility is the most powerful channel to build connection, trust, and relationships.

If your mission is to be of service in your position by helping people to grow, develop, and thrive, you must be consistent in your brand, message, and attitude. You need to have the honesty to recognise your mistakes and pitfalls and make amends, and particularly be able to communicate this clearly and confidently.

6. Not learning and mastering visibility skills

Ignore the importance of gaining a visibility skillset for speaking on stage, camera confidence, networking skills, and communication skills like talking clearly and confidently in male-dominated environments. Instead, invest in yourself and master these skills. Once you master these skills, they’re yours for life.

7. Lack of clarity about professional direction

Without clarity, you’re prone to make more mistakes and wrong decisions. The result?

Self-criticism, blame, and a direct ticket to Self-Sabotage Land. Instead, be open to doing the reflection and exploration work to reconnect to what lights up your soul and sparks your joy, aliveness, and radiance.

It asks you to detach yourself from a few limiting beliefs to give yourself permission to have a fulfilling career. In a nutshell, invest in yourself. Additionally, the more you do this work early, the more focused and committed you’ll be to accomplish your goals and bring your vision to reality quickly than you would have done it on your own.

Gorgeous, if you want to be visible, recognised, and make an impact by mastering your visibility, I invite you to book a call with me.

You’re not born for mediocrity. You’re born for greatness. Let’s do it together.

Follow me on LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!

Read more from Gaëlle Berruel

Gaëlle Berruel, Visibility & Confidence Coach, Motivational Speaker

Gaëlle is a leader in visibility and confidence coaching for senior women leaders. Seven years ago, she hid behind her laptop, longing to help women be recognised for their work and value.

Without a roadmap to visibility from a place of authority and authenticity, she created one, becoming the fullest expression of herself: radiant, fulfilled, and unapologetic. Today, as the CEO of A Rockstar Mindset, she empowers women to be visible, recognised, and make an impact. Gaëlle is a multi-award-winning coach, a sought-after speaker, and a best-selling author featured in top global publications. Her mission: You're a diamond in the rough. Let me help you to become the Rockstar of your life.