From Best-Kept Secret To Stand-Out Authority – The Visibility Fix Every Leader Needs
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Debbie Bryan is a Leadership Visibility Expert and TEDx Speaker with over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, executives, and high-level teams speak with confidence, build authority, and communicate powerfully in business, on stage, and in the media.
You know that feeling – you’re brilliant at what you do, respected in your field, maybe even leading a business or team. And yet, you're still not being seen in the way you should be. Opportunities pass by. Clients choose louder competitors. Your message doesn't land, even though you know it matters.
You're not alone. I've worked with high-performing founders, executives, and creatives who quietly confess the same thing: "I feel like the best-kept secret in my industry."
It’s not about capability. It’s about visibility. And most of us were never taught how to show up with clarity, confidence, and presence.
Before I became a TEDx speaker and visibility strategist, I was a hairdresser who thought "being good" was enough. It wasn’t. I built my business behind the scenes for years, helping others shine—until I realised I had a voice worth hearing too. Since then, I’ve helped leaders and entrepreneurs stop hiding, own their message, and speak with power.
Because visibility isn't about showing off. It's about showing up. Consistently. Authentically. Strategically.
Five visibility fixes every leader needs
1. Presence over performance
Your audience doesn't need you to be polished. They need you to be present. When you speak, are you fully there? People follow clarity and energy. Not scripts. Not over-rehearsed soundbites.
2. Simplicity over sophistication
When introducing, networking, or meeting people, if your message takes more than 10 seconds to explain, you’ll lose people. Strip back the jargon. Speak in headlines. Simplicity is powerful—and memorable.
3. Speak before you’re ready
Perfection paralysis keeps too many brilliant people quiet. You don’t need to wait until you "feel ready" to raise your voice. Start small. Post that thought. Join that panel. Visibility builds through action.
4. Know what you stand for
If you can’t answer this in one line, your audience won’t either. Get clear on your positioning. Not just what you do, but why it matters now. This is the anchor of your visibility.
5. Tell the story that scars made
You don’t need to trauma-dump. But you do need to be human. Your lived experience is your credibility. Show us how you got here. Show us you’re real.
You don’t need to become louder to be seen. You need to become clearer.
Whether you’re leading a team, growing a brand, or building a legacy, visibility isn’t just a marketing strategy. It’s leadership.
And if you feel like the best-kept secret? You won’t be for long.
Seek mentorship and coaching
Find mentors or coaches who can provide guidance, support, and insights based on their own experiences and expertise. Look for individuals who have achieved success in your industry or business niche and are willing to share their knowledge and insights with you. Participate in mentorship programs, networking events, or industry associations to connect with potential mentors and build meaningful relationships. Additionally, consider hiring a business coach or consultant who can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific business challenges and goals.
Read more from Debbie Bryan
Debbie Bryan, Leadership Visibility Expert & TEDx Speaker
Debbie Bryan is a Leadership Visibility Expert and TEDx Speaker known for helping entrepreneurs and business leaders speak with confidence and clarity. With over 25 years of experience, she’s worked behind the scenes with 6- and 7-figure founders to transform fear into presence and story into strategy. A former hairdresser turned international speaker, Debbie believes visibility should feel personal, not performative. She’s the go-to for those who are brilliant at what they do, but still feel like the best-kept secret. When she’s not coaching clients or speaking at events, you’ll find her curating luxury retreats, mentoring rising talent, or recording at Swindon 105.5, where she serves as a director.
