Summary:
In this episode, I share a realization that completely changed the way I think about leadership, confidence, and career growth: sometimes the problem isn't you—it's the room you're in.
For years, I believed that if I worked harder, proved myself more, and pushed through challenges, I could succeed anywhere. But looking back, I can see how certain environments quietly chipped away at my confidence while others helped me thrive.
Using the story of NBA star Jalen Brunson's transformation from being viewed as a supporting player in Dallas to becoming a franchise leader in New York, I explore how the right environment can unlock potential that was always there.
I also share my own experience working at Anheuser-Busch under leadership that made me question my value, and how everything changed when I joined Coca-Cola and found a culture where my strengths were recognized and supported.
If you've been feeling stuck, overlooked, or like you're constantly proving yourself, this episode is a reminder that sometimes growth doesn't require becoming someone different—it requires finding a room where you can fully be yourself.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Your Environment Shapes Your Confidence
The room you're in has a powerful impact on how you see yourself. When your contributions are minimized or overlooked, it's easy to assume you're the problem.
Audience follow-up → Where in your life are you receiving signals that make you question your value?
Not All Feedback Is About You
Sometimes what isn't being said is just as important as what is. The lack of support, opportunity, or recognition may reveal more about the environment than your abilities.
Audience follow-up → What "feedback" have you internalized that may actually be a reflection of the culture around you?
Great Leaders Build Around Strengths
The Knicks didn't ask Jalen Brunson to become someone else—they built around what he already did well. Strong leaders and organizations create conditions where people can thrive.
Audience follow-up → Are your strengths being leveraged in your current role, or are you constantly compensating for weaknesses?
Self-Doubt Often Starts in the Wrong Room
Repeated exposure to environments that don't value your perspective can slowly erode confidence, even when you're highly capable.
Audience follow-up → Have you mistaken an environmental issue for a personal deficiency?
Sometimes Growth Requires a Different Room
There comes a point when advocating for yourself isn't enough. If the environment refuses to change, it may be time to find a place where your value is recognized.
Audience follow-up → What would become possible if you stopped trying to convince the wrong people of your worth?
🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:
- Jalen Brunson – His journey from Dallas to New York and how the right environment unlocked his leadership potential.
- Anheuser-Busch – Lori's early leadership experience and lessons learned about workplace culture.
- The Coca-Cola Company – The environment where Lori rebuilt confidence and thrived professionally.
- Leadership environments and the hidden impact they have on confidence, performance, and career growth.
✨ Reflection Prompts:
- Where have I been blaming myself for something that was actually environmental?
- What messages am I receiving from the people and culture around me?
- Do I feel supported, valued, and seen in my current environment?
- What strengths do I bring that aren't being fully recognized?
- What would it look like to move toward a room that expands me instead of shrinking me?
🧠 Who This Episode Is For:
- Women leaders who feel stuck despite working hard
- High performers questioning their confidence or capability
- Professionals navigating difficult workplace cultures
- Executives considering a career move or leadership transition
- Anyone who has ever wondered, "Maybe I'm just not good enough"
This episode is a reminder that your potential isn't determined by the room you're in. Sometimes the breakthrough comes when you stop questioning yourself and start questioning whether the environment is worthy of your gifts.
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