When “High Standards” Become Resistance
Last fall, I found myself asking the same question many of my clients ask:
Now what?
I was flummoxed. I couldn’t see a clear path forward. Even as I brainstormed and asked others for input, I just kept spinning.
Then I asked myself different questions:
What is my purpose for being here right now?
What do I actually value?
The answer was surprisingly simple: I want to expand my impact. To make my work — in confidence, communication, and leadership — available to more people. Not just those in boardrooms or at conferences.
And what helps you do that? You guessed it…
Social media.
So the shift wasn’t about strategy. It was about purpose. And, if I truly believe in this work, then I have to meet people where they are. And today, they’re online.
So, I had to get over myself.
But accessible doesn’t mean watered down — it means more people can use it. And if the work is strong, it doesn’t diminish just because it’s visible.
It’s funny because sometimes what we call “high standards” is actually intellectual ego… and fear.
We tell ourselves:
“I don’t chase trends.”
“This is shallow.”
“I’m above this.”
And sometimes that’s true.
But sometimes, it’s resistance. It’s a way not to grow. I have found that leaders don’t get stuck because they lack intelligence. They get stuck because they over-identify with the version of themselves that once worked. And growth always makes us loosen our grip on that identity.
What I finally had to confront was this: Am I protecting my work — or protecting my self-image?
So I’m jumping in. Headfirst.
With these new video conversations, I’m bringing this work into a more accessible, everyday format.
Same substance. Same standards. New channels.
In my videos, you’ll get:
- Communication tools for high-stakes moments
- Leadership insights
- How to speak up when you’d rather stay quiet
- Real talk about fear, ego, visibility, and growth
- And more…
If you’re ready to elevate how you show up as a leader — or if you’ve learned from me in a keynote, workshop, boardroom, or coaching session and want to go further —
Follow along on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, and keep an eye out for what’s coming next.
See you online,
— Peggy
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