Faye McDonough

That’s how I often feel publishing my writing despite a subscriber list full of friends (hello to those of you reading 👋🏻) 

Sharing my thoughts with the world still feels uncomfortable.

Even after a year or so of being visible online and after seeing all the real-life, in person benefits that come from sharing authentically, putting myself out there in new ways (such as sharing this website with you all) continues to challenge me.

Last year was my year of being visible. It worked. I did it. But it’s not always easy to keep at it. I have to learn how to do it again. And again.

I have to challenge myself to share my achievements and what I’m working on. Get comfortable with people knowing more about me.

I question what I’ve got to share, and can lose sight of why I’m here and who I’m writing for. It can lead to overthinking and a noisy inner critic asking “Exactly who do you think you are?” 

But – and it’s a big BUT – achieving clarity through writing and visibility (both online and offline) has transformed my career and connections in ways I never expected.

If you’re hesitating about putting yourself out there, this is a reminder of why visibility is worth the discomfort. 

Why Visibility Matters

Visibility creates opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. When you share your expertise, experiences, and authentic self, you become discoverable to people who need exactly what you offer. It transforms you from someone who waits for opportunities to someone who attracts them naturally.

It builds meaningful connections and community. By putting your thoughts and work out there, you find your people – those who resonate with your perspective, face similar challenges, or can benefit from your insights. These connections often become the most valuable part of your professional network.

Visibility accelerates your growth and impact. Sharing your knowledge helps others while clarifying your own thinking. Teaching forces learning, and the feedback you receive helps you refine your expertise and understand your unique value.

It positions you as the go-to person for what you’re passionate about. When you consistently share insights about your areas of expertise, people start thinking of you first when those topics come up. This leads to speaking opportunities, board roles, collaborations, and career advancement.

Most importantly, visibility lets you contribute to conversations that matter to you. If you don’t share the brilliant things you’re working on and the insights you’ve gained, who will? Your perspective and experience could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

The discomfort is real, but so is the impact – both on your own opportunities and on the people you can help along the way.

Here is a list of my Top Ten Visibility Wins (in case you want proof). Here’s what happened when I committed to showing up consistently: 

My Top Ten Visibility Wins:

1. Generated leads for opportunities and introductions to meaningful collaborations
2. Grew self-awareness; sharing financial education generously is my superpower!
3. Built better relationships with colleagues that have endured
4. Increased my knowledge and network in social finance quickly 
5. Created new opportunities; I was offered Board Trustee and Non-Exec roles
6. Asked to guest on one of my most-listened-to podcasts (pinch me)
7. Booked to speak at events and join panels on my favourite subjects
8. Recommended as a good person to learn authentic visibility from
9. Built a community that I love and a much more engaged support network
10. Received multiple messages thanking me for sharing my experiences

Consider this inspiration to do the same. BE VISIBLE and share all the brilliant things you’re working on. Because if you don’t, who will? 

I could go on, but you get the idea. What are you waiting for? 

Your reflection: Which of these outcomes would be most valuable for your own career and personal growth? What’s currently holding you back from pursuing visibility?

Being Visible Online: How I Write

Writing online didn’t come easy for me.

Some of my old NatWest colleagues might remember my resistance to a LinkedIn challenge circa 2014. It took another six years after that to become a regular poster.

Overcoming a challenge forced me to get on with it. LinkedIn was essential for building a sales pipeline from zero for a new product in a new business after maternity leave.

I’ve become braver with a bit of practice.

If you’re thinking of writing more online – and lots of people tell me they are – these five tips may help:

1. Write About Something You’re Passionate About

Write about what you enjoy and what you’ve been talking or thinking about. I like to write about leadership, managing teams, wellbeing, learning, networking and what I’ve been up to (often a mix of all that!)

When you write about topics that genuinely interest you, your authentic voice comes through naturally.

2. Have Someone in Mind

Who will benefit from the knowledge you are sharing? This takes the pressure off sharing your thoughts with the WHOLE WORLD. Focus on one or two friends – friends that you chat about this kind of stuff with.

This simple shift transforms writing from broadcasting to conversation, making it feel less overwhelming and more purposeful.

3. Be Curious and Open-Minded

Curate your feed. Interact with your interests and the algorithm will work its magic showing you more of what you are interested in. If you’re inspired and surrounded by like-minded people, sharing your thoughts is easier – plus you’ll have plenty of role models for doing it well.

4. Have a Regular Time for Writing

I used to write and post on the train. It kept me accountable and entertained for the journey. As I did it more often, it became a key part of my weekly reflection and development. Now I no longer commute, I pick up the laptop when I’m home alone and the kids are in bed. It’s my alternative to watching a box set. 

Pick a time and place that works for you. Consistency matters more than perfection. Regular practice builds both skill and confidence.

5. Be Generous and Kind

If you enjoyed reading someone’s writing, tell them what you liked – if not in the comments, by message. Everyone appreciates the feedback – pressing publish is a big step for many. Take this kindness to the comments using it as writing practice and that can build your confidence for publishing more frequently.

Your reflection: What topics are you naturally passionate about? Who in your network would benefit from your insights and experiences?

Being Visible Offline: Building Real Connections

But visibility isn’t just about online presence. Some of my most meaningful opportunities have come from showing up in person and building genuine relationships.

An event last week reminded me of these five things about networking, community and building relationships.

1. The Compound Effect of Showing Up

Networking and attending events alone can be daunting but it’s worth the investment – when you arrive at future events and you already know the majority of the attendees, your hard work has paid off. All you have to do then is enjoy it.

Building relationships is like compound interest – the early investments feel disproportionately difficult, but over time, they create exponential returns. 

2. Be Selective and Choose Wisely

Go to events that you enjoy, with people you’d like to spend more time with. Sounds simple but it can be easy to be distracted by the next invite.

Quality over quantity applies to networking just as much as anything else. Better to build meaningful connections at events you genuinely enjoy than to spread yourself thin across every opportunity.

3. Bring a Friend

If you’re nervous about going alone, bring a friend who would be a good addition and who will enjoy it. I did that at a recent conference and it made a world of difference to how much I was looking forward to it.

Having support makes new situations less intimidating and often leads to richer conversations.

4. Embrace Serendipity

Serendipity is finding something good when not looking for it. I’m so grateful to the people I’ve met through work who’ve now made it to my personal WhatsApp – often through the most unlikely of introductions.

Be open to new connections and friendships, even if you think you don’t have space for any more.

5. Find Your Flock

You’re not going to achieve this overnight but remember, as humans, we’re social creatures! Investing in your flock of like-minded people will make you happier, healthier and more productive.

Your reflection: What events or communities align with your interests and goals? How could you make networking feel more natural and enjoyable?

The Intersection of Online and Offline Visibility

The magic happens when online and offline visibility work together.

Your online presence can:

• Help people find you before events
• Give conversation starters when you meet in person
• Deepen relationships that begin face-to-face
• Create opportunities for meaningful collaborations

Similarly, offline connections can:

• Inspire your online writing through talking points and shared experiences
• Expand your network beyond algorithm limitations
• Build trust that translates to online engagement
• Create accountability for your visibility efforts

Questions for Your Own Visibility Journey

As you think about increasing your own visibility:

• What unique perspective or experience do you have that others could benefit from?
• How could you start small with either online writing or offline networking?
• Who could you writing for and who could benefit from what you know?
• What would make showing up feel more natural and less forced?
• Who in your existing network could support your visibility efforts?
• What outcomes would make the discomfort of visibility worth it for you?

Moving Forward with Intentional Visibility

Visibility isn’t about self-promotion or showing off. I’ve learned that what it is really about is contribution and connection.

When you share your knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, you create opportunities for others to learn and for meaningful relationships to develop.

The discomfort of visibility is real, but so are the rewards. Every time you post something helpful, attend an event, or share your expertise, you’re contributing to a community of learning and growth – and it’s just the beginning.

Visibility is a practice, not a destination – each time still requires courage, but it does get easier I promise.

Start small, be consistent, and remember:

---

Much of what I share here comes from my experience of learning from Lauren Currie and UPFRONT‘s flagship learning experience, The Bond. Both have transformed how I think about writing and visibility – this article is how I’ve put brilliant guidance into action in a way that feels true to me.