Safe to Be Seen
Here’s the truth: for many of us (including me), visibility can feel unsafe.
Not because of the camera, the writing or the platform — but because of the fear of criticism or rejection that can come with it.
That fear is real.
It’s why so many posts on LinkedIn feel overly polished. Sanitized. “Professional.” Safe in appearance, but not safe in truth.
But here’s what I’ve noticed:
• The posts that connect are the human ones.
• The ones that reveal character, vulnerability or even old scars.
• The ones that remind us: you’re not the only one.
For some, visibility looks like writing their first post.
For others, it’s hitting record on a video, even if you hate how you look on camera.
Sometimes it’s as simple as commenting thoughtfully on someone else’s content.
All of it counts. All of it builds safety in being seen.
Last month, I wrote about one of the most shameful moments in my career — when I got laid off (and that happened 20+ years ago). I was nervous to post it.
(If you want to see it: https://lnkd.in/gNvsbVxS )
Who wants to admit failure? I certainly don’t. But the result? 24,000+ impressions. The most ever for me. (Not that that was my goal. I think that the vulnerability of the post made it resonate.)
It did well not because it was super polished. It did well because it was real.
Which is why today, I’m pairing this post with a picture of me in the morning –coffee in hand, bedhead in full force. Not polished. Not “LinkedIn professional.”
But human. Because that’s the point.
In a world of AI content, “safe to be seen” is about:
👉 Showing up as human.
👉 Sharing in a way that builds connection, not just polish or ‘brand.’
👉 Trusting that visibility is where opportunities and connections begin.
LinkedIn is unique. Trolls are rare here. Support is more common.
And when we show up human, we listen better. We connect more deeply.
So here’s my question for you:
What’s one story you’ve been holding back from sharing because it didn’t feel “safe” enough?
Safe to be seen
