Who Speaks Your Name When You're Not in the Room?
October 2026
High-performing leaders are often very good at advocating for other people.
You recommend someone for the opportunity.
You make the introduction.
You mention a team member’s contribution when they aren't in the room.
You say, “Have you considered her?”
You open doors.
But here's a question we don't ask nearly as often:
Who is doing that for you?
Not who likes you or respects your work.
Who knows you, your aspirations, and the value you bring well enough to speak your name when you're not in the room?
Being known is different from being advocated for.
I've seen extraordinarily capable leaders assume that excellent work and strong relationships will naturally lead to opportunity.
Sometimes they do.
But relationships become especially powerful when people understand not only what you've accomplished, but where you're trying to go.
That requires something from you, too.
You have to let people know:
"Here's what I'm working toward."
"Here's an opportunity I'd like to be considered for."
"Here's where I could use your support."
For someone accustomed to being everyone else's champion, that can feel uncomfortable.
Because you're no longer giving. You're allowing yourself to receive.
And that brings us to the R in the M.O.R.E.™ Mindset: Rich Relationships & Visibility.
Rich relationships aren't about having a large network. They're grounded in trust, reciprocity, and enough honesty for people to know what matters to you.
And visibility isn't about making sure everyone knows your name.
It's making sure the right people know enough about you to advocate for you.
This is true outside of work, too.
Some of us have built entire lives around being the helper, connector, and encourager. We know other people's dreams and champion their next chapter, but don't always give the people who care about us the opportunity to do the same.
Sometimes support isn't absent.
We simply haven't made our needs visible enough to receive it.
So once again, I ask --- What Do You Deserve?
You deserve relationships where support moves in both directions.
You deserve people who know not only what you've accomplished, but what you hope for next.
You deserve to have your name spoken in rooms you haven't entered yet.
And you deserve to receive some of the advocacy you've so freely given to others.
THIS MONTH'S LEADERSHIP LESSON
Don't just build relationships. Build relationships where you can be known, supported, and advocated for.
CALL TO ACTION
Think about three people in your professional or personal life who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Now ask yourself:
Do they know what I want next?
Choose one and have the conversation.
Not a pitch. Not a request for a favor. Simply make your aspirations visible.
Because sometimes self-advocacy isn't speaking louder for yourself.
Sometimes it's allowing the right people to know you well enough to speak for you.
~ Dr. Kym
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