I trusted the wrong person at work.

I trusted the wrong person at work. It cost me.

A number of years ago I was navigating a tricky situation with a more senior leader. I needed to think it through out loud with someone. So I went to a peer I trusted, someone who had listened before and had explicitly said they'd keep things between us.

They did not keep things between us.

What I shared confidentially? They used it against me.
The consequences had a real impact on my career.

The betrayal sucked. I forgive easily, and it took me a while to release this one.

But I learned an important lesson: there are certain conversations that are genuinely not safe to have at work, even with people you believe have your back.

And yet, as a senior leader, I also knew I needed to have those conversations. I needed somewhere to think out loud, challenge my assumptions, stress-test a decision before I made it.

For years I struggled without those conversations, which is why I love what I do now. I get to be the support I was missing for so long. A trusted thought partner with no agenda, no judgment.

And nothing leaves the room.

If you’re facing a decision or conversation you can’t talk about with anyone at work, send me a note. I’d love to help.


Image: Me being supported by one of my fabulous cats... Kiki tolerates me, but he prefers sleep over deep conversation. 😻