The secret to career growth?
The most successful combine two qualities most see as opposites:

Fierce ambition and genuine humility.

We’re taught you have to choose one: ambition or humility.

But I see the opposite every day.

In my career and in coaching women leaders, I’ve watched brilliant professionals plateau… not because of lack of talent, but because they lean too far into one trait and neglect the other.

Here’s why the balance matters:
– Unchecked ambition leads to arrogance and, sometimes, costly mistakes.
– Too much humility can mean you’re overlooked, even when you deserve recognition.

So, how do you thread the needle?

⓵ Set bold goals, then invite feedback.
➙ Share your vision without hesitation—and then ask, “What am I missing?”

⓶ Claim your achievements—no apologies.
➙ Replace “I just got lucky” with “I worked hard for this.” Give credit to your team, but don’t downplay your own impact.

⓷ Volunteer for high-visibility projects, and share the spotlight.
➙ Step up for challenging work, then be first to acknowledge others’ contributions.

⓸ Make decisive calls, then review outcomes with curiosity.
➙ Own your choices fully. And after, look back objectively at what worked and what didn’t.

⓹ Know your worth in salary talks.
➙ Do your homework, ask for what you’ve earned, and always frame it around the value you bring.

The best leaders I’ve coached learned to do both:
Swing big, then learn fast.