how to stop worrying about being cringe and finally start being seen

sharing your story isn’t self-promotion, it’s legacy. here’s how to stop overthinking and start owning your voice.

As Black History Month comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what this time truly means. We live in a time where so many of us hesitate to share our voices online, afraid of how we’ll be perceived. But do we think the icons we celebrate during Black History Month let fear of judgment hold them back? They knew their words, actions, and ideas mattered—so they shared them anyway. It’s a celebration of resilience, excellence, and the countless individuals who dared to make their voices heard. But more than that, it’s a call to action. Black history isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about ensuring our voices continue to shape the future. One way to do that is by sharing our stories, experiences, and perspectives, even when it feels uncomfortable.

My Personal Journey to Posting Online

Last year, I would have hesitated to post anything on LinkedIn beyond a professional update, much less volunteer to be featured in HBS’ Black History Month storyboard. I used to see things like that as self-centered, and I didn’t want to come across as boastful, or God forbid, "cringe". But I’ve realized that sharing my story isn’t about me—it’s about creating a path for others who need to see what’s possible.

I didn’t start posting regularly until I got to Harvard Business School (HBS) in 2022. Before Ithat, I had thoughts, insights, and experiences that I knew could help others, but I convinced myself that no one needed to hear them. I worried about what my peers would think. I second-guessed every idea before it ever made it to the ‘Post’ button.

But one of the reasons I chose HBS was because of its case method—a teaching style that requires every student to speak up and defend their opinions. I knew that if I wanted to lead, I had to build the muscle of articulating my thoughts clearly and standing by them, even in the face of disagreement. Over time, I realized that my voice wasn’t just necessary—it was powerful. The ability to contribute, to challenge, and to influence wasn’t something reserved for a select few; it was something that could be developed. And I was developing it.

That shift in mindset didn’t just help me in class—it helped me online. I started posting because I realized that visibility wasn’t about seeking attention—it was about making an impact. And the more I shared, the more I realized that my experiences resonated with people who needed to hear them.

Posting online isn’t just about visibility—it can be critical for career success. Many of my founder classmates have been encouraged by investors to develop their online brands and thought leadership to humanize their companies and establish credibility. Even if you’re not a founder, allowing yourself to be seen online creates opportunities you wouldn’t expect.

I came across an African-American HBS alumna whose career path—spanning human capital strategy to writing a book on helping young professionals succeed—aligned with my own aspirations. Because I had been posting, I felt more comfortable reaching out to her as a fellow creator, providing context on who I was and why I wanted to connect. We had a great discussion, and two months later, I was able to help her secure a speaking role at the AASU conference, where we took a photo together. None of that would’ve happened if I hadn’t been sharing my thoughts online. Posting didn’t just help me grow my confidence—it showed me how putting yourself out there can open doors, not just for you, but for others as well.

Why Sharing Your Story Matters

If you’ve been sitting on ideas, experiences, or insights that could help someone else—but fear has kept you silent—I get it. But here’s the truth: your voice could be exactly what someone else needs to hear. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or commit to a daily posting schedule. You just have to be willing to show up with some regularity.

Sharing your story online isn’t about self-promotion—it’s about representation. It’s about making sure that people who share your background, your ambitions, and your struggles can see what’s possible. It’s about helping others avoid the mistakes you made, or encouraging them to take the leaps you almost didn’t.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes because of it. Before I started posting, I thought I’d wake up one day feeling fully ready to share. That day never came. Per my very first Substack article, confidence is built through action, not overthinking. And if you wait until you feel “ready,” you’ll be waiting forever.

That’s something I learned firsthand when I lost my father. He dedicated his life to helping others as an oncologist, but he also had a dream of transitioning into ministry. He kept putting it off, waiting for the right time. That time never came. His passing was a painful but clear reminder to me: there is no perfect moment to step into what you want to do. The only time we have is now.

How to Share Online Without Feeling Cringe

So, how do you start posting without that cringe feeling creeping in? Here are a few things that helped me:

✅ Start small. Your first post doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. Share a thought, a reflection, or a lesson you’ve learned. It gets easier with time.

✅ Focus on helping, not impressing. Instead of worrying about how you’ll be perceived, think about who you could be helping. Frame your content around what your audience might need.

✅ Make it about the message, not you. If writing about yourself feels uncomfortable, turn the focus outward. What lesson can others take away? How can your experience serve them?

✅ Find your own voice. Not everyone thrives on polished, long-form content. Some people love writing threads. Others prefer video. Experiment with what feels authentic to you.

✅ Remind yourself why you’re doing it. If fear of judgment is stopping you, remember that most people are too busy worrying about themselves to overanalyze your content. And those who do judge? They’re not your audience anyway.

Owning Your Story and Your Voice

Being featured in the Black History Month storyboard reminded me why I show up online, in classrooms, and in conversations—to amplify voices that often go unheard. I’ve seen firsthand how visibility changes lives. When someone shares their journey openly, it gives others permission to imagine a path they hadn’t considered possible.

So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to start sharing, here it is. If you’ve been waiting for a sign that your voice matters—this is it.

I don’t just believe my voice matters—I know it does. And I know yours does too. There is power in owning your experiences, in standing firm in your beliefs, and in using your platform—whether that’s social media, a classroom, or a boardroom—to create space for others.

What’s a time you spoke up—online or in person—and it led to something great? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re showing up. Because Black history isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about shaping the future, together.