Ep 87 | Don’t Dim Your Light to Make Others Feel Better

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Let Your Light Shine—And Help Others Shine, Too: Empowering Growth Through Onsite PD and Workshops

Have you ever been told you’re just “too much”? Maybe you’ve felt the sting of being judged—whether it was your energy, boldness, or the simple act of stepping into a room with confidence. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to dim your light just to make others comfortable, you’re not alone. It’s a struggle many of us (especially women) know all too well.

In a recent episode of the She Finds Joy podcast, happiness coach and speaker Kim Strobel dives deep into this exact experience. After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, Kim returns with a fiery passion to help others ditch outdated expectations, claim their confidence, and unapologetically take up space in the world.

Why We Dim Our Light—and Why We Shouldn’t

Kim shares raw, real-life stories of being judged for everything from running marathons to simply wearing a dress she loves. The criticism wasn’t just from the outside world—it often came from within her community, even colleagues. “Your light will always trigger those who are afraid to shine their own,” Kim says, highlighting the uncomfortable truth that many are taught to shrink themselves for the comfort of others.

From being asked to wear pants because others complained about her legs, to being accused (absurdly!) of flirting with a colleague’s child, Kim experienced firsthand the costs of standing out. But these experiences became turning points. Rather than giving up, she began advocating for herself—and, in turn, started inspiring others to do the same.

The Cost of Playing Small

Too often, especially in professional environments, we’re encouraged to shrink ourselves. It’s a reality women know across the board—from schools to corporations and everywhere in between. But as Kim’s story proves: shrinking doesn’t serve anyone. When we downplay our strengths or hide our true selves, we not only rob ourselves of joy—we deny others the light they need to find their own way.

Leadership isn’t arrogance. Confidence isn’t a character flaw. Owning your ambition isn’t “too much.” And when we choose to show up boldly, we give others permission to do the same.

Professional Development that Celebrates Strength

The workplace—and our lives—need more individuals willing to own their power and stand in their light. That’s where Onsite PD and Live/Virtual Workshops come in. Imagine your team embracing their authentic selves, engaging in open discussions about real challenges, and leaving with practical, actionable steps for both personal and professional growth.

Does your team need a boost of authenticity, confidence, and connection? That’s exactly what these workshops are designed to provide. Through a blend of evidence-based happiness strategies and real-world storytelling, participants learn to:

  • Reframe criticism and self-doubt into growth
  • Build resilience against negativity and “keyboard warriors”
  • Create an inclusive environment where everyone’s light can shine
  • Embrace bold leadership without apology
  • Develop actionable strategies to foster happiness, regardless of adversity

Ready to Uplevel Your Team? Here’s Your Next Step

Onsite Professional Development (PD) Sessions: Bring the energy, inspiration, and science-backed tools directly to your school, organization, or leadership team with an in-person PD experience led by a seasoned happiness coach.

Live/Virtual Workshops: Prefer connecting online? No problem! Interactive virtual workshops deliver the same dynamic experience, reaching teams wherever they are—no travel required.

Whether in person or online, these sessions offer more than just “feel good” moments. They create tangible action plans and bring practical, zero-fluff guidance to help you and your colleagues thrive.

Why Now?

Now is the perfect time. After years of stress, uncertainty, and change, people are craving connection, meaning, and a workplace where they’re empowered—not diminished.

As Kim Strobel says,

“The world does not need more women who shrink themselves to fit outdated expectations. The world needs your boldness. It needs your confidence. And it needs ambitious men and women who are willing to take up space…”

Make the Shift—For Yourself and Your Organization

Imagine the impact if every person in your community or team felt empowered to step fully into their light. Not only would you see increased confidence and morale, but you’d foster an environment of true innovation, happiness, and collaboration.

Let’s create a ripple effect—where boldness, joy, and authentic leadership become the norm, not the exception.

Ready to bring this transformation to your organization?

You have the power to create a happier, more empowered environment. Don’t dim your light—let it shine, and watch how others’ lights grow brighter, too.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, Kim Strobel returns to the She Finds Joy podcast with renewed energy, ready to share personal insights and practical advice for embracing your authentic self. In this shorter, heart-to-heart episode, Kim opens up about her own struggles with criticism, judgment, and the societal pressure—especially on women—to “dim their light.” She tackles the common experience of being labeled as “too much” and shares raw stories from her teaching career, highlighting how she’s learned (sometimes the hard way) to refuse to shrink herself for others’ comfort.

Kim draws on messages from Rebecca Campbell’s book, Light is the New Black, and encourages listeners to reflect on how they might be holding themselves back. The episode offers empowering mindset shifts, a big dose of real talk, and plenty of encouragement to show up boldly, unapologetically, and let your light shine.

 

What’s in the episode:

  • Why Kim took a podcasting sabbatical—and what inspired her return
  • The societal and workplace pressures (especially for women) to play small or dim your light
  • Personal stories of criticism and judgment Kim has faced for being confident, positive, and authentic
  • The importance of not shrinking to make others comfortable
  • Insights from Light is the New Black and the message that your light may trigger others who are afraid to shine
  • The transformational moment when Kim decided never to make herself small for others again
  • How embracing your boldness and light actually empowers others to do the same

 

“The world does not need more women who shrink themselves to fit outdated expectations. The world needs your boldness.”

 

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review here or at kimstrobel.com/review, and share the show with someone who could use a little encouragement.

You can also subscribe to never miss an episode.

Thank you for being here and showing up.

 

Keep shining—because when you do, you give others the courage to shine their light, too.

 

For more encouragement and real talk, follow Kim Strobel and She Finds Joy!

Produced with love and realness, dogs barking included. 🐾✨

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