In the 90s, someone would pull out a camcorder at a party—and you’d see a wave of people ducking out of the shot. Hands went up. Faces turned away. “Don’t film me!” was the common cry.

Fast-forward to today’s 20 somethings: You pull out a phone, and they lean in. They pose. Perform. Say something clever for the camera.

That small shift says everything about the generational divide we’re now facing in the workplace.

Gen X ( 45-60) and older millennials ( 35-45) were raised to stay humble, keep their head down, and let their work speak for itself.

But Gen Z? They’ve been broadcasting their thoughts and opinions since their early teens. They’re fluent in visibility. And increasingly, they’re fluent in credibility too.

Visibility used to be optional. Now it’s the currency of influence.

For years, experience was enough to rise through the ranks. But we’ve entered a new era—one where perception equals power, and where being seen often matters more than simply being good.

The result?

Brilliant, experienced professionals in their 40s and 50s are finding themselves overlooked—not because they lack capability, but because they’ve never been taught how to be visible.

Meanwhile, younger professionals who grew up on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are confidently building their brands, telling their stories, and owning the narrative.

And as they start to gain experience too? They’re fast becoming the full package: visible, vocal, and increasingly credible.

If you aren’t raising your industry profile you are at risk of being eclipsed.

This is the harsh reality many mid- to senior-level professionals are waking up to: You may have 20 years of experience—but someone with less than 10 years and and a strong personal brand might have more influence.

And let’s be clear: this isn’t about ego. It’s about relevance.

It’s about staying top of mind for opportunities, leadership roles, board seats, speaking gigs and stretch assignments. It’s about being seen by the right people for the right things.

In fact, 70% of hiring managers now say a strong personal brand is more important than a strong resume (LinkedIn, 2022).

So if you’re over 40 and still relying on “hard work will get me there,” it’s time for a wake-up call: It won’t.

The people who are visible will be the ones promoted, remembered, and followed.

You don’t need to become a social media influencer. But you do need to take control of your narrative.

That starts with:

• Owning your expertise publicly – through LinkedIn content, thought leadership, or speaking engagements
• Positioning yourself strategically – not just as someone with experience, but as someone who is relevant to what’s next
• Building a personal brand – that reflects your credibility, values, and leadership focus

Because the truth is: people can’t value what they can’t see. And if you don’t define your value —someone else will do it for you. And chances are, they won’t get it right.

If you’re ready to be seen, heard, and sought out — start showing up with purpose, I have an exciting new program for senior leaders Called Elevate designed to help you become the go-to leader others listen to, support, and promote — by mastering the influence, visibility, and confidence senior roles demand.

Join the waitlist here – and be the first to know when doors open