This blog is probably going to ruffle some feathers, and that’s exactly the way I like it.
If you’ve built your business chasing what’s “palatable” and trying to avoid being “too much”, then what I’m about to say, inspired by my conversation with Sophie Lee in the latest episode of What Is Public Relations? The Podcast, might sting a little.
But let’s get real: most women, especially female founders, are constantly asked (directly and indirectly) to tone it down, to shrink, to fit in a box that doesn’t belong to us. And the truth is, those boxes are killing your joy and strangling your impact.
So I’m calling it: playing small is out. Good Girl Energy is costing you clients. Reclaiming your voice and getting “niche famous” by being FULLY yourself is in.
WHY PALATABLE ISN’T ENOUGH
In much of the online business world, there’s this underlying message that you should dress up your message, soften your edges and always be likable. And yes, that might get you in the door somewhere bland and beige, but it’ll never get you the seat at the table where you can actually make change.
Sophie and I dug deep into this on the podcast. She’s spent years helping women smash through “good girl” conditioning, using somatics, story and a whole lot of stage presence to help founders step into their power.
What stood out to me most? Her mission is about resonance, not just recognition. Visibility isn’t only about eyeballs. It’s about showing up with truth, conviction and enough colour that you repel the wrong clients and attract the ones who genuinely need (and want) what you do.
It’s not just about being seen, it’s about being understood.
ARE YOU HIDING?
If you’ve ever found yourself pulling back, nervous that someone might think you’re “too much” or accuse you of being “too full of yourself”, you’re not alone. Sophie shared that people have ACTIVELY told her she’s “too colourful and outspoken”. Good. Let’s celebrate that. Because when you make yourself palatable, you dilute your magic and invite the wrong energy into your business.
Being bold in your communication isn’t just about saying what you mean. It’s also about choosing where, and who, you say it to. Your brand should be a super-attractor for the people you genuinely want to work with, not a welcome mat for everyone with a pulse.
Ask yourself these questions:
🤔 Are you hiding parts of yourself in your messaging because you fear rejection or criticism?
🤔 Is your brand strategy built to attract the right clients AND repel the ones that aren’t a fit?
🤔 Do you feel drained by the effort of keeping up appearances, instead of being energised by your impact?
🤔 Are you willing to be unapologetic, even if it means you’ll face more criticism?
If you’re answering yes to any of those, you’re not alone, but it’s time for a shake-up.
WHNE AUTHENTICITY IS MORE THAN A BUZZWORD
I’m not talking about that watered-down “authenticity” the online world loves to tout. I mean the raw, unfiltered version of YOU. Sophie’s work is all about helping founders communicate with impact by EMBODYING their truth, from the inside out. None of this slap-on-a-mantra-and-hope-for-the-best stuff. It’s deep inner work. It’s the nervous system regulation. It’s telling your story with conviction, so your audience feels your message, not just reads it.
And that means accepting that you can’t keep everyone happy. If your brand is sparking conversations, you’re doing something right. Silence may feel safe, but it also breeds shame and invisibility, and I’m here for trailblazers, not shrinking violets.
STRATEGY OVER SHOUTING
It can feel tempting to show up everywhere, on every platform, hoping to finally get noticed. Stop right there! You don’t need to be everywhere; you need to be in the right places, saying the right things, to the right people. That’s how resonance happens. Pick your audience, know your mission and let your truth do the talking.
If your message has purpose, you’ll learn to get comfortable with the discomfort, even when the keyboard warriors come for you. As Sophie said, happy people don’t spend their days ripping others down. Stay focused on your mission and regulate your reactions so you can keep showing up, no matter what.
RAISE YOUR PROFILE WTHOUT COMPROMISE
Here’s what I want you to take away:
✅ Don’t hide the messy bits. Your story is your strongest asset.
✅ Use PR as a way to build credibility, raise your profile and connect with those who need you most, NOT as a way to be universally liked.
✅ Be strategic in your visibility, show up intentionally, not indiscriminately.
✅ Stand in your truth. It’ll attract the right opportunities every time.
✅ Don’t shrink to fit. Full-blooded, “too much” women change industries (and history).
I’m not here to be palatable. I’m here to build a brand (and a movement) that makes being unapologetic the new normal.
Ready to join the charge? Keep an eye out for Sophie Lee’s book, “Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women” dropping on International Women’s Day next year.
In the meantime, if you’re ready to become magnetic to the premium buyers who are ready to pay in full, find me on IG @prwithperkes and message me with the key word MAGNETISM to get started.
Let’s ditch “palatable” and go all-in on impact.
About Laura Perkes:
Laura Perkes is a PR Specialist, Communications Consultant and the Founder of PR with Perkes. She helps creative, diverse and innovative founders, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs who are wanting to raise their profile and build authority through effective PR.
Creating an an earned attention eco-system which contributes to the year on year growth of their business.
