From the outside, my career looked like a steady climb marked by promotions, a reputation for excellence and a drive that never seemed to waver. Beneath the surface, my journey was shaped by resilience, adversity and a relentless pursuit of growth.
I encountered resistance from unexpected places and faced moments that forced me to confront not only professional challenges but also deeply personal ones.
The Drive to Succeed
I always wanted more than what I had, never settling for the status quo. Whenever I saw an opportunity and believed I had the skills and knowledge to excel, I went for it. Early in my career, this mindset led to rapid advancement.
I was promoted to several positions, earned the respect of my peers and embraced every chance to learn from those around me. My tenacity for learning and growth became my trademark as I pushed myself to engage in activities to become the best version of myself.
Success, however, came with its own set of challenges. My willingness to see every angle and speak up for what was right often made me a target for those uncomfortable with change.
Despite my positive demeanor, three times when others tried to quiet my voice or diminish my presence, I remained steadfast, trusting my instincts as refusing to allow anyone to dim my light.
A Memory Resurfaces
What few people knew was that beneath my professional drive was a childhood marked by trauma. I regressed the memory of childhood sexual abuse, burying it so deeply that I could not access it, even as I excelled academically and professionally.
I was recently divorced and, in my thirties, that memory resurfaced; it was unbidden and vivid, shaking me to my core.
The impact was profound. Suddenly, I understood why my personal life always felt less successful than my professional achievements. The trauma had shaped my relationships, contributed to academic challenges and influenced my ability to trust others.
It showed up in two divorces, in moments of feeling unseen or undermined at work and in periods of self-doubt despite my capability and excellence. My drive and commitment to growth remained but so did the skepticism of others.
My personal life didn’t mirror my professional success and I couldn’t understand why. My silence, while protective, created ripples that impacted those around me. I realized I had a choice: to prioritize my own well-being or to allow others’ happiness to come at my expense. I chose me.
The Painful Irony of Mentorship
One of the most painful lessons came from those I mentored many times. I invested in women, helping them gain promotions and believing in themselves. Yet, some of those very women turned against me, undermining my efforts and threatening my career.
The irony was striking; my willingness to see the value in others before they saw it in themselves mirrored my childhood experiences of loving and trusting deeply, only to be hurt.
This pattern forced me to confront a difficult truth: I was giving away my brilliance to make others feel good. In that moment, I stopped. I would no longer be held captive, personally nor professionally, by things that didn’t belong to me.
The Journey Back to Myself
Healing was not easy nor is it complete. It is a daily process of reminding myself of my worth, strength and resilience. I did the hard work, the necessary work to get back to the core of who I am.
I share my story in hopes that others will be empowered to name their trauma, work through it and begin the process of becoming their best selves. The journey is ongoing and the challenges are real, but so is the possibility for transformation.
Looking back, I see how each experience shaped my perspective. The resistance I faced was not just about professional rivalry; it was rooted in misunderstandings, insecurities and at times, fear.
I learned that not everyone will celebrate your success and sometimes those you help the most may become your harshest critics. That realization is painful, but it taught me the importance of boundaries and self-respect.
I also discovered the power of vulnerability. I began to confront my own trauma and share my story; I found that vulnerability is a source of connection and healing. I learned to share my story with others in the hope that they could feel safe to share their own.
A Message for Others
Success is not just about professional achievements; it’s about the courage to face adversity, the strength to heal from past wounds and the wisdom to choose yourself.
By embracing authenticity and reclaiming your power, you can rise above resistance and create a life that is truly your own. My journey has taught me that resilience is not just a skill; it’s a way of being. The path forward is filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
The road to self-discovery is rarely smooth but every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, invest in your own growth and never be afraid to set boundaries.
Your brilliance is yours to protect and nurture. Remember, your story matters. Share it, to give permission to others. Together, we can create a culture of resilience, authenticity, and empowerment, where everyone can become their best self.
Name: Dr. Meg Gibson
Professional Title: Ceo & Founder
Bio: Dr. Meg Gibson is the CEO of True Choices Consulting, LLC and Founder of The Gibson Strategy Group. She designs leadership & organizational development strategies for professionals and organizations. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Meg helps leaders align their voice, values, and vision to increase visibility, influence, and impact.
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