#27 | The Maverick Survival Guide for Women Who Are Done Shrinking and Ready to Build Leadership Influence That Gets Them Promoted.

Ever been told you need to tone it down, stay in your lane, or “just fit in first”?This episode of Little Moves, Big Careers is your permission slip to stop sanding down your edges.Caroline dives deep into the Maverick’s Survival Guide - a bold, honest look at how people who think differently can survive (and actually thrive) inside systems that aren’t built for them.She explores what happens when “inclusion” quietly becomes “assimilation,” and why true belonging means being valued because of your difference.You’ll hear Carolin's personal story of being labelled a “maverick” (not as a compliment), the quiet damage that caused, and the lessons she’s learned about turning individuality into impact.In this episode:The Maverick’s Dilemma: You want to belong but not at the cost of your value.Culture of Sameness vs. Culture of Difference: How to feel the energy shift when a team truly values individuality.The Three Traps of Maverick Thinking: The Lone Wolf Trap - when independence becomes isolation. The Volume Trap - why louder doesn’t mean clearer. The Translation Trap - how passion can make you sound vague (and how to fix it).The Collaboration Code: What happens when difference becomes strength, not threat and why true collaboration is productive friction, not endless harmony.People Aren’t Difficult, Just Different: The mindset shift that transforms conflict into curiosity.Quote Crime: “You just need to fit in before you stand out.” Nope. Stop sanding down your edges. They’re the reason you sparkle.ResourcesYour Bold Moves BriefThe Big Conversation Guide for leadersConnect with Caroline hereShare this with…That brilliant-but-frustrated colleague who’s always one idea ahead of the room  and the manager who wants to help them shine, not shrink.New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at [email protected] - I read them all.And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her.Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.