Leading Fearlessly: The power of “Thank You:” How recognition fuels greater good
Last month in Fearless, I reflected on the awkward pause many of us feel when praise or an award lands at our feet. That instinct to deflect or downplay is common, especially among accomplished women taught to equate humility with worthiness.
But once we’ve mustered the courage to say “thank you” and truly receive recognition, the question becomes, “Now what?”
Recognition, it turns out, can be more than a reward. It can be a catalyst.
From receiving to reframing
When someone acknowledges your work through a compliment, award or public praise, they are shining a light on your impact. That moment can be more than personal. It can become a form of social capital, an opportunity to elevate a cause, spotlight a team or advocate for others.
A 2021 Harvard Business Review leadership book by Gorick Ng, “The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right,” explores this idea. Ng encourages recipients to “pay it forward” by mentoring, sharing credit or using visibility to promote underrepresented voices. Recognition is not a final destination. It can be a powerful door opener.
Various studies support this. A Harvard Business Review article, “A Little Recogition Can Provide a Big Morale Boost,” by Shibeal O’ Flaherty, Michael T. Sanders and Ashley Whillans, shares research that found public recognition not only boosts morale and retention but also increases motivation and performance. When people feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to take positive action. In short, appreciation inspires contribution.
Spotlight as strategy
After a recent award announcement, I paused to question: What did this recognition really mean? For me, it wasn’t a signal that I’d arrived. It was a reminder of how much more there is left to do.
The spotlight was on me, but I saw it as a tool. Not a trophy. Visibility is fleeting. In that brief moment when others are paying attention, we have a choice. I chose to redirect that light: to try to inspire, to challenge, to connect and most of all, to support other women.
This isn’t false modesty. It’s strategic generosity. For me, recognition isn’t the end of the story. It’s a prompt to keep pushing the mission forward.
Leading by example
If women often struggle to accept recognition, we may struggle even more to use it. But doing so helps shift the culture. It gives others permission. It models a leadership style that is confident and connective, that accepts praise while multiplying its meaning.
When we embrace recognition, we validate the giver and create a ripple effect of gratitude, visibility and purpose.
So the next time you receive a compliment, an award or public praise, accept it fully. Then ask yourself, What can I do with this moment?
Let the “thank you” be just the beginning.
I turned to local leaders for their insights on how they’ve transformed recognition into a catalyst for broader impact.
Cathy Adams, senior vice president, Wealth Management, Community State Bank
We never know what effect a vote of confidence or positive feedback will have on us or others. Ten years ago, I received feedback from a mentor that gave me the “push” I needed to apply for a role that would be a promotion and significantly more responsibility. My children were younger and I debated whether or not I could or should balance the additional responsibilities. But his words “right place, right time” kept echoing in my mind and I took the leap. That role helped me gain experience, new skills and strong relationships that I brought to my current role. I still credit those few words one person said to me all those years ago for helping me get to where I am today. Take the time to provide positive feedback to others. And if you receive it, make sure to take the time to listen and reflect.
Katrina Lindsey, chief legal officer, Casey’s
While serving as deputy general counsel at The ODP Corp., I was offered the role of SVP of business development for a new tech-focused business unit. My legal background gave me strong business insight, but stepping into this new space challenged me – especially without a tech background. During a strategy session, a senior software leader assumed I had worked in tech before based on my contributions. That moment shifted my mindset. I realized leadership isn’t about specific expertise, titles or degrees – it’s about how you approach problems, people and possibilities. That insight gave me the confidence to lean into strategy and pursue opportunities I might’ve once hesitated to chase. Today, as chief legal officer at Casey’s, I carry that lesson forward – and I make it a priority to help others recognize their own potential, especially when they don’t yet see it in themselves.
Mollie Ross, vice president of operations, Technology Association of Iowa
For a long time, I was most comfortable behind the scenes – supporting others, getting things done, but rarely speaking up or sharing my perspective. Then my leader, Brian Waller, said something that stuck: “You have real presence when you speak. You should be doing more of it.” That one compliment gave me the push I needed to start saying yes – to panels, presentations and interviews.
Now, I try to pay that encouragement forward, especially through TAI’s professional development programs, Iowa Technology Leadership Institute and Iowa Tech Connect. We create space for tech professionals to practice, build confidence and build their voice. I remind them often: You don’t need to be the expert. Your experience, your story – those are more than enough to make an impact.
Liz Ulrichson, financial advisor relationship manager, CAPTRUST
When I received the PlanAdviser Emerging Leaders Award, my first reaction was disbelief. I’ve battled imposter syndrome, often questioning if I was “enough.” Instead of trying to hide it, I chose to be honest about what I was feeling. That honesty deepened my relationships as people used my vulnerability as an opportunity to connect and open up in return. These connections reminded me how many of us wrestle with those doubts, even when we look like we have it all together. This award didn’t just push me forward; it reminded me that showing the real side of growth creates space for the right people to walk alongside you.
Christie Vilsack, writer, community leader
As first lady of Iowa in 2004, I endorsed John Kerry on the steps of the Iowa capitol surrounded by supportive legislators. Within a week, his numbers moved significantly among women and he won the Iowa Caucus. He asked me to speak on his behalf at the national convention in Boston. I was nervous about speaking in prime time in front of thousands, but I accepted. I realized that I had developed my own political identity. My husband says, “It doesn’t do any good to have power if you don’t use it,” so in 2011, I announced that I was running for Congress challenging five-term incumbent Steve King. I was 62 years old, running for office for the first time, but I knew I had name recognition, could raise the money, debate the issues and become an example for other women who might be reluctant to run.
