Invisibility comes at a cost.
- Camilla Young
- Nov 9
- 2 min read
For most of my career, I’ve struggled with visibility.
I've always been an influencer, but not the kind people see.
My first manager called me “Tinkerbell.” I’d show up, and magically, everything would just happen. I took it as a compliment — and in many ways, it was.
I was proud of being the person who made things happen behind the scenes. Who fixed problems, connected people, and got results without needing the spotlight.
But here’s the irony (and the trap):When you influence well, no one can even tell you’re doing it.
And when your influence is invisible… so are you.
The compliment that was also a warning
Throughout my career, I kept hearing the same feedback: “Your name’s not on the work, Camilla, but your fingerprints are all over it.”
At the time, I thought that was the highest praise imaginable.
It meant I was trusted. That people could rely on me. That I could move things forward quietly and effectively.
But now, I see it was also a warning.
Because when your fingerprints are everywhere but your name is nowhere, you risk being missed from the picture entirely.
The outcomes were there. But the recognition? That always seemed to belong to someone else.
Their project. Their success. Their story.
And that invisibility, though unintentional, has cost me, more than once.
So what changed?
Two things.
First, I realised that the magic only really works when the people closest to you are willing to fight for you in the rooms you’re not in. To champion you in the moments that matter.
And if they don’t, you simply disappear.
Second, I realised the change I’m working for in retail, and beyond, is bigger than me.
By focusing on purpose, it became easier to step forward. To share what I believe in. To show what’s possible.
Because this isn’t about me being seen. It's about helping others see.
Visibility as service
I used to think visibility was vanity. Now I see it’s service.
It’s how we build trust. It's how we make change tangible.
That’s why I show up. That’s why I share.
Not to “build a brand,” but to build belief — in people that need to see what transformation looks like.
So yes, being visible still makes me uncomfortable. But I’ve stopped mistaking humility for silence.
Because if the work matters, then being seen isn’t self-promotion. It's part of the work.
That’s why I’m so proud to be recognised in the RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers — because it’s taken me years to let myself be seen.
Want to be seen for your impact too?
If you’ve ever felt overlooked, under-recognised, or unsure how to step into visibility without losing your authenticity — I get it.
That’s exactly the kind of transformation I help my clients create in 1:1 coaching.
Together, we uncover your unique influence, reshape the story you tell about your work, and help you build the confidence to be seen for the impact you’re already making.
