The CEO Advisor Who Changed My Perspective and Helped Me Redefine My Worth

It is easy, whether in corporate companies or my field, healthcare, to feel boxed in. Titles and hierarchies often overshadow insights from the frontline. Being constantly labeled as "just a junior," "just an Admin.," or "a fresh graduate with no experience" makes you feel valued only for the grunt work you can handle.

For a long time, I accepted that reality, quietly contributing while knowing deep down I was capable of much more.

All that changed when I met a CEO advisor who believed in me. His words were simple yet powerful: "Don't see yourself in a box. You can be so much more. Step out of it."

What flipped everything was being recognized for my potential by someone senior. He didn't see me as just another cog in the machine, unlike the typical corporate culture that keeps employees on the bottom rung. Instead, he pushed me to think outside the box regarding my role.

A Turning Point

This experience was rare and different from how management typically operates. Too often, companies devalue their employees until they are desperate enough to leave. Then come counter-offers: higher pay, bigger titles, and intriguing opportunities. By then, it's reactionary and insincere.

When my immediate boss realized I was serious about leaving, he sent others with tempting offers. I appreciated the gesture, but my decision was made and a bit too little too late. It wasn't about money or titles; it was about being in a place that genuinely and consistently valued my contributions - not just when they feared losing me.

Why I Walked Away

The CEO advisor's encouragement prompted deep reflection. Despite my efforts to share ideas and improve processes, my insights were often dismissed. I saw cycles of new management scrapping old projects, wasting time and resources, while those of us invested in the company were sidelined.

But this advisor listened. After meetings, he would take me aside and ask for my perspective. He valued what I shared from the frontline - nurses, doctors, patient relations officers, technicians, and admins. My suggestion to involve frontline staff in decision-making wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was practical. He championed my ideas, even when others let them slip through the cracks.

The Ripple Effect of Encouragement

Leaders, do not underestimate your words. One word of encouragement can create a ripple effect of a reaction far beyond the moment. When you acknowledge someone’s potential, you plant a seed that can grow into much more - inside or outside your company. The CEO advisor’s belief in me wasn't just a confidence boost but a starting point for growth. Long after leaving the company, his words echoed, helping me find an environment where I could thrive.

Leaders can tear people down or build them up. The latter builds a culture where people feel valued, motivated, and empowered. When you encourage someone, you're not just lifting them - you’re fostering a culture of innovation and success that benefits everyone.

The Lesson: No Small Roles, Only Small Minds

This experience taught me that roles are only as small as the minds that define them. The best leaders know that innovation often comes from unexpected places. Sometimes, listening to "small ideas" from "small people" leads to big changes. Not every solution needs to be grand or expensive. Sometimes, the simplest and most cost-effective ideas have the greatest impact on both a company's bottom line and employee morale.

Know Your Worth

To anyone feeling trapped or undervalued: Know your worth. Don’t wait for others to validate you. If your environment doesn’t appreciate your contributions, it’s okay to move on. You deserve a place where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your potential is recognized.

And to management: Start listening at every level. The people on the frontline have valuable insights. Don’t underestimate the power of small ideas - they might be the key to big success.

I hope my blog for today planted a seed for that person reading. Did you have those moments, where you doubted yourself or felt like you do you great things but in a different environment? I'd like to hear your stories.

Love always,

Sarina xx