Your Pivot Point
The Conversation That Got Me Thinking
Recently, I was chatting with someone - a multi-faceted, accomplished individual with decades of experience who’s worn nearly every hat in the startup world: founder, advisor, investor, and a few roles in between.
He had incredible stories. Fundraising triumphs. Brutal lessons from businesses that didn’t survive. Brilliant pivots that paid off.
But as we talked, something struck me:
The way he shared with confidence but also held space for the conversation.
He shared stories, but he knew when to pause. When to listen. When to ask a question.
It was engaging, not overwhelming. Inspiring, not self-important.
And it hit me that this is a pivot point in itself.
Because earlier in our careers, many of us would be labeled as “obnoxious” or “trying too hard” if we took up that kind of space.
But somewhere along the way, it flips:
→ The same stories become a sign of wisdom.
→ The same confidence becomes leadership.
→ The same presence becomes influence.
From “Too Much” to Sought-After
It’s not just about storytelling.
This pattern happens everywhere in business and life:
People call you crazy for your business idea... until it takes off.
They say you’re too intense... until your intensity builds an empire.
They call you too much... until your authenticity becomes your personal brand.
They dismiss your ideas as unrealistic... until you’re asked to speak on stages about how you did it.
This is the pivot point.
It’s that tipping moment when the traits that once made people raise their eyebrows become the very reason they seek you out.
Why Does this Happen?
It doesn't happen overnight. The person I was talking with shared this incredible wisdom: "I trust that, if I follow what interests me, the next right opportunity will appear."
That kind of faith is a muscle that you train and grow as you let go, lean into aligned action, and start believing you are the person on the other side of the pivot point.
That's when you'll see:
✅ Credibility Grows with Results Once people see you execute, your bold ideas transform from “risky” to “innovative.”
✅ Context Changes Everything A loud voice in the wrong room is disruptive. In the right room, it’s energizing.
✅ Self-Trust Becomes Magnetic When you own who you are, you create permission for others to do the same.
A Universal Part of Growth
If you’re building something ambitious—your business, your brand, your influence—this pivot point is part of the journey.
But here’s the messy truth:
→ Before you hit that pivot, it can feel incredibly lonely.
→ You’ll wonder if you’re actually too much.
→ You’ll question your instincts.
→ You might even try to shrink to fit other people’s comfort levels.
And yet, the only way to reach that pivot is to keep going.
To keep sharing your ideas. To keep refining your craft. To keep taking up space, even when it feels uncomfortable.
My Reflection
Talking to this seasoned founder reminded me that influence isn’t just built on good stories. It’s built on timing, context, and the wisdom to know when to step forward and when to hold back.
But if you’re still waiting for your pivot point, remember:
✨ What makes you “too much” might actually be your gift.
✨ Keep showing up, even when the room feels unsure of you.
✨ Start being that next version of you, the one on the other side of the pivot point, today, and watch the aligned opportunities start to appear.
Because one day, the very things people doubted in you will become the reason they trust you.
Your Invitation
I love working with founders and leaders who feel like they’re right on the edge of this pivot, ready to move from misunderstood to magnetic.
If you’re feeling it too, I’d love to connect. Because the world needs your “too much.”
⚡ Message me here or visit nextlevelnicolette.com.
