Stepping out of the shadows: invisible to visible

About the author

Dr Paulet Brown-Wilsher is Director of Education and Experience at the University of East London. Paulet’s unwavering commitment to higher education spans over two decades, primarily focusing on fostering students’ success through engagement, progression, and retention. Her work, particularly with a significant portion of students from the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM), has inspired staff and students to strive for excellence. 

Recognising the need for coaching and mentoring practices, she has dedicated herself to this cause in her work and community. In the past few years, as a mentor and coach, she has specialised in supporting doctoral students and early career researchers, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their academic and professional goals. Through personalised guidance and practical strategies, she equips them to navigate the challenges of the academic world, build confidence, and develop skills for success. Her ultimate goal is to tap into their strengths, find ways to assist those she works with and guide them towards a successful and meaningful career.

You can connect with Paulet via LinkedIn

Coming out of the shadows

At some point in our lives, we feel invisible, whether in a relationship, career or daily interactions with others. It is not uncommon to feel that we are overlooked or unseen. This feeling of invisibility can be destabilising, isolating and demoralising, leaving one to question one's worth or position in one's world or space. Some would say being invisible is a superpower, but in recent years, it has been an anchor, an albatross on my neck, something I could not shake and decided not to live with.

In this article, I will share how I break free from a place of invisibility and step into my power as a visible and confident person after participating in the 100BWP pilot programme.

As a black academic, my journey from invisible to visible has been transformative.  For many years, I felt as though I was on the periphery or in the shadows of others, and I felt unnoticed.

Despite this feeling, it did not distract from my contribution to my students' growth, development and success, but my presence in my workspace was like a shadow.

The turning point came when I was introduced to the ‘100 Black Women Professors Now' programme. This initiative, aimed at amplifying the voices and visibility of Black women in academia, was central to my transformation. Through this programme, my focus shifted.  The programme provided me with tools and strategies to navigate my environment with newfound confidence.

It was here I met like-minded women, forming a sisterhood that enabled me to emerge from the shadows and embrace my visibility. Being surrounded by women who shared similar experiences was empowering. We learned from each other, and I understood that my story was part of a broader narrative of resilience and the determination to be our authentic selves. In this space, I felt seen, recognised, and heard. It was truly inspiring to be in the company of these women who shared parallel experiences.

Coming 'Out of the Shadows', stepping into my power and becoming visible was a personal triumph. I have become more than an educator. I am now a coach, mentor to other women, a role model (or so I have been told), a small group facilitator on a Career accelerator programme and a catalyst for change. In these roles, it is vital to encourage others to pursue their passion with tenacity and to embrace their unique and authentic selves.

On reflection, I have recognised several steps in moving from invisibility to visibility. 

Firstly, there was the acceptance of my worth and value. Self-belief and appreciation of my uniqueness are valuable, and I have something to offer. By appreciating and loving myself, speaking up, and sharing ideas and thoughts in spaces I would not normally occupy. These actions validated my worth, and by doing this, I stepped out of my comfort zone.

It was also important to be surrounded by supportive, like-minded people and allies who encouraged me to move on from the space of invisibility to visibility. As you consider the move to come out of the shadows of being invisible to visible, you need to love yourself, be willing to step out of your comfort zone and be prepared to be uncomfortable. However, the reward is transformative.  By embracing your visibility and stepping into your power, you can and will impact your life and the world you navigate.  It is time to remove your invisibility cloak and step out of the shadows into a visible space.  You deserve to be seen and heard.