The Art Of Celebrating Your Achievements Like Taylor Swift
Tips for owning your achievements and sharing your success authentically.
As the world spins about Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life Of A Showgirl,” I couldn’t help but think about the Taylor now vs the Taylor that started out in the music industry.
She’s no longer singing about “Teardrops On My Guitar”; she’s owning her successes, her wins, and the fact that she’s “The Man.” Taylor’s not only an icon, but she’s a masterclass in self-advocacy. Every re-record, every award speech, every era is a reminder that confidence and ownership aren’t bragging; they’re earned. If Taylor’s taught us anything, it’s that owning your success isn’t arrogance, it’s reclaiming the narrative.
While I don’t have a Grammy (or 14 in her case) on my mantle, I still want to celebrate my people and their wins alongside my own. The idea behind this post (and the subsequent virtual master class) originated from a woman in my network whom I consider accomplished and a force of nature. She approached me about how she and the other women she works with struggle with sharing their big accomplishments in a conversational setting without feeling uncomfortable and like they’re bragging.
It’s hard to talk about your accomplishments without feeling like you’re boasting. Whether it’s a promotion at work, a new project, or a personal milestone, sharing your success can feel awkward. In a study of 1,000 women in the workplace, 84% reported feeling uncomfortable discussing professional or academic accomplishments, and more than 69% stated that they prefer to downplay their achievements. That’s where the self-promotion gap comes in, precluding us from promotions and raises, to name a few. But what if you could highlight your achievements in a way that feels natural, sparks meaningful conversation, and inspires others?
Here’s how to do it.
A few months ago, I found myself sharing a cab with a new friend, Angella. She’s a pro cyclist, an entrepreneur, and someone who has accomplished more than most of us could imagine. She told me about the incredible work she was doing: killing her cycling goals, rolling out a nationwide fitness program, all while raising capital for her blooming business. As I listened, I felt myself shrinking a little, caught in the comparison trap.
Even as someone who knows the value of owning your accomplishments, I realized how easy it is to downplay your wins when someone else seems “ahead.” But as I began talking about my own projects, the work I do with Cultivate A Network of Champions, the events I was organizing, the initiatives I was leading, Angella’s excitement and curiosity reminded me of a crucial lesson: we all bring something unique to the table. Sharing your achievements isn’t about competing; it’s about owning your story and being proud of what you’ve accomplished.
We all bring something unique to the table. Sharing your achievements isn’t about competing; it’s about owning your story and being proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Remove The Numbers
One of the most common mistakes when talking about accomplishments is leading with numbers. Big stats, revenue figures, or awards might feel like proof of worth, but they often shut down conversation rather than invite it. People want to connect with you, not your metrics. Instead of saying, “I have a 17x award-winning podcast with listeners in 62 countries,” try something like, “I have a top-rated global podcast.” That should lead to the question, “What is your podcast about?” and the banter will begin from there. That subtle shift sparks curiosity and keeps the conversation flowing. You can highlight your metric-driven accomplishments later as you get to know each other, but don’t lead with it.
Frame Your Achievements As Stories
Equally important is framing your achievements as stories rather than statements. Stories are memorable and relatable. For example, instead of stating, “I have a team of 15,” you could share how your team recently tackled a challenge and created a solution that worked for everyone. Or instead of saying, “We’re raising $50 million,” you might explain, “We’re investing in women-led tech startups and helping them scale. It’s been amazing to watch their growth.” Stories invite questions and encourage deeper conversations, creating a connection that raw numbers can’t.
Don’t Wait to Be Asked
My least favorite question in conversation is “What do you do for work?” There are a few reasons; we shouldn’t assume everyone has a stereotypical job. What if someone was recently laid off? What if they dislike their job, and that question is a conversation ender vs a starter? You can take the lead by opening conversations with thoughtful questions: “What are you working on right now that excites you?” is one of my favorites. Another great one is “What do you hope to get out of this event?” Whenever you ask a question, be prepared to answer these yourself, framing your responses as narratives that reveal the why, the journey, and the impact. People remember the story behind the achievement, not just the achievement itself.
Sharing Wins On Social
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the boastful LinkedIn posts that somehow make you feel bad about yourself. (See the Angella story above). Social media is an effective platform for celebrating accomplishments, but make sure it’s done in a non-cringey way. Gratitude, storytelling, and celebrating others can make your posts engaging and authentic. For instance, if you were featured in the news, instead of just sharing the link, highlight the work behind it, acknowledge your team or collaborators, and show your excitement for the outcome. This approach invites engagement and creates a meaningful conversation around your work.
I’m encouraging (okay, begging you), please don’t start your post with “I’m honored to be recognized” or “I’m humbled to be nominated.” Those are played out. Highlight the story that accompanies the honor and captivate people with it. Remember that playing in a local band, launching a new membership program, or mastering a skill (amongst many other game-changing events) are all worthy endeavors that deserve recognition. Sharing these moments can spark conversation, inspire others, and showcase the breadth of your personal and professional growth.
Ultimately, sharing your accomplishments is not about bragging. It’s about showing up fully, owning your story, and inspiring others along the way. This is how you Cultivate A Network Of Champions. Create allies in and outside of your organization. A Network Of Champions says your name in the rooms you’re not in, yet. You deserve to be in the room, and your experiences deserve to be heard. By framing achievements as stories, leading with curiosity, and celebrating wins of all sizes, you can confidently share your journey and build connections that truly matter.
— Amy Buchan Siegfried, CEO and Co-founder of Cultivate A Network of Champions
