Let's Talk About Tall Poppy Syndrome

I was recently chatting with one of my clients who shared that she’s been getting a lot of pushback from people around her since experiencing significant business growth. In fact, some people seem more intent on cutting her down than celebrating her success.

If you’ve ever experienced something similar, you’re not alone.

When she told me this, I was immediately reminded of something we don’t talk about enough: Tall Poppy Syndrome. And in my experience, it often shows up more for women than it does for men.

Tall Poppy Syndrome is the tendency to criticize, diminish, or undermine someone who stands out, succeeds, or rises above the norm. Instead of being celebrated, the “tall poppy” gets cut down to size, often by others who feel threatened, uncomfortable, or insecure about that success.

I know what it’s like, because I’ve experienced it myself.

And if you’re growing, stretching, and stepping into new levels of visibility, leadership or success, chances are, you will too.

But here’s the thing to remember: when it happens (and it will happen), it can be tempting to dim your light just enough to make others more comfortable.

Don’t do it.

If you’re experiencing Tall Poppy Syndrome, here’s what you can do instead:

1. Stay grounded.

Anchor yourself in what you know to be true about your work, your value, and your growth. Come back to your wins, your impact, and the reasons you started. When you’re rooted in that, outside noise has far less power to knock you off course.

2. Choose your circle wisely.

Not everyone deserves a front-row seat to your journey. Surround yourself with people who celebrate your wins, challenge you to grow, and genuinely want to see you succeed.

3. Let criticism refine you, not define you.

I like to say “take the best and leave the rest” so you can keep moving forward with clarity and confidence.

At the end of the day, your success is not something to apologize for. It’s something you’ve worked for, grown into, and earned.

Own it. Be proud of it. Be grateful for it.

And if you’re looking for a community of women who will cheer you on rather than cut you down, you don’t have to do this alone.

Visit https://www.freshideacollective.com/ to get involved today.