Visibility is one of today’s buzziest topics - in fact, I was asked to speak about visibility at an event last year, stood on stage and declared ‘I fucking hate the word visibility’.

Because when most people talk about visibility they focus on being seen and don’t scratch the surface of the deeper stuff that people truly crave.

If you’re tired of the same old “stand out online” slogans, this episode is for you. We’re closing out Series 3 of “What Is Public Relations?” and I promise, you’ll want to save and share this one.

UNCAGING THE CONVERSATION: VISIBILITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE

It’s easy to get swept up in the hype of visibility, show up everywhere, share more and grow your audience, right? But what if being seen isn’t enough? What if how you show up matters more than just being “out there” for the sake of it?

My guest this week is Sophie Lee, a voice and visibility consultant who works with female founders ready to reclaim their message and amplify their impact. She’s not interested in the beige approach to branding; she’s helping leaders embody their truth, messiness and all. Think resonance, not just reach.

SHEDDING THE GOOD GIRL ARMOUR

This isn’t a pep talk for “being more visible.” Sophie and Laura get real about the inner work it takes to become magnetic – and why so many women hide behind a mask to fit in. Society hands us a script: be likeable, be small, don’t rock the boat. Sophie’s mission? Burn the script. Stop performing for others, start communicating with unapologetic clarity.

Her perspective: Visibility is alignment, it’s what happens when your story, presence and purpose ring true both to yourself and (brucey bonus!) to your ideal audience. Masking drains your energy; resonance amplifies it.

WHEN BEING VISIBLE FEELS UNSAFE

The truth about visibility is that it does bring criticism. Sophie’s been trolled, had her LinkedIn account deleted and fully expects backlash when her upcoming book, “Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women,” lands on shelves. Is she scared? Yes. Is she backing down? Not a chance.

Her advice: Nurture your nervous system. You can’t avoid uncomfortable responses, but you can learn to sit with them, refocus on your mission and move forward anyway. Hatred online is rarely about you—it’s a reflection of someone else’s pain.

IT’S TIME TO BE FULL OF YOURSELF

This episode is a call to arms: You are allowed to take up space, speak up and be confident in the best possible way. Stop shrinking. Step into your unapologetic brilliance and watch what happens to your confidence, impact and opportunities.

Sophie is living proof: When you claim your story and share your “too-muchness” with the world, you become a trailblazer not just for yourself but for those who need your voice.

BOOK PRE-ORDER & WHERE TO FIND SOPHIE:

Sophie’s book “Beyond Palatable” releases on 8 March (International Women’s Day). Pre-order on Waterstones for maximum visibility (yes, pun intended). Connect on LinkedIn (@sophiejanelee ) and Instagram (@electricpeachstudios ).

Let’s make visibility an art, not a chore.

If this episode stirred something in you, share your thoughts at @‌PRwithPerkes. I’m here for the honest conversations - the ones that spark change. See you next season!