The Tall Poppy Syndrome — How do we stop it?

It’s a topic that comes up often when I’m invited to speak on podcasts and interviews. Whether I’m sharing my journey, discussing the Women Empowerment Awards, or connecting with fellow leaders and changemakers, someone inevitably asks:

“What are your thoughts on the Tall Poppy Syndrome?”

My answer is always the same, I know it’s real and it holds too many people back from stepping fully into their power. But I’ve also seen firsthand the impact of women rising when we all collectively work together and support one another. 

Tall Poppy Syndrome is when people are criticized, resented, or even cut down for standing out, succeeding, or achieving more than their peers, being “trimmed to size” to keep the field level.

I’ve experienced this firsthand myself by both men and women in spaces where competition, comparison, and insecurities kick in. 

Let me be clear: we don’t rise by cutting others down — we rise by lifting each other up.

When we allow envy, judgment, or insecurity to lead the way, we don’t just hurt the person standing tall, we damage the collective. Because here’s the truth: your success doesn’t take away from mine, and mine doesn’t take away from yours. In fact, when one woman wins, it opens the door wider for the next.

Imagine what we could accomplish if, instead of dimming each other’s light, we reflected it. Multiplied it. Magnified it.

So how do we create a culture that celebrates growth, courage, and leadership?

 1. Celebrate Loudly: When you see someone you know doing something bold, brave, or brilliant — celebrate it. Don’t let your silence be louder than your support.

 2. Check the Narrative: If you catch yourself thinking, “Who does she think she is?” — flip it. Ask, “Who am I not to celebrate her bravery and use it as inspiration?”

 3. Make Space at the Table: Success is not a limited resource. Invite, recommend, include. Whether it’s a job opportunity, a platform, or a spotlight — pull another person in with you.

 4. Talk About It Openly: The more we name and acknowledge the syndrome, the more we can strip it of its power. Let’s normalize conversations around how we treat one another and why we need to do better.

 5. Lead by Example: If you’ve experienced it, you know how deeply it can hurt. Be the woman who refuses to cut another poppy down. Be the example that reminds others what’s possible when we rise together.

Let’s continue in rewriting the story. With our Women Empowerment Community, we are creating a culture of abundance, of empowerment, and of collective growth.

The world doesn’t need fewer women standing tall — it needs more. So let’s stop trimming each other down and start nourishing the soil so we can all grow boldly, unapologetically, and powerfully.

Because when women support women, everything changes.

Together, we don’t just grow — we bloom.