If you’re navigating corporate life or building your career online, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool—or a missed opportunity. In this post, I share lessons from B2B marketing strategist and 2B Bolder founder Mary Killelea, who outlines practical strategies for showing up with confidence. If you’re struggling with visibility, imposter syndrome, or simply don’t know where to begin, Mary’s insights provide a roadmap to use your voice and build your professional brand with purpose.
Let’s face it: visibility in digital spaces doesn’t feel optional anymore. Online presence has become the new currency for credibility, connection, and career growth—especially for women looking to stay visible, expand opportunities, and grow their networks.
Yet too many talented women sit on the sidelines, unsure how to show up or believing their stories aren’t “enough.”
That’s why this recent Pro Resource Central interview with Mary Killelea, B2B Marketing Strategist, Podcast Host, and Consultant, really spoke to me. Through her work with 2B Bolder, Mary shares practical strategies to shift that dynamic.
Thanks to some incredible mutual friends, I got to connect with Mary and learn about her work helping female leaders build influence and attract opportunities. Grateful she offered to share her expertise with us here on the Career Insight Studio blog.
Let’s dive in!
I’ve Personally Seen Countless Women Professionals Miss Out On Growth Because They:
- Downplay their expertise, waiting for someone else’s approval to speak up or until they feel sufficiently credentialed.
- Post once or twice, then disappear when engagement isn’t immediate.
- Believe branding is only for entrepreneurs, not intrapreneurs (someone who acts like an entrepreneur while working inside a larger company, strengthening their personal brand) or corporate leaders.
- Focus on numbers instead of meaningful visibility and impact.
The Importance of Occupying Space
When you regularly share ideas, wins, and perspectives, you position yourself as someone to watch rather than someone waiting in the wings.
This is especially crucial for women in corporate settings. The playing field is still uneven, and LinkedIn is one of the few spaces where you control your own narrative.
“You have to put yourself out there in a way that shows who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to be seen.” – Mary Killelea
Needing Motivation? Ask Yourself These Questions
For women who hesitate to “self-promote,” make your expertise your entry point. Mary encourages focusing on what you already know well: your field, your role, and your industry lens.
Many times, the content can write itself if you just ask yourself:
- What questions do people always come to me for?
- What’s a recent lesson learned in my work that could help others?
- Where do I see opportunities or blind spots in my industry?
Remember to also ask yourself what AI tools you could use to support your process.
Sharing insights rooted in your day-to-day builds credibility without feeling like bragging. Over time, these contributions accumulate into a recognizable professional identity. For a deeper dive into mindset shifts around credibility, see Julie Chase’s insightful guest post on overcoming impostor syndrome.
Posting Anxiety? Address These Mindset Barriers
Even with a clear message, doubt or perfectionism can creep in. This is where Mary’s approach aligns so well with the mission of Career Insight Studio. Showing up online is about participation, not perfection. The barrier is rarely a lack of expertise; more often, it’s the belief that what you already know doesn’t matter.
When those doubts surface, consider:
- Would I hold a colleague to the same impossible standard?
- What’s the cost of silence? (Missed opportunities, invisibility, stagnation.)
- What small step could I take today to show up authentically?
“I had to stop waiting for permission or perfection, and instead trust my ability to figure things out and learn from a place of purpose, not just performance.” – Mary Killelea
Simple Posting Content Formats That Work
One of the biggest myths is that you need a huge follower count, polished whitepapers, long thought pieces, big titles or formal credentials to succeed on LinkedIn. Mary reminds us that simplicity, consistency and authenticity are all you need.
Here are some formats to start with:
- Story posts: Share a professional win, a challenge, or a turning point in your journey.
- Insights from the day: A quick reflection on a meeting, podcast, or article you learned from.
- Mini case studies or behind-the-scenes looks: A peek at how you solved a problem or supported a client.
Short, real, and valuable content can often outperform long, jargon-heavy posts.
How to Measure Success on LinkedIn
Finally, Mary emphasizes that success is less about “likes” and more about building momentum and attracting the right opportunities.
To see if you’re on the right track, check metrics that matter, such as:
- Profile views: Who is finding and checking out your profile?
- Connection requests: Are you expanding your network with the right people?
- Meaningful engagement: Are people leaving thoughtful comments, asking follow-ups, or sharing your content?
If the answers to the last questions are yes, and you’re adjusting posts according to your audience, then your presence is resonating. Growth may be gradual, but each step compounds into bigger visibility.
Truth be told…I’m still working on building this visibility muscle on LinkedIn myself, but Mary’s work underscores something I deeply believe: your voice is your power. And LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful platforms for shaping how you’re perceived in your field. By claiming your space, sharing your expertise, and leaning into authentic content, you not only elevate your own career—you also create room for other women to do the same.
To learn more about Mary’s podcast and her brand building services, check out her website here.
Thanks for reading and sharing! xx
