10/09/2026
How can you stop people pleasing?
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I’m joined by Stephanie J. Hull, CEO of Girls Inc. Stephanie opens up about her journey from being a shy child to leading a national movement that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
We dive deep into why so many women struggle with people-pleasing. Stephanie explains the “biology of connection,” how we are often socialized to prioritize being liked over being heard, and how that holds us back from our true leadership potential.
We discuss:
Breaking the “Quiet” Stereotype: Why being quiet doesn’t mean you lack confidence.
The People-Pleasing Trap: How the urge to fit in can lead us to “dim our light” to make others comfortable.
The Power of “No”: Understanding that “ladylike” or “nice” shouldn’t mean staying silent in the face of injustice.
Building a Support Squad: Surrounding yourself with a community that celebrates your boldness instead of policing your tone.
Stephanie reminds us that you don’t have to wait for permission to be amazing. You are already enough, exactly as you are.