The Quiet Performer

There’s a certain type of person we’ve all come across at work. The one who lets you know -

often loudly - just how busy they are. Every meeting, every update, they lead with it: “Flat

out. No time to scratch myself.”

That’s never really been me. I’ve always been more of a quiet performer. I don’t beat my

chest about how much I’m doing. I just get the work done, deliver what’s needed, and keep

myself ready for when the real pressure moments arrive.

It’s a mindset that’s come straight from my running. You don’t talk your way through a

50km week. There’s no shortcut, no noise that helps. You just lace up, put one foot in front

of the other, and keep showing up. Day after day, run after run. No one’s watching. No

one’s clapping. But when the big race comes, you’re prepared.

In many ways, that’s been my approach to my career too. Do the work. Do it well. Don’t ask

for a medal every time you tick something off. And when the crisis comes, or the moment to

lead appears, you’re there, ready to step in.

But here’s the catch - what’s a strength in sport doesn’t always translate perfectly into the

workplace. Being the quiet performer builds trust. People know you’re reliable, they know

you’ll deliver under pressure. But it can also be a blind spot. Because in most organisations,

visibility matters. Leaders don’t just need to perform; they need to be seen performing.

That’s the balance I’m still figuring out. How do you stay humble and grounded in the grind,

while also making sure the right people see the impact you’re making?

For me, it’s about being intentional. Not chest-beating, not playing politics - but also not

hiding in the shadows. Finding moments to share progress, to speak up, to let people know

that the consistency behind the scenes is what makes the performance possible.

Because whether it’s running or leadership, it’s not about looking busy. It’s about being ready when it counts.