Light Loves Color presents
You’re good at what you do.
Make sure it shows.
Why are some people taken seriously before they even open their mouths? And why do the rest of us have to work so hard just to be heard?
The impression gap
Being capable and being seen as capable
are two different things.
“If I just work hard and know my stuff, people will take me seriously.”
You make a useful point. Nobody reacts. A few minutes later, someone else says much the same thing—and everyone listens.
Competence doesn’t automatically communicate itself. People notice what they can see, hear, and experience, not everything we know or intend.
You already deserve respect. Some responses reflect bias or unfairness, not a communication problem. We work on the parts you can choose.
Why weren’t we ever taught this? →Something to notice today
What did they actually have to go on?
Think of one recent conversation. What did you want the other person to understand? Now name what they could actually see or hear—not what you hoped they’d pick up on.
Those may be the same thing. If they aren’t, you’ve found something worth exploring. Their response is information, not a verdict on you.
Our signature method
The Strategic Impressions Method.
Notice what’s happening. Decide what’s yours. Express it—and see what you learn.
CALIBRATE
Notice what’s actually happening.
What did someone say or do? What are you guessing?
OWN
Decide what’s yours to choose.
Whose response matters here—and what won’t you trade for it?
UNMUTE
Express it. Test what happens.
Make one deliberate change, then see what you learn.
We use three lenses throughout: what people SEE, HEAR, and EXPERIENCE. You choose what to change, without getting louder, becoming less kind, or pretending to be someone you’re not.
See the method in an everyday situation →Meet your educator
Tatyana Wilson,
Ed.S., SHRM-CP.
These are human skills. Not executive privileges.
I’m an educator, writer, and image consultant. I trained with Sandy Dumont, The Image Architect, who advised influential people in Washington, D.C. I came away wondering: why on earth aren’t we all taught this?
It matters for the mom making a request at home, the woman walking into a room of strangers, and the professional whose ideas keep getting passed over.
The story behind the work →Start with your own life
What might people be missing about you?
Eight questions. A first insight here, and a practical report you can request by email.
Find my impression gapComing next
Why aren’t they taking me seriously?
An upcoming mini-course with a planned $37 launch price: three short lessons and a seven-day experiment.
Explore the course and early list →