Let Me Cook: Owning Your Space and Thriving at Work
There comes a time when you need to stop asking for permission and start taking your rightful place. “Let me cook” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset and a declaration. It’s about stepping into your power, trusting your skills, and showing the world exactly what you’re capable of, without waiting for anyone’s validation. For Black professionals, women in male-dominated spaces, and anyone whose voice has been overlooked, this is your call to stop dimming your light. It’s time to thrive unapologetically. Here’s how you can claim your space, trust your brilliance, and make your mark.
Kamy Charles
11/26/20242 min read
1. Own Your Excellence—Loudly and Proudly
Your skills, talents, and experiences are valid, and it’s time to act like it. Step into every room knowing you belong there. Whether it’s leading a project, presenting ideas, or making decisions, operate from a place of confidence and strength.
How to Do It:
Show up prepared and polished—confidence is built on readiness.
Lead with your strengths, and don’t shy away from highlighting your accomplishments.
Takeaway: Confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s clarity. Show them what you bring to the table and leave no doubt.
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2. Stop Explaining and Start Delivering
Trying to convince everyone of your value can be draining. Instead, let your results do the talking. When you focus on execution and excellence, people will see your worth without you having to overexplain it.
How to Do It:
Stay focused on your goals and block out unnecessary noise.
Let your work—your success metrics, your deliverables, your leadership—be the loudest response to doubt.
Takeaway: You don’t need to prove yourself to doubters. Let your results speak volumes.
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3. Take Up Space Without Apologies
If you’re not advocating for yourself, you’re letting opportunities slip by. It’s time to take up space, whether that means speaking up in meetings, sharing ideas, or stepping into leadership roles.
How to Do It:
Contribute in every space you enter. Your voice matters.
Be assertive, not apologetic, about your right to be heard and seen.
Takeaway: Shrinking yourself to fit someone else’s comfort zone is not an option. You’re here to shine.
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4. Transform Setbacks into Fuel
Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey. Every misstep teaches you something valuable and adds to your resilience. Use setbacks to refine your approach and push forward even harder.
How to Do It:
Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities.
Develop resilience by taking risks, learning quickly, and applying those lessons to your next move.
Takeaway: Success is built on the courage to fail forward. Keep going.
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5. Be Unapologetically Authentic
Your authenticity is your superpower. Don’t water yourself down to fit into spaces that weren’t designed for you. Your unique perspective and voice are assets that can’t be replicated.
How to Do It:
Embrace your individuality—your story, your culture, your experiences.
Lean into your values, and never compromise your integrity to fit in.
Takeaway: Authenticity inspires others and builds trust. Be real, and the right opportunities will align with who you are.
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Why “Let Me Cook” Is a Career Game-Changer
Owning your space is about more than confidence—it’s about self-trust and breaking free of unnecessary limitations. When you adopt a “let me cook” mindset, you give yourself the freedom to create, innovate, and succeed on your own terms.
This isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about changing the game. When you show up fully and unapologetically, you inspire others to do the same.
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Keep Cooking, Keep Thriving
In every meeting, project, or challenge, remind yourself: Let me cook. Show up, own your power, and prove to yourself that you are more than capable of thriving in any environment.
This is your moment to shine. So get in that kitchen, bring your unique flavor, and serve the world your best.