- Why we love the “relatable” creator… until we don’t
- What Tall Poppy Syndrome is (and why it hits women hard)
- The Bloom → Replant → Grow Roots → Grow cycle
- How to stop being a moth and become a firefly
♟️ MY TURN:
I’ve been fascinated lately with the rise and fall of certain influencers.
It appears to follow a simple loop.
Creator is relatable.
People love them.
People cheer them on.
Creator gets some success.
People cheer them on.
Creator gets more success.
People start to criticize.
Creator becomes out of touch with reality due to success.
People tear them down.
It’s a tale as old as….well…..the early 2000s when blogging / influencing first became a thing.
I study this a lot as a CMO as well as someone who is putting herself out there as a content creator and I recently heard the term Tall Poppy Syndrome.
Tall poppy syndrome is a term that originated in Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s that refers to people with notable public success or achievements that are ostracized by others.
The taller you get....the more others want to tear you down.
The Bloom, Plant, Root, Grow cycle
But here's the thing I want to remind myself and all of you.....
Most people can’t stay a tall poppy forever.
Nor should we.
So many content creators are getting torn down because they are a constant stream of perfection and pretending like they are skipping the cycle of growth:
Bloom ➡️ Replant ➡️ Grow Roots ➡️ Grow Tall
Now, some creators really do become out of touch and show off their obscene level of wealth while so many of their followers are struggling to make ends meet.
But others?
They are tall poppies that will eventually replant and grow.
And sharing that part?
That helps the entire field bloom.
Story time….during my D2C founder days there was a group of people who invited me to things all the time. There were investors who would text me back. Other founders who would comment on my posts.
Then when I sold House of Wise in an equity deal and moved on to solopreneur life as a fractional CMO and writer…..it turned into crickets.
The invites stopped.
I was ghosted many times on text.
A mentor who I really thought cared about me suddenly had no time for me.
The story I was telling myself “you are a failure and no one wants to be around you” but my therapist had another perpective.
When you are shining bright…..you attract a lot of moths.
Moths are people who build a network based on transaction.
What can you do for me?
How does your involvement in my life move my goals forward?
So my therapist told me to start looking for fireflies.
Fireflies carry their own light.
Sometimes it’s on and they illuminate the space for others and sometimes it’s off but they are perfectly capable of turning it back on themselves. They don’t require your light.
So as I watch the world of cancel culture, tall poppies and moths….I want to be a firefly and look for them in my life.
Want to join me?
Keep reading.
♟️ YOUR TURN:
How to Be a Firefly (Not a Moth)
Here are 4 ways I’m choosing to show up in a world obsessed with cutting down tall poppies:
Amplify others’ Bloom
When someone is blooming - a big promotion, book deal, viral moment - let yourself be inspired, not threatened.
- Share their win publicly.
- Congratulate them privately without adding “…must be nice.”
- Ask, “How can I support this?” instead of, “Why not me?”
Fireflies know someone else’s light doesn’t dim their own.
Check in during re-planting seasons
Most people only show up for the highlight reel. Fireflies text during the Replant and Grow Roots seasons.
- “Hey, I know you just closed that chapter, how are you really doing?”
- “I see you rebuilding. Proud of you even if no one else sees this yet.”
Make it a habit: when you see someone step out of the spotlight, reach out—not to ask what happened, but to remind them they’re more than their last Bloom.
Celebrate roots, not just results
We say we value “hard work” and “resilience,” but we mostly celebrate outcomes.
Try this instead:
- Compliment effort, process, and courage: “I’m impressed by how you stuck with that,” not just “Congrats on the launch.”
- Ask about what they’re learning, not just what they’re earning.
When we normalize Grow Roots seasons, it becomes safer for all of us to step out of the spotlight without feeling like we’ve failed.
Protect your own light
Tall Poppy Syndrome can trick you into shrinking so you won’t get cut down.
Instead, know what part of the cycle you are in:
- Stop over-apologizing for your ambition or wins.
- Notice who goes quiet when you succeed and who leans in.
- Build a “firefly crew” of 3–5 people who can be there in all your seasons of growth and replanting.
You’re allowed to shine.
You’re allowed to rest.
You’re allowed to be celebrated in seasons.
And if someone tries to cut you down for standing tall?
It says more about their darkness than your light.
♟️ Let's Win Together.
If this hit home, forward it to someone who is your firefly!
Then hit reply and tell me:
Which season are you in right now: Bloom, Replant, Grow Roots, or Grow?