It was my first job in HR. I had just returned from a high-stakes project in India—one no one else wanted, but I embraced. The launch was a success, but in my first review, my manager said, “Two of your peers mentioned you’re too ambitious. I don’t think it’s an issue, but you should be aware.” I left the room carrying those words like a weight. I began shrinking—toning down ideas, hesitating in meetings. But deep down, I knew ambition wasn’t a flaw. It was my fuel. A trusted colleague helped me see that what I needed wasn’t to tone down, but to stand up. That day, I stopped shrinking and started owning my ambition.