You Might Be Vegemite

The Weekly Fix | 8.4.25

At the end of last year, during my performance review, my boss looked at me through the screen, gave a small grin, and said:

“Nic… have you ever had Vegemite?”

I smiled. I already knew where this was going.

“You either love it… or you don’t.”

That’s me. I’m Vegemite.

I’ve struggled with this reality most of my life—as a recovering people pleaser, I’ve worked hard to be understood, to be liked. But I’ve had to come to terms with a core truth:

The deeper my impact, the stronger the reactions.

Especially when your job is to spot what’s broken, surface what’s hidden, and show people the mirror they didn’t ask for. That kind of work makes you an acquired taste.

Here’s what I know:

No one is more hostile than a low-performing employee hiding behind broken process and poor oversight.

When you walk in with clarity, consistency, and questions—you expose the gap between what’s said and what’s done. You become a spotlight. And when people aren't ready to be seen, they’ll do everything they can to dim your light.

This is where a lot of impact-driven professionals lose their footing. We take it personally. We spiral. We wonder:

Am I the problem?

And maybe we are. But more often, we’re just the inconvenient reminder that the status quo isn't working.

🛠 How to Hold Your Ground (and Still Be Human)

If you’re the truth-teller in the room, here’s what I recommend:

• Look for the allies.
  There are always a few who are quietly grateful you said the thing. Find them. Work with them.
• Surface other people’s wins.
  Show you’re not there to attack — you’re there to lift what works and fix what doesn’t.
• Anchor in truth, not judgment.
  You’re not better than anyone. You’re just clear. Be unshakeable and kind.
• Expect discomfort.
  Telling the truth disrupts dysfunctional systems. Let it. But don’t let it harden you.

A Personal Note
I find myself somewhere on the spectrum, which means I often don’t clock the social undercurrents until they’ve already formed. I’ve long been confused by people who take the easy route. I like a challenge. Unless I dread the task, you’ll find me going above and beyond. It’s just how I’m wired.

And yes—I got stellar marks on that performance review. Because I always do. I deliver.

Even when I’m not everyone’s cup of tea.

Or, apparently, their Vegemite.

Your Weekly Fix

If this resonated, take 5 minutes this week and reflect:

• Where am I taking it personally?
• What am I actually paid to do?
• What does success look like in my role?

And if you want a deeper dive on being constructively polarizing, I recommend this TED Talk:

She talks about the necessity of constructive conflict, how organizations grow through dissent, and what it means to hold your ground with grace.

Until next time,

—Nic

P.S. If you’re someone who’s always been a little too much or too honest or too direct—welcome. You’re in good company.