3 proven ways to stand out at work (even if it feels risky)

A few years ago, my team at Google was up for a big award.

Instead of filling out the boring submission form with dry details about our project, we made a goofy music video.

We lost. And for two years, I cringed every time I passed the decision-makers in the hallway.

I imagined them laughing: “There goes Jenny Wood, the senior leader who wasted everyone’s time on a music video.”

Until one of those decision-makers pulled me aside and said:

“That music video was bold and memorable. You do things other leaders wouldn’t dare. People notice. Keep going.”

The Problem

You dress like everyone else. You present like everyone else. You network like everyone else. And then you wonder why no one remembers you.

Being forgettable is more dangerous than being bold.

Once I realized this, I wanted to learn MORE ways to stand out. So I started using Shortform, this week’s sponsor.

The Big Small Thing

I’ve been using Shortform to learn specific tactics from books about influence, psychology, and standing out.

​Shortform gives me 30-minute breakdowns of books instead of 10-hour reads. They’re quick audio summaries I can listen to while driving or waiting for Noa at gymnastics.

Here are 3 specific things I’ve learned on Shortform that help me stand out:

1. Mirroring (Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss)

The tactic: Repeat the last 2-3 words someone says. It builds rapport and makes people feel heard.

How I use it: At a networking event recently, a friend said: “I’m trying to figure out how to scale our team without losing culture.” Instead of jumping to advice, I nodded and said: “Without losing culture?”

It makes people feel heard. And they remember me, even though I barely said anything.

2. The Peak-End Rule (Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman)

The tactic: People remember two things about an experience: the peak (most intense moment) and the end.

How I use it: In my keynotes, I focus on one big moment and one strong ending. The peak = a story that makes people lean in. The end = one thing they can do immediately.

That’s what people remember. (Not the 40 slides in between!)

3. The Benjamin Franklin Effect (How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie)

The tactic: Ask for a small favor. People who help you end up liking you more.

How I use it: After networking events, instead of sending “nice to meet you,” I ask a small favor: “Do you have 2 minutes to share your thoughts on [specific thing they mentioned]?”

I get way more responses than generic follow-ups. People like helping. You just have to ask.

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How This Helps You Get What You Want

Do the weird thing. Make the music video. Be the person people remember, not the person who played it safe.

Be memorable.

​Shortform teaches me specific tactics I use every week in 30 minutes — instead of 10 hours reading.

Try it free here for 5 days and get 25% off.