8 Ways to Master the Humble Brag

How to balance modesty and self-promotion to enhance your executive visibility.

Ever scrolled through social media, seen someone showcasing their successes, and thought, “I could never be that person—I wouldn’t even know what to say. I hate bragging, and humble brags just seem awkward…”? If so, this is for you.

I get it. I have been there. Anyone can post on social media, but striking the right balance between highlighting accomplishments without coming across as overly boastful or, just as bad, too modest to the point of seeming disingenuous, is an art form. This is especially true for executives tasked with raising visibility for their company while navigating the fine line of humility and confidence. 

First, There’s Nothing Wrong with Bragging

Before I get into my tips on how to navigate that fine line, I want to note that there’s nothing inherently wrong with boldly, outright bragging. Society often pressures us to downplay our accomplishments, and that call for constant humility, particularly among successful women, is a norm we should challenge.

However, working with the reality of these societal pressures doesn’t mean we’re succumbing to them. Instead, consider these tips as stepping stones on the journey to express unbridled pride in ourselves and our work. So, for those who want strategies to share achievements with confidence and authenticity, keep reading.

8 Ways to Master the Humble Brag

1. Start with value. When sharing achievements, frame them in a way that emphasizes the value added to your audience or industry. Explain how it contributes to broader goals, innovations, or community benefits.

Perk: You position yourself as a thought leader focused on making a difference.

Example: “Thrilled to share my latest project, which has the potential to reduce energy consumption by 20%—a leap towards a more sustainable future!”

2. Acknowledge your team. No achievement is a solo effort. By recognizing the team behind the success, you can keep humble and showcase your leadership and appreciation for collaborative efforts.

Perk: You strengthen your company culture and reinforce your commitments to teamwork.

Example: “Couldn’t be prouder of the incredible team effort that led to this award. It’s amazing to see results from everyone’s creativity and hard work.”

3. Share the journey. Mention the challenges and learning experiences that led to your achievement. This humanizes you and highlights your perseverance and success without directly bragging about the end result.

Perk: You provide valuable insights and encouragement on overcoming challenges to your peers and followers.

Example: “Bringing this project to fruition was a journey marked by highs and lows. Facing and overcoming the technical obstacles reminded me that persistence pays off. Here’s to the winding road to success!”

4. Use questions to engage. Frame it as a question to engage your audience rather than outright bragging.

Perk: You invite conversation and boost your social media engagement.

Example: “What strategies have you found effective for staying motivated during long-term projects? Here’s what worked for us…”

5. Leverage third-party endorsements. Sharing accolades or press mentions and thanking the original poster can put the spotlight on someone else’s recognition of your work, which takes a bit of the attention off of you.

Perk: You facilitate networking opportunities and open doors to new connections.

Example: “Thank you for sharing! Really excited that the episode is finally live!”

6. Give a peek behind the scenes. Whenever you share a success, include a bit of information that hasn’t made its way to the public. It could be an actionable takeaway or a fun fact, transforming your post from a brag into something more likely to grab attention.

Perk: You position yourself as approachable, interesting, and are more likely to stop the scroll and catch your audience’s eye.

Example: “What this article doesn’t say is that I spilled coffee all over my white shirt mid-interview...”

7. Celebrate others. Regularly celebrating the achievements of others sets a tone in your circle that it’s okay to celebrate your own successes, making your own shares feel more in context and less out of place.

Perk: You build a supportive community and show that you value others’ contributions to the industry.

Example: “A huge shout out to Dana for her groundbreaking work in healthcare! Inspiring to see such dedication and innovation.”

8. Practice Gratitude. Expressing thanks for the opportunities, people, and circumstances that contributed to the success is a powerful way to stay humble.

Perk: You signal that you’re a grounded, appreciative person to work with.

Example: “Humbled by the recognition in this magazine. A big thank you to everyone who’s supported us. Your belief in our vision has been the foundation of our success.”

As an executive, using social media to raise your visibility isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. By embracing the humble brag and using these eight tips, you can showcase your achievements without overshadowing the qualities that make you a respected leader. 

Key Takeaway: The goal is to inspire, engage, and contribute to your community. Think authentic and approachable. With that mindset, you’re never truly bragging; instead, you’re transforming modesty and self-promotion into a powerful tool for executive visibility.

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Katie Radel is the founder and CEO of Ripple Consulting Group, a strategic communications firm that helps executives and organizations take up more space and be seen by their audience.