--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For the longest time, I just felt like I…" description: "\"For the longest time, I just felt like I had to be really, really harsh to be taken seriously as a CEO.\" — Huda Kattan" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f6/huda-kattan-5701_felt_for-the-longest-time-i-just-felt-like-i_2189185.jpg" --- # For the longest time, I just felt like I had to be really… ![“For the longest time, I just felt like I had to be really, really harsh to be taken seriously as a CEO.” quote by Huda Kattan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f6/huda-kattan-5701_felt_for-the-longest-time-i-just-felt-like-i_2189185.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f6/huda-kattan-5701_felt_for-the-longest-time-i-just-felt-like-i_2189185.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7f6/huda-kattan-5701_felt_for-the-longest-time-i-just-felt-like-i_2189185.jpg) > “For the longest time, I just felt like I had to be really, really harsh to be taken seriously as a CEO.” [Huda Kattan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huda-kattan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Leaders often feel they must be harsh to earn respect, revealing tension between authority and authenticity. **In simple terms:** Harshness is seen as necessary for respect. Key Takeaway Balance firmness with authenticity. Themes leadership authenticity authority gender dynamics Mood reflective critical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - CEO meetings - team management - public speaking - negotiations Key Concepts organizational behavior social expectations power dynamics Questions to Reflect On - Is harshness truly effective for long‑term respect? - How can you assert authority without aggression? A Different Perspective Harshness can alienate teams and stifle creativity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Felt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/felt/) [Felt Like](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/felt-like/) [Harsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/harsh/) [Harsh Taken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/harsh-taken-4761611/) [Like](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like/) [Longest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/longest/) [Really Harsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/really-harsh-1884959/) [Seriously](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/seriously/) [Seriously Ceo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/seriously-ceo-4761610/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [Both of my marriages have taught me the same lesson twice over really harsh: listen to your instincts. Don't be a people pleaser.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/drew-barrymore/both-of-my-marriages-have-taught-me-the-same-lesson-twice-over-really/) [Drew Barrymore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/drew-barrymore/) > [I was always really harsh on myself, and I think that's probably why people had to try to keep me positive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jude-bellingham/i-was-always-really-harsh-on-myself-and-i-think-that-s-probably-why/) [Jude Bellingham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jude-bellingham/) > [I can really harsh on myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sanya-malhotra/i-can-really-harsh-on-myself/) [Sanya Malhotra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sanya-malhotra/) > [Living in London, the water is really harsh, and my hair got so bad as soon as I moved there. 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Waiting for that one text/call from the one you love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/longest-minutes-in-life-1-waiting-for-food-in-the-microwave-2-waiting/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I think I've had the longest career of strength, focus, and still being able to sell records. I think I'm that guy. I'm still…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nas/i-think-i-ve-had-the-longest-career-of-strength-focus-and-still-being/) [Nas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nas/) ## More by Huda Kattan > [There's something sexy about a lip with a hint of red in it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/huda-kattan/there-s-something-sexy-about-a-lip-with-a-hint-of-red-in-it/) [Huda Kattan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huda-kattan/) > [Kids used to tell me I was weird all the time. When I got older, I wanted to embrace my name and I put…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/huda-kattan/kids-used-to-tell-me-i-was-weird-all-the-time-when-i-got-older-i/) [Huda Kattan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huda-kattan/) > [Although we represent this almost drag-like beauty at Huda Beauty, I'm not only this person who is made up and always likes to wear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/huda-kattan/although-we-represent-this-almost-drag-like-beauty-at-huda-beauty-i-m/) [Huda Kattan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huda-kattan/) > [I spend the majority of my time in the office and I usually wear a casual bandage dress and flip-flops or slippers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/huda-kattan/i-spend-the-majority-of-my-time-in-the-office-and-i-usually-wear-a/) [Huda Kattan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huda-kattan/) > [I was born in Oklahoma.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/huda-kattan/i-was-born-in-oklahoma/) [Huda Kattan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huda-kattan/) > [The minute you decide to do what you love to do, you have made a life plan for yourself and a career choice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/huda-kattan/the-minute-you-decide-to-do-what-you-love-to-do-you-have-made-a-life/) [Huda Kattan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/huda-kattan/) > [My makeup will stay on from morning until late and people are always like, 'How? 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