Each time we step into every communications situation it is an opportunity to inspire, influence and motivate others. Whether you are networking, delivering a presentation or workshop, in sales conversations or written proposals, on phone calls, email exchanges, or casual conversations. Every day we are on a stage delivering a message. That stage can also be in an elevator, a restaurant table, a boardroom or the grocery story.
Female cultural and societal habits revolve around minimizing our strengths, giving way and not taking up space – physically and energetically, apologizing, downplaying our accomplishments, being demure, hesitating and struggling to get into a conversation. Also included in these habit systems are things like being too quiet, not showing passion in the voice, opting to be a good listener and playing a supporting role rather than taking center stage.
I have talked to many business professionals and coached tons of Entrepreneurs who came to me because they wanted their soft- spoken voice to be more powerful, to become confident enough to speak up and let their genuine personality shine through. Some business owners were tired of shrinking back when they were faced with talking to decision makers or people in key positions, and yet others were tired of not being able to open doors to potential opportunities, charge their worth and own their value.
I believe that for women to be seen and heard we have to learn how to take the stage, choose to do it and own it.
I was recently in a coaching session with a client of mine who is an uber successful CEO of an IT firm with a big vision to normalize neurodiversity in the workplace. She has 30+ years experience managing departments with 60+ IT professionals and budgets of $50M. She is an incredible woman with a mission to change the world. She confessed to me that when she was a girl, she was always told to be quiet. And that conditioning has stuck with her for decades, influencing how she shows up in the world. One of the strategies I have been working with her on has been the refinement and alignment of her organization’s marketing message. We are now at that pivotal moment when it’s time to build her platform and elevate her status to be seen by the world as a thought leader.
You see, she is already a pioneer in her industry, a disruptor of the norm, a catalyst for change; but doing it on the down low is not going to create the ripple affect needed to create a paradigm shift in the world.
Can you think of a time that you were reluctant to ‘take the stage’?
What business situations make you feel uncomfortable and why?
Do you think others view you negatively when you are confident?
As a child, were you discouraged from standing out?
Here are some key tips that will help you be seen and be heard:
- Dare to be visible. You can’t stand out when you fit in.
- Be courageous. There are enough followers in this world – be a change maker.
- Step out and speak up. Your words matter. We need to hear your message.
- Claim your role. Put your stake in the sand and own your identity. If you are a disruptor – name it and claim it!
Now it’s your turn.
Unapologetically speak your truth. Claim your right to be heard. Take up your rightful space. Dare to be visible.
The world is waiting for you. What are you waiting for?
You got this! And I’ve got your back. If you want some help – let me know. I have spent my entire life dedicated to the journey of stepping out of the shadows and into my own spotlight, from overcoming to becoming, and from shrinking back to daring to be seen. All of my success has come from doing the work. If I can do it, you can to. I’ve walked the path and I’ve come out the other side knowing the secrets to success. My mission is to help people step into their brilliance, own their value and be seen and heard. Why? Because, I know about the struggle and what it feels like to do it alone. There’s no need to suffer in silence. You’re worth it. Contact me for your 45-minute no obligation consultation.