I work for a software company and I am the only woman engineer on the team. Further, I am also a woman of color and I am quite small at just 5’0 tall. I feel as if all these things combine to curtail my confidence. I know I’m good at my job and my manager gives me positive feedback, but it’s difficult to contribute in key meetings. I feel nervous speaking up, and then when I do, I am interrupted. I worry that I will get passed over when it comes to promotions. What can I do? Alarice, 27
A. I empathize with your situation and am happy you are motivated to address it. Earlier this month, I wrote a newsletter with 5 proven strategies for speaking up in meetings–I think each of those tips will serve you well.
What else can you do? 💡
- Use low-risk meetings to practice some of the tips from my newsletter
- Send well-structured proposals before the meeting. Write clearly and succinctly, using data to back up your point of view.
- Ask the meeting owner for time on the agenda to share your point of view.
- Identify an ally who can have your back and who will amplify your contribution.
- Stand while speaking or move to the front of the room for impact
- Ask your ally to give you feedback on the effectiveness of your meeting contribution (clarity, persuasiveness, eye contact, etc)
- Ask your manager to role-play in advance for high-stakes meetings
For in-person meetings, position yourself next to the meeting leader or be visible. For virtual meetings, use good lighting, contribute in the chat with relevant links or comments, and strategically use the virtual hand-raise feature and other reactions/emojis. Offer to summarize and share back after breakout sessions. Last, get comfortable with virtual white-boarding tools and offer to facilitate part of the agenda.
🚨 Most of all, don’t let your size, ethnicity or gender hold you back. You got this!
I work for an investment banking firm with very few women. I receive little guidance on developing my personal leadership brand – especially given my young age and being part of a male-dominated culture and industry. How can I grow when I feel like a loner? Jaqueline, 26
A. It can feel lonely when few women are around to support you – but know that many men are willing to be mentors or sponsors (don’t rule them out!). Seek out a respected leader in your firm who engages and encourages younger employees. Tell him you admire his leadership skills and ask him if he’d be willing to mentor you by giving you tips on how to navigate the workplace and feedback on how you can grow. 🌱
Look outside the organization for role models by joining professional networks for women such as Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF). Attend their in-person events or webinars and volunteer if you can make the time, as that’s a great way to build new professional relationships.
Join your college alumni network and focus on meeting women in finance, tech or other male-dominated industries.
Don’t forget LinkedIn! Identify and follow empowering leaders such as Sallie Krawcheck, Sara Blakely and women-focused organizations such as Female Quotient. Stay connected with Equipt Women on LinkedIn for daily inspiration and career advancement strategies that actually work. Engage with content that resonates – comment, share, and join the conversation. You’ll feel more energized and inspired. And if you’re stuck and need some coaching, Equipt Women can help you unlock your leadership potential.🌟
You are equipt to thrive!
