Finding your Voice, even when it shakes.
Speaking up is one thing, being truly heard is another. Too often, women hesitate to use their voices for fear of being labeled too emotional, too aggressive, too much. But our voices are powerful, and they deserve to be heard. Whether you’re the one facing these challenges or an ally ready to support, what you say, and how you say it, matters. So how do we navigate these conversations in a way that creates real impact? Here are top tips from the WORTH Leadership Summit.
1. The 24-Hour Rule: Pause Before You React
When faced with a situation that stirs up strong emotions, give yourself time before responding. Taking this pause doesn’t mean suppressing your emotions; it means allowing yourself the space to craft a response that is clear, constructive, and impactful. Emotional intelligence is about knowing when and how to deliver your message effectively.
2. Be Clear about the Outcome You Want
Before speaking up, ask yourself: What am I hoping to achieve? Are you looking to create awareness, hold someone accountable, or push for systemic change? Clarity in your goal shapes the conversation and ensures your voice is used strategically rather than reactively.
3. Choose the Right Time and Place
Speaking up is powerful, but timing and setting matter. A workplace concern may be best addressed in a private meeting rather than in a group setting. An industry-wide issue might gain more traction through a panel discussion. Understanding where and when your voice will have the most impact helps ensure that your message is received rather than dismissed.
4. Be Open to Feedback
When you raise an issue with a specific outcome in mind, the person you’re speaking to may have a different perspective, a different goal, or may not be receptive at all. Take a moment to assess the situation: Are you aligned on the goal but disagreeing on how to get there? If so, keep an open mind and explore a compromise. If they’re entirely unresponsive, it may be time to step back, seek allies, or revisit the conversation later. The key is to read the cues, adapt your approach, and ensure your message is heard in the most effective way possible.
5. Take Time to Rest and Rebuild
Speaking up, especially on difficult topics, can be exhausting. Taking breaks doesn’t mean giving up. It means preserving your energy so you can continue the fight. Rest is part of resilience. Find moments to reconnect with yourself, seek support from trusted allies, and remember that change is a marathon, not a sprint.
6. Confidence Comes with Time, But It Must Be Cultivated
With experience comes confidence, at least, that’s what they say. And while there’s truth to that, confidence doesn’t simply appear with time; it must be built through action. Finding your voice takes practice, mistakes, and learning. The more you step into discomfort and initiate difficult conversations, the more resilient and assured you become. Embrace the missteps, take the lessons, and keep showing up. Over time, this process will shape your voice into one of strength, clarity, and impact.
7. Stay Connected and Build Your Tribe
“Stronger together,” “It’s not who you are, but who you know,” “It takes a village”, these sayings have been around forever for a reason. The power of community and connection has long been a cornerstone of success. Yet, as women, we sometimes isolate ourselves,whether out of fear of vulnerability, pride in doing it all alone, or the disheartening experience of being pushed aside. But here’s the truth: no one succeeds in a vacuum. Many success stories begin with someone taking a chance on someone else, and those chances don’t happen if you’re hidden away.
Take up space. Share your story. Build your network. Connections matter, and they create opportunities. Support networks are essential, whether it’s colleagues, mentors, or industry groups like WORTH. Having a community that uplifts and advocates for you makes all the difference in how you’re heard and how far your message travels.
Final Thoughts: Speak Smart, Speak Strong
Speaking up isn’t easy. It comes with risks. It can feel lonely. But it is necessary.
If there’s one key takeaway, it’s this: your voice matters. And while there’s no perfect formula for when and how to use it, there are strategies that can make it more powerful, more impactful, and more sustainable.
Your voice is a tool. Use it wisely. Use it often. And never let fear of labels keep you silent.
Acknowledgment: The insights shared in this piece come from the powerful voices of industry leaders at the WORTH Leadership Summit 2025. These women—Shobna Kannusamy, Alexandra Gill, Judith Kasiama, Sarah Meconse Mierau, and Heidi Murphy—openly shared their experiences, fears, and lessons learned. Their stories remind us that speaking up takes courage, persistence, and a willingness to embrace both successes and setbacks. Their leadership continues to inspire and pave the way for others to find their voices.