Your Voice Matters

Have you ever noticed how different the energy feels when someone truly listens to you? I experienced this at a conference not long ago, when I had the opportunity to compare and contrast the approaches two leaders took.

In one, a brilliant woman leader shared innovative solutions, only to have her ideas glossed over. Tragic. In another, a leader commanded full attention, leaving everyone feeling both heard and inspired. The difference wasn’t in the quality of their ideas – it was in how they owned their voice and created space for dialogue.

This observation strikes at the heart of what I’ve seen throughout my career and in my work with women leaders. Having transformative ideas simply isn’t enough; it’s about mastering the art of communicating them in a way that creates lasting impact. I’ve worked with countless brilliant women who struggle to have their voices heard, particularly when sharing their value and contributions with senior leadership. They often find their suggestions overlooked or, frustratingly, hijacked by someone else later  to widespread acclaim.

What fascinates me is that this isn’t just about speaking up – it’s about speaking in a way that resonates and creates connection. When we master this, the benefits ripple outward. Teams become more innovative because they feel safe sharing ideas. Projects move forward more smoothly because communication flows naturally. Most importantly, our unique contributions get recognised, leading to the kind of opportunities and advancement that align with our true potential.

This connects deeply with what I see in my clients’ journeys. These are accomplished women leaders managing complex responsibilities and driving significant initiatives. Yet often, they find themselves stuck in a cycle where their valuable insights don’t land. They simply don’t translate into either the recognition or impact they deserve. The daily demands on their time and energy leave little space to step back and develop these crucial communication skills.

Here’s what I’ve learned works: Start by owning your expertise. Before any important communication, take a moment to ground yourself in your value. Then, focus on creating dialogue rather than just delivering information. Ask powerful questions. Leave space for response. Build on others’ contributions while clearly linking back to your key points. When sharing accomplishments with senior leadership, frame them in terms of business impact and future potential.

The magic happens when we shift from seeing communication as a task to viewing it as a tool for creating connection and impact. It’s about finding that sweet spot where confidence meets genuine curiosity about others’ perspectives. This approach has helped my clients transform how they’re perceived and how effectively they can drive change in their organisations.

Remember, your voice is unique and needed. The world needs more women leaders who can effectively share their vision and create positive change. If you’re ready to amplify your impact through more powerful communication, book a call. Together, we can ensure your voice not only gets heard but creates the lasting impact you and only you can make.