Ep. 20 How to Speak Up in Meetings (Reprise)

There’s something you *probably* don’t know about me, and it’s not something I share all that often.

But heck, in line with my instagram post yesterday about embracing vulnerability, here goes!

Flashback to my first year when I switched from law to banking: I was a young professional who was completely out of my depths. I didn’t know ANYTHING about the industry, felt a serious amount of imposter syndrome and was consumed with self-doubt.

(I couldn’t even hit ‘send’ on an email without reading over it at least 3 times, scrutinising it word for word - anyone feel me?)

And in meetings, it was like I didn’t exist.

I stayed completely silent. I said absolutely nothing. Zilch. Nada.

Why? Well I didn’t feel I had anything to contribute. I was mind-blank. I didn’t feel I knew enough and I was never given a chance to speak.

Even if I did have something to share, I would doubt whether it was the right thing to say, what others would think of me and always convinced myself it would come across as stupid.

As irrational as it seems, I know I’m not alone.

The fact is, professional women at ALL levels hold back their voice. They keep quiet, out of a fear of saying the ‘wrong’ thing. They self-censor and silence themselves.

But here’s the thing - The ability to speak up and communicate in meetings is ESSENTIAL for career advancement – you can’t afford not to do it.

So this week I’ve actually gone back into the archives to share the very first episode I created (sentimental!) which is all about confidently speaking up in meetings - if you’re one of the many women who’ve mentioned ‘lack of confidence’ as something holding you back, you want to start here!

If you’re someone who:

• Feels anxious when it comes to speaking up,

• Gets cut off by others when you’re sharing in a group or meeting,

• Feels like you never get a chance to share your perspective,

…Then this episode is for you!