How to Move the dial on Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

In reflecting on International Women’s Day, I’m reminded of a post I once shared about how to speak up for women when they aren’t in the room - and why it’s your responsibility if you have a seat at the table.

After spending over a dozen years in sales in the technology industry, I can tell you: being the only woman in the room was the norm.

Years went by without me even noticing until a friend and mentee asked me:

“Do you feel empowered being the only woman in the room?”

This gave me pause to consider how, over the years, I’d learned to use my voice in a room full of men. It also got me thinking, if I’m the only woman in the room to start with, what happens when I step out?

What happens to representation when there is no longer anyone representing you?

It was the call I needed to share how to speak up for women when they aren’t in the room.

Speaking up for yourself creates space for more female voices to be heard. In the past, I’ve been quiet in meetings because it was easier. I let impostor syndrome win and left the meeting frustrated with myself, knowing I could have done better.

Once I realized that speaking up for myself was amplifying the voice of every other woman trying to get into that boardroom, I was more willing to put my hand up. I learned that the more I spoke, the more I was heard. And the more I was heard, the more opportunity I had for my contribution to be valued and respected. As a result, the more everyone in the room (men and women) would be willing to listen to other women and invite them to the table.

And once you have that seat, it’s imperative that you trust yourself and own who you are. I’ll never forget hearing Michelle Obama’s words on this topic:

“If you’re given a seat at the table, come to the table completely yourself. If we are committed to diversity as a means to improve the workplace, your value is diminished as soon as you try to be like everyone else. It’s important to bring your thoughts, your ideas, and your perspective to the table.”

By owning who we are, we can raise the voices of so many other women.

When we stand in who we are, in our truth, we inspire others.

We are confident.
We are capable.
We are courageous.

But when we leave the room, we need someone speaking up on our behalf. Someone who will advocate for us and say: “yes, she can do it. I trust her to get the job done.”

The first step is building an internal network with those you know have influence and a voice — a voice that’s not only heard, but respected. Make connections with those people either socially or more formally through mentorship. Take it one step further and ensure you have sponsors — these will often be men as they continue to be the ones in positions of leadership (the very thing we are trying to change!) and their partnership is critical.

Remember: mentors advise you, sponsors advocate for you.

It’s on all of us to call it out:

To acknowledge the work of other women out loud.

Too often, women don’t have the opportunity to speak to their success. Or worse, they don’t take credit for their ideas and accomplishments.

When you have the attention of your male peers, ensure you share the hard work of other women. It is our responsibility to share the success of others to help elevate their visibility so they too, have a seat at the table.

By being the only woman in the room you already stand out, so why not use your voice to help drive change?

If you have a seat at the table, it’s your responsibility to be yourself and to speak up.

To show up.
To use your voice.
To invite others to join you.