#TellAllTuesday: Queen's Court

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—navigating male-dominated industries. I've been in so many different energy spaces FILLED with male leaders, in some spaces where folks have asked me if I was doing my duty as a woman to have kids (yes, super inappropriate, and they didn't even know me) to others who just decided they needed to talk over me to harp on something irrelevant to the conversation we were having. It's frustrating; sometimes, you may feel you should leave or question why this is happening. As women, especially women of color, the challenges we face in such spaces aren’t just about finding a seat at the table—they’re about claiming that space with the power and voice we already possess. We shouldn't need to shrink or alter our communication to fit in. We must stand tall, speak up, and unapologetically own our space.

Today, I’m sharing lessons learned from my journey in the clean energy sector—a male-dominated field (the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 80% of males are in Renewables). These aren’t just survival tactics and strategies for thriving, amplifying your voice, and ensuring you are seen, heard, and valued.

1. Own Your Expertise—You Belong in the Room

First and foremost, you belong. If you’re in the room, you’ve earned that spot. Imposter syndrome is real, but pushing past those self-doubts is essential. 75% of female executives have experienced imposter syndrome at some point. That internal voice telling you you’re not good enough? It’s a lie. Your education, skills, and unique perspective are valuable assets your industry needs.

When I first entered clean energy, I questioned my field placement. I’d sit in meetings, listening to people with fancy titles and years of experience, and wonder if my voice, my experience (both lived and learned), was valuable. However, I quickly realized that the energy I wasted doubting myself could be used to?amplify my voice. When you own your expertise, you stop allowing anyone else to define your worth.

2. Speak with Purpose—Your Voice Matters

One of the most powerful tools you have is your voice. Speaking up can feel daunting in male-dominated spaces, but it’s non-negotiable. I’ve learned that silence can be mistaken for agreement—so when something doesn’t sit right, say something. I am also still navigating how to deal with individuals who will gaslight my team or myself or constantly talk over us while we're talking! It's exhausting, but navigating those spaces strategically with your voice makes you perfect for the role.

However, it’s not just about speaking up for the sake of it; it’s about speaking with purpose. Know your data, your facts, and your audience. Whether challenging a flawed idea, advocating for an inclusive approach, or pitching a new strategy, approach it confidently and purposefully. Don’t worry about being perfect—speak with conviction.

Practicing this meant prepping before meetings, jotting down key points I wanted to address, and jumping in confidently. It's not easy, but the more you do it, the more you’ll realize that your voice carries weight. Take up space with your words.

3. Build Alliances and Find Mentors

The truth is, you don’t have to do this alone. Building alliances with other women, people of color, and allies in your industry is vital to thriving in male-dominated fields. Mentorship, sponsorship, and collaboration are powerful tools for growth and resilience. (Check out Lean In, Lift Up for a deep dive on this: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/daphanysanchez_tellalltuesday-womeninleadership-bipocwomen-activity-7224036060308086784-S6Wk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop )

In my journey, I’ve been fortunate to connect with mentors who have advocated for me, helped me navigate tricky situations, and amplified my contributions. Find mentors who not only open doors but also challenge you to grow. Likewise, be that mentor for others—lift as you climb.

Your network is your net worth. Build relationships with those who support you, challenge the status quo, and believe in creating a more inclusive industry. Together, we can rewrite the rules.

4. Call Out Bias When You See It

Let’s face it: bias is rampant in many industries, and calling it out is part of claiming your space. Whether being spoken over in meetings, dismissed in favor of male colleagues, or facing outright discrimination, it’s crucial to address these issues head-on. Despite your best efforts, there will be moments when your voice isn’t being heard or valued. Recognizing these instances is crucial for maintaining your leadership confidence and effectiveness. But how do you do that without jeopardizing your position?

Start by documenting these incidents. If you’re continuously interrupted in meetings, note the instances. If your ideas are being ignored or co-opted, make it known. It’s essential to confront bias with facts, and yes, it’s exhausting, but it’s necessary for change.

Here are some signs and strategies to handle these challenging interactions:

Identifying Gaslighting and Being Talked Over

• Signs to Watch For: Repeatedly being interrupted, dismissing your ideas without consideration, or being told you overreact when you raise valid concerns.
• Strategy: Stay calm and composed (the HARDEST thing to do). When interrupted, gently but firmly say, “I’d like to finish my point,” or “Please allow me to complete my thought.” Document instances of being talked over or gaslighted to have concrete examples if you need to escalate the issue.

Setting Boundaries in Real-Time

• Establish Clear Limits: Politely but assertively set boundaries during meetings. For example, “I’d appreciate letting everyone finish speaking before responding.”
• Use Non-Verbal Cues: Maintain eye contact, use confident body language, and position yourself where you can be seen and heard clearly. These cues reinforce your presence and authority.

Redirecting the Conversation

• Steer Back to Your Points: If someone derails the conversation or tries to shift focus, calmly bring it back. For instance, “That’s an interesting point, but let’s circle back to the main topic.”
• Ask Clarifying Questions: This can help you regain control of the dialogue. For example, “Can you clarify how that relates to our current discussion on project timelines?”

Choosing When to Escalate

• Know When to Speak Up More Firmly: If subtle strategies aren’t effective, addressing the issue more directly might be necessary. Schedule a private conversation with the individual or involve HR if the behavior persists.
• Focus on Solutions: When escalating, frame the conversation around finding a constructive solution. For example, “I’ve noticed that my contributions are often overlooked in meetings. How can we ensure everyone’s ideas are heard and valued?”

Additionally, approach these conversations with diplomacy and clarity. Shining a light on the problem creates opportunities for systemic change. If we don’t call it out, we allow it to persist.

5. Redefine Success—It’s Not Just About Climbing the Ladder

Lastly, we need to redefine what success looks like. It’s not just about reaching the top—it’s about creating a culture where other women, especially BIPOC women, can thrive, too. Traditional markers of success—like titles and salaries—are essential, but they shouldn’t be the only measure.

True success is about changing the industry from within—advocating for inclusive policies, ensuring diverse voices are heard, and breaking down barriers for the next generation. If we’re the first or only women of color in a room, let’s ensure we’re not the last.

Remember, claiming space isn’t just about personal gain. It’s about transforming the room for others who will follow. Every time you show up unapologetically as yourself, you’re setting the standard for others.

Let’s Lead with Purpose

Navigating male-dominated industries isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and necessary. We’re not just here to take up space but to redefine it. So, let’s continue to lead with purpose, speak confidently, and amplify our voices and those around us. There’s power in claiming your space; when we do it together, we create a future where everyone can thrive.

How are you navigating male-dominated spaces? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your experiences and strategies below! ??

#TellAllTuesday #WomenInLeadership #BIPOCWomen #ClaimYourSpace #InclusiveLeadership #EquityInAction