Why Your Voice Matters: How Women in Tech can Overcome Silence and Lead

Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone else seemed so confident, so sure of their ideas, while you hesitated to speak?

Maybe you told yourself, “I’ll speak up next time,” or “My idea probably isn’t that important.”

I’ve been there too.

There was a moment in my career that I’ll never forget—a meeting where a peer spoke aggressively at me.

I froze.

I didn’t respond, not because I didn’t want to, but because I was too shocked to find the words.

In that moment, I felt small and powerless. Thankfully, others in the room stood up for me, both during and after the meeting, but the experience stayed with me.

I realized then that staying silent wasn’t serving me—or my team. That was a pivotal moment when I understood that finding my voice wasn’t just about speaking up for myself; it was about standing up for my work, my team, and my leadership.

Breaking Through the Fear of Speaking Up

For many women in tech, the thought of speaking up in meetings feels overwhelming. Maybe it’s the loud, fast-paced environment or the fear of saying the “wrong” thing.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned over the years: Your voice matters, and it’s worth sharing.

One of my turning points came during a particularly challenging time. My team was dealing with high attrition, falling behind on goals, and under intense pressure. Instead of avoiding the difficult conversation, I walked into a meeting determined to share the reality of our situation.

I spoke openly about the challenges my team faced and emphasized that we were doing everything we could. To my surprise, instead of criticism, I found understanding. The group adjusted our goals, easing the pressure on my team and setting us up for success.

That meeting taught me that speaking up—even in tough situations—can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

What Holds Women Back?

If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up, you’re not alone.

In my experience and the women that I meet at my coaching practice, there are two common barriers:

1. Muscular Environments: Many meetings are dominated by extroverted, loud voices, which can make quieter participants feel overshadowed.

2. Fear of Judgment: The worry that we’ll say something “stupid” often silences us before we even try.

But here’s the thing—silence doesn’t protect you. It only hides the value you bring.

How to Build Your Confidence and Speak Up

Finding your voice doesn’t happen overnight. For me, it’s been a journey of small, intentional steps.

Here are a few strategies that have helped me:

1. Prepare in Advance: Write down your talking points and know what you want to achieve in the meeting.

2. Get Support: If you’re nervous, talk to the meeting organizer beforehand and ask for their help in creating space for your input.

3. Start Small: Challenge yourself to speak up once in every meeting. Over time, it becomes easier.

4. Focus on Your Passion: When you speak about something you care deeply about, confidence often follows naturally.

Stay True to Yourself

Over the years, I’ve learned that authenticity is my greatest strength as a leader. I don’t try to be the loudest or most charismatic person in the room—I simply show up as myself.

If you’re navigating leadership in male-dominated spaces, here’s my advice:

• Take initiative, even if it feels uncomfortable. Don’t wait for permission to step forward.
• Embrace your unique strengths. You don’t have to be like everyone else to lead effectively.
• Take ownership of your career. Your manager can guide you, but you are ultimately responsible for your growth.

You Can Lead Authentically

Speaking up isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about showing up, sharing your perspective, and contributing in a way that’s true to who you are.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to listen to my latest podcast episode, where I explore these themes with Jane Williams. Together, we discuss how to overcome shyness, navigate difficult environments, and lead with confidence.

?? Listen to the full episode here: https://limorbergman.com/podcast

?? What’s been your biggest challenge in finding your voice? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to connect!