For the women who know what it’s like to be the only woman in the room and the men who may or may not notice

Last week we saw the passing of Madeleine Albright, 64th US Secretary of State and the first woman to serve in this position.

Take a look at?this video , where she captures in 2 minutes what it’s like to be an ambitious, driven woman in a world that wasn’t always accepting.

What I take from her message is that when you stick to your truth - your authentic message - and give voice to it, despite the hardships, you’ll succeed beyond your wildest dreams, even when it seems impossible.

As an actuary, in my previous career, and now as The CEO coach, I know what it’s like to be the only woman in the room.

I know what it's like to say something that later gets repeated by a man and he gets the credit for the insight.

I know what it's like to not say something because you’re afraid it may sound stupid.

I know what it’s like to earn less than a male colleague in the exact same position.

And I know what it’s like to be the only person addressed as “love” in a business meeting, because I'm the only woman in the room.

(And I know there are men who’ve experienced these examples too.)

It's not okay and I love to see that things are changing.

Remember that if you are in a meeting, you’re there for a reason. So speak up and be unapologetically you!

If this video gives you some insight about the women around you who feel like they have to fight for their place, then it will be a great 2 minutes of your time spent.

And then ask yourself, whether you’re a man, woman, or other,?how you can shift your perspective to make room, give voice to and really hear the quieter voices. How can you encourage those around you to speak up the next time you walk into a room full of men (with one woman among them).

Notice what topics you talk to women about, what questions you ask, and how you address them?

Here’s one of my favorite quotes from Madeleine Albright:

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent."

I’m grateful that my daughters are growing up in a world where it’s a given that women hold powerful positions in politics and business. It’s a given that women have a voice and they are using it.

Thanks, Madeleine Albright, for carving out this path and showing us what's possible. It took 64 US Secretaries of State to get to the first woman. I know we didn't (and won't) have to wait that long for the next one.

PS EXCITING NEWS

I’ll be in London next week with my publisher to promote my books, so if you’d like to meet, in person, while I’m there,?hit reply , and let’s set it up.

AND

If you’d like to support me, please do purchase a copy of my books (and leave a great review). It really helps!

Here are the links: Weekly Habits for Extraordinary Leaders and?Courage to Lead