Your Voice: Your Ultimate Superpower

Today I want to take you on a little journey

It’s all about how the challenges I faced through my career evolution resulted directly in my exponential growth - and ultimately, my career success.?

A lot of this growth had to do with finding my voice. It was like finding a hidden superpower that was always within me, waiting to be unleashed. But it took years for me to build up the courage and confidence to exercise it.

The Challenge that Started It All

In my early years as a young quality engineer, I found myself facing a challenging situation – I was experiencing sexual harassment from a general manager, a big shot in the organization. Now, as a fresh 22 year-old graduate, reporting someone of that stature felt like scaling Mount Everest. I tried to brush it off, avoid him in meetings, and practically became a ninja to dodge any interaction. Instead, I ignored it. I tried to blow it off. I tried to avoid any space that he was in. I did everything I could for almost a year. It was absolutely impossible. And enough had become enough.

The turning point came when a Black male colleague urged me to use my voice. He said, "You need to report him, Linda, and I'll stand by you." He was 100% correct. He kept his promise and stood by me as I reported my GM to HR. It took courage, but I found my voice, reported the harassment, and guess what? What I feared most - getting reprimanded, demoted, or humiliated - didn’t happen. The GM suffered consequences, but I didn’t experience any negative repercussions – just a massive sense of empowerment.

The Art of Saying No

Fast forward through the years, and I realized another crucial lesson – the power of the word "no." Saying no isn't just a rejection; it's a declaration of boundaries. It's about understanding that, more often than not, I'm my own best advocate. The realization dawned on me like a lightbulb moment. If I don't protect myself, who will?

It took time, years of growth, and a series of experiences for me to grasp the true potency of exercising my voice. It became apparent that saying no wasn't a sign of weakness but a testament to self-respect and empowerment. It's crucial to recognize that it's okay to say no, to push back when needed, and to be the guardian of your own well-being.

Advocating and Protecting Yourself

Here’s a game-changer – understanding that you are the primary guardian of your own interests. This isn't about being selfish; it's about surviving in the professional jungle. It's about recognizing toxic environments, making choices that serve you, and advocating for what's right.

I get it; it's not always easy. I've been there and faced tough decisions, but choosing what serves you is a vital and powerful aspect of personal growth. And let me tell you, the journey doesn't end when you reach a certain title or position. I've been a vice president for years, and the growth continues.

It All Starts With You?

The key to finding your voice lies in strengthening your confidence muscle and building your village of support. When you believe in yourself and have a supportive network to help you wield your power, you’ll be unstoppable. If you feel you need a bit of support in those areas, book a 1:1 with me. I’ll work with you to help you find strategies and solutions to your unique situation. Because, believe me, it's transformational. Stay empowered, trust in yourself, and keep growing – you've got this!