How to Use Speaking Up to Advance Your Career

Silence Won't Get You That Promotion (But Your Voice Will)   As women, we've been programmed to keep our heads down, stay quiet, and hope someone notices our hard work. The result? Lower pay, missed promotions, and watching less qualified (often male) colleagues advance by simply speaking up.   I learned this lesson the hard way as a junior VC investor. Battling imposter syndrome, I worked harder hoping others would notice my contributions. Why? Because I believed the greatest lie women are told: "Work hard, stay humble, and you'll be recognized."   Spoiler alert: The system isn't designed to recognize quiet excellence.   The Silent Achiever's Career Obituary   I remember thinking "if I just source one more amazing deal" or "if I just work through another weekend," surely someone would notice my value.   Meanwhile, my male colleagues were openly discussing their wins, casually mentioning their contributions in meetings, and—surprise!—getting recognized for them.   The most painful realization? My silence wasn't humility. It was permission for others to define my worth.   From Grateful Analyst to Unapologetic GP   When I finally landed my VC role, I was so terrified of "rocking the boat" that I accepted the first offer without negotiation. Years later, I learned hiring managers literally BUDGET for negotiations.   Before I forged my own role as a General Partner at Daring Ventures, I had plenty of stomach-churning conversations about my value in previous firms. Yes, they were awkward. Yes, my voice sometimes shook. But with each conversation, a superpower grew—the ability to advocate for myself without apology.   Your Self-Worth Arsenal   Document everything from day one: -Investments you influenced or sourced -Founder relationships you've cultivated -That diligence report everyone referenced for months -The portfolio company you helped through a crisis   When promotion time comes, don't hope they remember—SHOW them your impact.   The most powerful career move I've made wasn't a brilliant investment—it was learning to say "This is what I've accomplished, and this is what I'm worth" without flinching.   Your excellence doesn't speak for itself. YOU have to speak for it.   What's holding you back from advocating for yourself? Drop it in the comments 👇   #BreakTheGoodGirlRules #KnowYourWorth #WomenInVC #UnapologeticAmbition #CareerAdvancement

I didn’t plan on being a career coach. Before the pandemic, I actually wanted to become a public speaker. I took courses. I hired a mentor. I practiced for hours - because I knew how powerful this skill would be for life. Then the world shut down. Speaking opportunities disappeared. And I had to pivot. That’s when I gave career coaching a real shot. But here’s the thing... Everything I learned while training to speak? It changed how I show up for clients, on sales calls, in content, & with my team. So instead of a “how to…”   Here are 10 things I learned that completely transformed the way I communicate: 1. Practice active listening Pay attention fully. People can feel it when you do. 2. Slow down your speech Fast talkers lose attention. Clarity builds authority. 3. Use simple words If you can’t explain it clearly, you don’t know it well enough. 4. Make eye contact It builds instant trust. Even on Zoom. 5. Use pauses effectively Silence isn’t awkward; it’s powerful. Let your words land. 6. Vary your tone Monotone = tune out. Great speakers sound like music. 7. Prepare and practice Confidence is earned in private before it’s shown in public. 8. Ask for feedback Growth only happens when you're willing to hear the hard stuff. 9. Record yourself Yes, it’s uncomfortable. But it’s the fastest way to improve. 10. Stay positive Energy is contagious. If you don’t believe in your message, no one else will. Whether you’re selling, coaching, interviewing, or leading… Your communication matters more than you think. And the good news? It’s a skill anyone can build. Don’t wait for a stage to learn how to speak. Start practicing now. Your voice is one of your biggest business assets. Use it like it matters. Because it does.

Have you ever sat in a meeting wondering, "Why am I here?" or "Is this the most effective use of our time?" Now, the real question: Have you ever spoken up about it? At SCAN, we’re exploring a new Way of Working called *Courageous Challenge*, which encourages us to speak up—constructively. As a third-generation New Jerseyan, I’ve never needed much encouragement in that department. Speaking my mind comes naturally, but I’ve learned over time that how you speak up matters as much as what you say. When it’s done right, speaking up from a place of care isn’t jarring—it’s /transformative/. Staying silent, biting my tongue, only preserves the status quo. On the other hand, poorly-delivered criticism feels like an excuse to be a jerk. So, how can you drive change without alienating your colleagues? Here’s what’s worked for me: - Tone is everything. Deliver criticism or feedback with steady energy and optimism. You’re working toward a better outcome and your delivery needs to reflect that. - Don’t just raise problems; do your homework! Reference articles, case studies, or examples to show your feedback is grounded. Saying, “I read about a company that started no-meeting Wednesdays…” or “Inbox Bankruptcy has worked wonders for others…” shows you’re advocating for solutions, not just venting. - Use storytelling. Instead of saying, “This isn’t working,” try, “I’ve seen this play out before, and here’s what we changed.” For example, I once shared how my prior engineering team managed projects - it sparked interest rather than defensiveness. That encouraged others to open up with their feedback, and we built a better process with our suggestions combined! - Humor can be a secret weapon. A little lightheartedness can take the sting out of feedback, but it is very dependent on your audience. Test the waters first on this one. If you’re looking for a framework to practice this type of constructive feedback, I highly recommend this primer: https://lnkd.in/gnVKrdwJ This is where #RadicalCandor meets everyday #WorkplaceCulture. Have you spoken up recently? How did it land?

"Hard work speaks for itself." That's what many immigrants are taught growing up. Keep your head down. Work hard. Don't cause trouble. And for a while, it works, especially in school. You study, take your tests, and you get the results. That mindset certainly helped me  excel in college. But then we enter the workplace And it’s a completely different ballgame. Because quiet excellence gets overlooked. When I entered corporate America, I believed my results would do the talking. Then along the way I got passed over for a promotion I knew I had earned. That moment forced me to confront the truth: If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one will. Things only began to change when I started doing three things: ✓ Scheduling regular check-ins with my manager’s manager ✓ Clearly communicating my accomplishments ✓ Explicitly expressing my career goals Because at the end of the day: It’s not just about being good at your job. It’s about making sure people KNOW you’re good at your job. Vinh Giang, a communications coach I admire here on LinkedIn and YouTube, said it best: “If you're a 10/10 technically, but a 3/10 communicator, people won’t perceive you as a 10.” They’ll likely perceive you as a 3. For many immigrants, self-advocacy feels uncomfortable, even culturally jarring. We come from backgrounds where speaking up might be seen as disrespectful or attention-seeking. We don’t want to ruffle feathers in a country where we already feel privileged just to be in. And we definitely don’t want to ask for “too much.” But self-advocacy isn’t boastfulness. It’s not arrogance. It’s about:  → Making your contributions visible  → Helping others understand your value  → Building trust through clear communication  → Owning your career path To any immigrants reading this: Your voice matters. Your presence matters. Your perspective, work ethic, and unique experiences are powerful assets. But it’s up to you to make sure others see them too. Because quiet hard work doesn’t get you promoted. Speaking up does. #UnmutedMoments ________________________ 🌍 𝗨𝗡𝗠𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗦 (Post 4 of 5) ➕ Follow me to catch the rest of the series. 🎙️ And check out Unmuted Moments—my podcast on finding and owning your voice for immigrants and young professionals.

When I first started at my company, I was eager to take on more responsibilities but hesitant to speak up. I worried that my request might be seen as overreaching. Then, a mentor gave me invaluable advice: "Opportunities are rarely given; they’re taken." This changed everything for me. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my journey to help you leap: ➙ Self-Assessment 📝: Before asking for more, evaluate your current workload. Are you consistently meeting your deadlines and excelling in your tasks? This will show that you're ready for additional responsibilities. ➙ Identify Areas for Growth 🔍: Look for gaps in your team or company where you can add value. It could be a project that's been neglected or a new initiative that aligns with your skills. ➙ Prepare Your Case 📊: Approach your manager with a clear plan. Highlight your achievements, explain how you can contribute more, and detail the benefits to the team and company. ➙ Show Enthusiasm and Commitment 💪: Demonstrate your passion for growth. Enthusiasm is contagious and shows that you're genuinely invested in your role and the company's success. ➙Be Ready for Challenges 🚀: Taking on more means stepping out of your comfort zone. Be prepared to tackle new challenges and show resilience. After implementing these steps, I not only got the additional responsibilities I wanted but also gained the trust and respect of my colleagues and superiors. My career growth skyrocketed, and I felt more fulfilled in my role. Big Lesson: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Take charge of your career by proactively seeking out more responsibilities. You'll grow, learn, and stand out as a proactive, driven professional. How Do You Go About It? 📞Regularly communicate with your manager about your career aspirations. 📞Seek feedback and use it to improve continuously. 📞Network within your company to identify potential growth opportunities. Have you successfully asked for more responsibilities? Share your experiences and tips below! Let’s inspire each other to take control of our career paths. 🚀 ————————————————————————— Meeting me for the first time? I’m Rudy Malle, a clinical researcher dedicated to improving public health outcomes, and a career advisor helping ordinary professionals take their careers to the next level to enhance visibility for individuals and companies. #CareerAdvancement #ProfessionalGrowth #TakeTheLead #WorkplaceTips #CareerAdvice #LinkedInCommunity #personaldevelopment #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma #rudyhacks

Career tip for those Early in Career: ✨a series ✨ Advocating for yourself in the workplace is essential for career growth and success. Here are 4 key things to know (and what I’ve learned through my own journey thus far): 1️⃣ Speak Up with Confidence Your perspective matters! Don’t hesitate to share your ideas or insights during meetings or discussions. Advocating for your contributions not only highlights your value but also builds your confidence over time. To do this, you don’t have to block other people’s voice — part of this skill is knowing when, where and how to speak up. Mastering this will set you apart. 2️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries Know your limits and communicate them. Whether it’s managing workload or addressing unrealistic expectations, advocating for your well-being helps maintain balance and ensures you can deliver your best work. I’ve found when I’m super overwhelmed it shows in how I communicate — taking a step back with clear boundaries will do more good for you. 3️⃣ Track and Showcase Your Achievements Keep a record of your wins—big or small. Highlighting your accomplishments during performance reviews or casual conversations with your manager (peers, other leaders) this demonstrates your impact and sets you up for opportunities. 4️⃣ Build a Support Network Advocacy isn't a solo journey. Build relationships with mentors, sponsors, allies, and peers who can amplify your voice and advocate for you when you're not in the room. 💡Advocacy is about finding your voice and ensuring it’s heard in a way that aligns with your values and goals. It’s a skill worth mastering! What are your top tips for self-advocacy? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. ⬇️ #theBOLDjourney #EarlyInCareer

The one career advice I’d give to anyone struggling to grow? 👉 Confidence and positioning. Let me tell you why. A few years ago, I coached a brilliant professional—let’s call her Aisha. She had over 10 years of experience, a strong track record, and a lot of respect from her leaders and team members alike. ❌ But she was stuck in the same role for 3 years. ❌ No promotion. ❌ No visibility. ❌ No real growth. When we 1st spoke, she said, “Everyone says I’m doing great work... but it’s not reflecting anywhere in my career,” she said. And after a few conversations, it became clear: Aisha didn’t lack skill. She lacked confidence and positioning. She was waiting to be “noticed.” She avoided speaking up in meetings. She never articulated her wins. And when it came to interviews or appraisals, she downplayed her value. So, we worked on it. 💡 Built her self-belief. 💡 Reframed her career story. 💡 Practiced how to talk about her impact without sounding boastful. 💡 And we polished her LinkedIn and personal brand so her work spoke even when she wasn’t in the room. Within 4 months, she got a leadership role at a new company, with a 75% salary hike. Here’s the truth: 🚫 Hard work alone won’t take you far. ✅ How you show up, speak up, and position yourself matters just as much. You may be the most capable person in the room, But if you don’t believe in your worth, How will anyone else? 📌 Confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s clarity. 📌 Positioning isn’t marketing. It’s storytelling with purpose. To anyone feeling invisible in their career right now—start with these 3 steps: 1️⃣ Keep a record of your wins (no win is too small). 2️⃣ Speak about your work in terms of impact. 3️⃣ Build your voice—online and offline. The world doesn’t just hire skills. It hires presence. Be seen. Be heard. Be valued. #careergrowth #confidence #personalbranding #professionaldevelopment

Many of my coaching clients are uncomfortable with self-promotion, even though it's essential to building the visibility needed to power their career success. If this rings true for you as well, take heart. There are meaningful ways to showcase your contributions and build your professional presence without feeling like you're bragging. Here are a few strategies to consider: 🎊 1. Share Your Wins Collaboratively Instead of focusing solely on your achievements, highlight how your team’s efforts contributed to success. For example, in a meeting, you might say, “Our team’s collaboration on [Project Name] really made an impact. I’m particularly proud of how we addressed [specific challenge].” This shows leadership and gives credit to others. 👀 2. Volunteer for High-Visibility Projects Offer to take on tasks or projects that involve cross-functional teams or public presentations. This puts your work in front of a broader audience and establishes your expertise without explicitly “tooting your own horn.” 💡 3. Ask Thoughtful Questions Speaking up in meetings doesn’t always mean sharing your own ideas. Asking insightful questions about ongoing initiatives shows you’re engaged, strategic, and invested in the organization’s goals. 📈 4. Document and Share Results Create concise updates on your projects to share with your manager or team. For example, you could write a quick email or slide deck summarizing outcomes and lessons learned from a recent initiative. This keeps others informed and reinforces your value. 🤝 5. Build One-on-One Relationships Visibility isn’t just about public recognition. Building strong relationships with colleagues and leaders through regular check-ins or coffee chats can help ensure your contributions are recognized organically. Visibility doesn’t require loud self-promotion. By focusing on collaboration, thoughtful communication, and consistent results, you can gain the recognition you deserve while staying true to your authentic self. #visibility #careerstrategies #authenticity

If you struggle to speak up in meetings or feel invisible, this post is for you. This is Own Your Spotlight, part 2️⃣ of a three-part series. A few years ago, I thought being quiet and just doing my job well was enough. I figured if my work is solid, people will notice. But over time, I learned that staying silent can hold you back more than you realize. The challenge isn't just about speaking up – it's about communicating in a way that feels natural and real, without forcing it. So, here are a few small but powerful ways I’m learning to communicate more effectively at work: ✨ Comment on Other People’s Ideas – If coming up with questions feels too forced, start by adding to what others are saying. A simple “I liked what [name] mentioned about X, and I’d add that…” makes you visible without feeling like you’re stretching for something to say. ✨ Summarize Key Points – After a long discussion, quickly summarizing can show leadership and engagement. Something like, “Just to recap, I think the main takeaway here is…” not only helps the team but gets your voice in the room. ✨ Share Small Wins in 1:1s – Instead of waiting for big achievements, casually mention what you’re working on during your regular check-ins. For example, “This week I handled X, and I realized it helped solve Y.” It’s a simple way to show growth consistently. ✨ Ask Process Questions – If asking complex questions isn’t your thing, shift towards asking about the process. Something like, “Could you walk me through how this fits into the bigger project?” shows curiosity and attention without feeling performative. ✨ Send Post-Meeting Follow-Ups – If you’re uncomfortable speaking in the moment, send a quick message afterward. “Hey, I was thinking more about what we discussed, and I wanted to add…” keeps you involved even after the call ends. The goal here isn’t to be the loudest in the room. It’s about consistently showing up in small ways so your presence becomes familiar and trusted. Follow along for part three, where I’ll dive into how to build a personal brand within your company – without feeling like you’re bragging.

How I Conquered Meeting Anxiety and Found My Professional Voice 🎙️ That familiar knot in my stomach before every meeting… “What if my idea sounds stupid?” “What if I stumble over my words?” “What if everyone wonders why I’m even in the room?” Early in my career, I spent countless meetings in complete silence—thoughts trapped in my head, contributions never making it past my lips. Each quiet meeting reinforced the cycle: the less I spoke, the more intimidating speaking became. Then came the realization that hit like a ton of bricks: If you’re not part of the conversation that shapes decisions, you’re limiting your growth and impact. My turning point wasn’t dramatic. No inspiring speech from a mentor. No sudden burst of confidence. Just a simple strategy that changed everything: I started preparing like my career depended on it. For every upcoming meeting, I’d: 📋 Study the agenda thoroughly 📚Research related topics and previous discussions 2️⃣ Prepare at least two potential contributions 🗣️Identify specific moments to speak up The first few attempts weren’t brilliant. Some comments missed the mark. Some points had already been covered. Sometimes my voice actually trembled. But something magical happened through consistent practice—my contributions gradually became more relevant, more insightful, and most importantly, more confident. Today, I’m known as someone who adds value to discussions. The preparation habit stuck, but the anxiety faded. The truth is this: Your voice matters. But finding it isn’t about waiting until you feel ready—it’s about creating readiness through deliberate preparation and practice. What meeting are you staying silent in that could benefit from your perspective? Your growth journey starts with speaking up, exactly where you are now. #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerAdvice #MeetingConfidence #TheOyinbooke