The Courage to Be Heard: A Guide to Finding Your Voice in the Workplace

Have you ever held yourself back from speaking up at work, even when you felt strongly about something? You’re not alone. Many of us feel reluctant to share our thoughts, especially if we think we will be judged for them or have our ideas rejected. Maybe you’re worried about sounding too bold, or you’ve had your ideas shot down before. Or has someone actually told to “tone it down” in the past? This type of misplaced and harmful criticism is rooted in years of messages about how women should “fit in,” be agreeable, and avoid rocking the boat. So I get it, in trying to protect yourself from all of this, you sit back and keep your opinions to yourself. But, that can really backfire on you in the workplace, because here’s what happens;

• You finally state your opinions where it doesn’t have much impact, like after the meeting to colleagues which can be seen as complaining while avoiding action

• People start assuming you don’t have a lot of opinions on important matters, so they stop asking you

• Ideas, policies and directions at work you disagree with or know you could do better, go forward without your input, increasing your overall dissatisfaction and when you then voice your opinion on it, yup, you guessed it, you’re seen as complaining yet again.

It can be scary to speak up, but here’s what can happen to you and for you when you start using your voice: you will experience a new level of confidence, clarity, and purpose. Speaking up allows you to connect with others in a more authentic way, take ownership of your ideas, and feel empowered in your own skin. When you embrace your voice, you invite respect, create opportunities, and often discover a renewed sense of self. And over time, you will learn to tune out the unhelpful responses and stop taking things personally.

Let’s dive into how you can go from holding back to standing tall and speaking out with confidence and purpose.

Understanding Why You Hold Back

The first step to finding your voice is recognizing why you hesitate. It could be fear of judgment, feeling you will be seen as “too much,” and what others might think. These doubts often have deep personal roots, shaped by cultural and, or societal messages and your own past experiences. For example, maybe you’ve been led to believe that speaking up will make you seem aggressive or unlikable.

Acknowledging these fears and thinking about how you got there will help you see that they are learned beliefs—not necessarily truths. Once you understand the reasons behind your hesitation, you can start to challenge those beliefs. If you need some more thought work around this idea of overcoming doubt and the things that may be holding you back, check out my Risk & Rise Guidebook by clicking on this link.

And try this simple tip: Write down the thoughts that come up when you’re about to share an opinion or take a stand. Seeing them on paper can help you examine whether they’re genuinely valid reasons to hold back or if they’re assumptions you’ve internalized over time.

Get Clear on the Transformation You Want

Imagine how it would feel to speak up without hesitation. Picture yourself sharing your thoughts, offering ideas, or even advocating for what you believe in with complete confidence. When you find and embrace your voice, you step into a version of yourself that feels empowered and self-assured.

I too spent far too long on the side lines, worried about being seen as “too much”, and because I had actually been told that. But the cost of staying silent far outweighed any risk of standing up for my ideas and so over time I found my voice. Once I did, I found that for the most part my opinions were valid, welcome and respected. It was my views and contributions in meetings that led me to more leadership opportunities and it wasn’t long before my opinion was sought out. If I can do it, so can you. I didn’t have any special gift, but I did make a conscious decision to stop fretting about what others may think and step into my discomfort.

Using your voice can lead to positive changes in your career, relationships, and personal well-being. People begin to see you as a leader, someone with ideas worth hearing. You’ll notice how your confidence grows each time you take a stand, and you might even inspire others to do the same.

Tip: Spend a few minutes visualizing how finding your voice could transform your life. Think about the positive outcomes that might unfold if you allow yourself to be heard. What’s your best case scenario?

Embrace Your Authentic Perspective

One powerful aspect of finding your voice is that it’s uniquely yours. Your experiences, beliefs, and insights bring something valuable to the table. So stop working so hard on blending in and avoiding standing out. Leaders do stand out! Authenticity is something we all recognize, gravitate to and know when someone is not being authentic. So be you! Embrace your own unique perspective and let others know your views. Rather than staying silent or running with the pack, what if, instead, you leaned into what makes you different?

Embracing your true perspective not only builds confidence but also draws others to you. People are often inspired by authenticity because it’s rare and refreshing. When you stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold and let your real self shine, you make a lasting impression.

Tip: Remind yourself that there’s no “right” way to express your thoughts. Whether you’re bold, soft-spoken, witty, or passionate, your voice has value. Let your perspective come through, and trust that it adds something meaningful to the conversation.

Start Small and Practice

Finding your voice doesn’t mean you need to start by giving a speech to a crowd or having difficult conversations right away. I’m a huge believer in small actionable steps. Maybe start with speaking up in spaces where you feel comfortable, like with friends, and in meetings with a supportive group. Over time, each small experience helps you build confidence and develop your voice.

Practicing in low-pressure environments allows you to experiment with how you express yourself. You’ll get used to speaking up without the pressure that comes with bigger situations. Plus, these smaller moments remind you that it’s safe—and empowering—to be heard.

Tip: Ask yourself this; what one small step can I take now to get me to a place of confidence speaking up? Now schedule a time to do it and, the most important part - be accountable and just do it. You’d be amazed how tiny moves forward end up in huge leaps of confidence.

Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small

By now you know I am big into celebrations, as I truly believe we all deserve to celebrate our wins, no matter how small. Self compassion is key to career development and giving yourself a pat on the back for your efforts is a part of that. Every time you speak up, you’re making progress. Whether it’s sharing a new idea in a meeting, asking for what you need, or standing up for yourself, each moment is a win. Acknowledge these victories, no matter how small they seem. Celebrating these moments reinforces the habit of using your voice and boosts your confidence.

Over time, these small wins add up to big transformations. The more you speak up, the more natural it becomes—and the more others begin to value and respect what you have to say.

Tip: Keep a journal and jot down the times when you’ve used your voice, even in small ways. Reflect on the growth you see, and use it as motivation to keep going. Go ahead and give yourself a big high-five!

Your Voice is Your Power

Finding your voice isn’t just about speaking up; it’s about standing tall in who you are and what you believe in. When you let your voice shine, you’ll find a new level of confidence, connection, and fulfilment. People will start to see you as a leader, and you’ll feel more empowered and ready to take on more.

So go on and take that first step, however small, and let your voice be heard. Can you do it today, this week? The world needs your unique perspective, and you deserve to experience the confidence and growth that comes from expressing yourself fully and authentically.