Why Women Need to Advocate for Themselves
When was the last time you talked about your accomplishments without immediately downplaying them?
If you're like many women, the answer might be: not often.
We celebrate everyone else's wins.
We promote other people's work.
We encourage our colleagues to go after opportunities.
But when it comes to advocating for ourselves?
That's where things get complicated.
Many women have been conditioned to believe that if they work hard enough, someone will notice. That if they keep their heads down and do good work, opportunities will naturally find them.
Sometimes they do.
But often, they don't.
And that's not because you're not capable.
It's because visibility matters.
The Myth of "If I'm Good Enough, They'll Notice"
One of the biggest misconceptions I see among professional women is the belief that hard work speaks for itself.
I wish that were always true.
The reality is that many talented, qualified, hardworking women are overlooked because they're waiting for someone else to tell their story.
They're waiting to be invited into the room.
Waiting to be recognized.
Waiting to be chosen.
Meanwhile, opportunities often go to the people who are willing to raise their hand and say:
"I'd like to be considered."
"I can do that."
"Here's what I bring to the table."
Advocating for yourself isn't arrogance.
Why Does Self-Advocacy Feel So Uncomfortable?
For many women, advocating for ourselves feels awkward.
We worry about sounding:
Too ambitious
Too confident
Too self-promotional
Too aggressive
So instead, we stay quiet.
We hope our work will speak for itself.
We convince ourselves that someone else is more qualified.
We hesitate to share our ideas.
We talk ourselves out of opportunities before anyone else has the chance to.
Sound familiar?
Many women aren't struggling with a lack of ability.
They're struggling with a lack of permission.
Permission to be visible.
Permission to be proud.
Permission to take up space.
Permission to own their accomplishments.
You don't need permission.
Self-Advocacy Isn't About Selling Yourself
When people hear the phrase "pitch yourself," they often imagine a sales pitch.
That's not what I'm talking about.
Self-advocacy is simply helping others understand the value you bring.
It's being willing to:
Share your ideas.
Talk about your accomplishments.
Apply for the position.
Ask for the raise.
Seek the opportunity.
Introduce yourself.
Build relationships.
It's allowing your expertise, experience, and perspective to be seen.
Not because you're trying to impress people.
Because your voice matters.
The Cost of Staying Silent
I've worked with women at every stage of leadership.
Emerging leaders.
Managers.
Executives.
Entrepreneurs.
Nonprofit leaders.
The challenges often look different, but one thing remains remarkably consistent:
Too many women underestimate themselves.
They wait until they're 100% ready.
They wait until they know everything.
They wait until they're certain.
Meanwhile, opportunities pass by.
The truth is, growth rarely happens when we're completely comfortable.
Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my own career happened because I said yes before I felt fully prepared.
Not because I wasn't scared.
Because I was willing to move forward anyway.
Fear Less. Be Fearless.
This year's Women's Leadership Conference theme feels especially relevant to this conversation.
Fear Less. Be Fearless.
Not because fearless women don't experience fear.
They do.
Every single one of us does.
The difference is that they don't allow fear to make every decision.
Fear says:
"What if you fail?"
Leadership asks:
"What if you succeed?"
Fear says:
"You're not ready."
Growth says:
"You'll learn along the way."
Fear says:
"Someone else is more qualified."
Courage says:
"Let them decide that."
The women who grow, advance, lead, and create impact aren't necessarily the ones with the least fear.
They're often the ones who learn to move forward despite it.
A Challenge for You
Think about one opportunity you've been holding back from pursuing.
Maybe it's:
Applying for a leadership role
Speaking up in a meeting
Asking for a promotion
Sharing an idea
Building your network
Starting something new
Now ask yourself:
What's the cost of staying silent?
Because while fear can protect us from risk, it can also prevent us from growth.
And sometimes the biggest risk is staying exactly where we are.
Join Us at the Women's Leadership Conference
If you're ready to grow your confidence, strengthen your leadership skills, expand your network, and discover what's possible when women support women, I'd love for you to join us.
The Women's Leadership Conference is designed for women who are ready to stop waiting for permission and start stepping into their potential.
Women who are ready to:
Lead more confidently
Advocate for themselves
Build meaningful connections
Grow their influence and impact
Take courageous action
Most importantly, it's for women who are ready to fear less and be fearless.
Because your voice matters.
Your ideas matter.
And the opportunities you're dreaming about may be waiting for you to take the first step.
Join us on October 7.
Register today at womensleadershipwi.com
I can't wait to see what becomes possible when you choose courage over hesitation and growth over fear.
Fear Less. Be Fearless.
— Vicki Updike
Founder & Executive Director, New Sage Strategies & Women's Leadership Conference