Unearthing Your Authentic Voice and Being Visible with Leadership and Professional Coaching for Women

Finding your voice and stepping into greater visibility can feel like navigating a maze, especially for women in leadership, the workplace, and even in personal relationships. The journey is often layered with societal expectations, ingrained habits, and that persistent inner critic. But know this: your voice matters, your perspective is valuable, and your visibility is essential for your growth and the impact you can make. Professional coaching can be an invaluable resource on this journey.

This isn't about becoming someone you're not; it's about uncovering and confidently expressing the authentic you. It's about "playing big," as Tara Mohr eloquently puts it in her book, and letting your light shine in a way that matters most to you. Let's explore some pathways to help you on this empowering journey, drawing inspiration from the resources and the wisdom of more than a decade supporting women, with a focus on how leadership development and professional coaching for women can support you.

Unearthing Your Authentic Voice: A Focus for Women Leaders

The first step towards greater visibility, particularly for women in leadership roles, is knowing what you want to say and how you want to say it. As the Psyche article guide on finding your natural voice suggests, this involves a process of self-discovery. Professional coaching often facilitates this crucial inner work.

• Tune Inward (with Coaching Guidance): Take time for introspection. What are your core values? What truly excites you in your leadership? What are your unique insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities around you and your team? Journaling, meditation, or even just quiet reflection, often guided by insightful questions from a professional coach, can be powerful tools for connecting with your inner wisdom and leadership style.

• Identify Your "Inner Critic" (and Strategies to Overcome It): Mohr's "Playing Big" highlights the pervasive "inner critic" that often whispers doubts and insecurities, holding us back from taking bold leadership steps. Professional coaching for women specifically addresses these internalized barriers. Become aware of this voice. What are its common refrains, particularly in the context of your professional aspirations? Once you can identify it, a coach can provide strategies to challenge its validity and build your confidence as a leader.

• Experiment with Expression (in a Supportive Environment): Don't be afraid to try different ways of articulating your thoughts and ideas in safe spaces. This could be with trusted friends, mentors, or within the supportive framework of a professional coaching relationship. Notice what feels authentic and resonant for you as a leader. As the Psyche article notes, your voice is inherently yours; it's about allowing it to emerge without affectation in your leadership communication.

  
  

Stepping into the Light: Cultivating Visibility and Leadership Presence

Once you have a clearer sense of your voice, the next step is making it heard and your presence felt. The Gen Women article offers some practical tips that can be incredibly effective, especially when integrated with leadership development principles and guidance from a professional coach.

• Contribute Meaningfully (as a Leader): Visibility isn't just about being seen; it's about being seen for the value you bring to your team and organization. Actively contribute your strategic insights and expertise in meetings, projects, and discussions. As a leader, ensure your contributions are thoughtful, well-articulated, and aligned with your vision. Professional coaching can help you develop the confidence and communication skills to do this effectively.

• Build Strategic Relationships (for Career Advancement): Networking isn't just a buzzword; it's about building genuine connections with people who can support and champion you in your leadership journey. Seek out mentors, sponsors, and peers who value your contributions and can create opportunities for you to shine. Professional coaching can provide guidance on effective networking strategies and building influential relationships.

• Share Your Accomplishments (Strategically, as a Woman Leader): Don't shy away from highlighting your successes and the successes of your team. This isn't about bragging; it's about ensuring your contributions and leadership impact are recognised. Frame your achievements in a way that demonstrates your value to the team or organisation. Professional coaching for women often includes guidance on navigating self-promotion in a way that feels authentic and impactful.

• Offer Your Perspective (with Confidence): Don't wait to be asked. If you have a valuable insight or a different viewpoint, respectfully offer it. This demonstrates your engagement and thought leadership. Professional coaching can help you develop the assertiveness and communication skills to confidently share your perspective.

• Be Present and Engaged (as an Influential Leader): Whether it's a virtual meeting or an in-person interaction, be fully present. Pay attention, ask thoughtful questions, and actively participate in the conversation. Your engagement as a leader sets the tone and makes a difference.

• Seek Out Opportunities (for Leadership Growth): Don't wait for visibility or leadership opportunities to come to you. Proactively seek out opportunities to lead projects, present your work, or represent your team. Professional coaching can help you identify and pursue these growth opportunities strategically.

  
  

Navigating Unique Contexts with Professional Support

The journey of finding your voice and increasing visibility looks different in various contexts, and professional coaching can provide tailored support for each:

• Leadership: As a woman in leadership, your visibility is crucial for inspiring your team and influencing organisational direction. Speak with clarity and conviction, and ensure your vision is communicated effectively. Challenge the status quo when necessary and advocate for your team and your ideas. Leadership coaching specifically focuses on developing these skills and navigating the unique challenges women leaders face.

• Workplace: In the broader workplace, visibility can lead to career advancement and recognition. Be proactive in sharing your contributions, volunteering for challenging assignments, and making your presence known in a positive and impactful way. Professional coaching can help you develop strategies for navigating workplace dynamics and increasing your impact.

• Relationships: Finding your voice in personal relationships is about asserting your needs, expressing your feelings authentically, and setting healthy boundaries. Visibility here means being seen and heard for who you truly are, fostering deeper connection and mutual respect. While the primary focus here isn't professional coaching, the principles of self-awareness and confident communication developed through coaching can certainly have a positive impact on personal relationships.

  
  

Embracing the Journey with Professional Guidance

Finding your voice and becoming more visible is not a destination but an ongoing journey. There will be moments of discomfort and perhaps even setbacks. But remember your inherent worth and the unique value you bring as a woman and as a potential or current leader. Embrace the process of learning, growing, and stepping into your power, and consider the invaluable support that professional coaching and leadership development can offer along the way. Your voice is a gift – to yourself and to the world. It's time to let it be heard, confidently and authentically, with the support and guidance that can help you truly shine.

Want to know more on this topic?

Free Leadership Coaching call with Marion Miller

Book: Playing Big by Tara Mohr

Psyche Article How to find your voice

Your body language may shape who you are, Amy Cuddy Ted Talk

6 Quick tips for increasing visibility by Generation Women

How to start speaking up and being heard by Tiny Buddha