In dozens, if not hundreds, of conversations I've had over the years with directors, VPs, and department heads in engineering, finance, construction, and tech, many of them wrestle with the same quiet, corrosive experience: being technically excellent and still somehow invisible in the leadership suite where they're the only woman. Here’s a framework to help you deal with that issue.

[Jamie]’d have me notice spaces on my body, and when I came out of it, she’d say, “What do you know?” And I’d just know. Every time. It’s like she bypasses the amygdala—my fight-or-flight center—and helps the rest of my brain take over. I slow down, find the solution, and then we talk strategy.

It’s not the kind of session people expect. It’s not “What should I do?” and the coach gives a plan. It’s more like, “Let’s get quiet so you can hear your own knowing.”

“Do you do this with every client?” My client asked me yesterday.

She had already secured a promotion to Director during our coaching engagement and was gearing up to apply for another one.

On Monday, I had the privilege of delivering one of the most fun and interactive self-advocacy workshops I've done in person -- "Negotiate WAY Better" as one of the key workshops at Project 1490's "Badassery in the Berkshires" retreat for executive women.