Gina Weber

I had always considered myself confident. I had been a leader throughout my life. But I learned that confidence doesn't necessarily mean you're comfortable using your voice in every room. In the utility industry, I suddenly found myself surrounded by people—largely men—who had 15, 20 or 30 years of experience. I respected that experience tremendously, but I also let it intimidate me. I assumed their years in the industry meant their voices carried more weight than mine. Add to that how I was raised. I grew up in a strict home where I learned to listen, respect authority and not always be the first person to speak. Those lessons made me a good listener, which has served me well throughout my career. But early on, I hadn't yet learned that I could be a good listener and still make sure my voice was heard. About six months into my first utility role, my boss sat me down and encouraged me to speak up—to share what I knew. She could see that I was sitting in meetings with knowledge, experience and ideas that I wasn't contributing. That conversation changed the trajectory of my career. I began speaking up, sharing my perspective and trusting that I had something worthwhile to contribute. As people saw more of what I could do, opportunities followed. I was promoted several times and eventually moved into leadership roles. And now there's something wonderfully full-circle about the fact that I lead conferences for the utility industry. I spend my career creating rooms where people come together to share what they know, exchange perspectives and move the industry forward. That's why "Speak Up and Be Bold" meant so much to me then—and why it still does today. Being bold isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It's being willing to use your voice even when the room intimidates you. Your voice doesn't become valuable when someone else gives you permission to use it. It was valuable all along. You just have to learn to believe that.