Learn How to Be Heard

"Did I Stutter?" – Why Your Brilliant Ideas Only Seem to Matter When a Man Says Them (And What to Do About It)

Ever been in a meeting, shared a groundbreaking idea, only to have it met with crickets... until a man repeats it five minutes later and suddenly everyone's on board? Yeah, I've been there. It’s frustrating, infuriating, and honestly, a little soul-crushing. It's demoralising, and I won't lie, I questioned myself that day. But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it? And even better, what if building your own business can be the ultimate power move? I remember presenting a marketing campaign idea at Apple, one I'd poured weeks into, only to have it dismissed with a shrug. A few days later, a male colleague presented a very similar concept (cough, cough, practically identical), and it was suddenly hailed as innovative. Talk about deflating! That feeling of being overlooked, of having your hard work minimized… it's something I suspect a lot of us have experienced. That experience, among others, really lit a fire under me to forge my own path.

The Frustrating Reality (and Why It's Not Just About You)

Let’s be honest, this experience isn't just a one-off; it’s a symptom of a larger systemic issue. It’s rooted in unconscious biases, outdated power dynamics, and the very real hurdles women face in being heard and valued. Reflections informed by my ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship often highlight this very point – the struggle to have your voice recognized, even when you know you’re bringing serious value to the table. Remember that mid-year move I made to private school? While it was ultimately the right decision for me, there was that initial feeling of needing to “catch up,” of finding my place and my voice in a new environment. This experience, coupled with instances like my dad having to fiercely advocate for me against silencing teachers (I’m talking shouting at teachers in their face when they’re essentially telling me to shut up and sit down!), really shaped my understanding of how easily voices can be dismissed. It's akin to trying to explain the importance of having reliable childcare during those 12–13 weeks of school holidays to someone who’s never experienced the juggle. They might nod politely, but do they really get the urgency, the pressure, the sheer impossibility of building a business while also being the primary caregiver for that stretch? It's a world they haven't lived in. Herding my two Miniature Pinschers, Cappuccino & Espresso – one calm & collected, the other a whirlwind of puppy energy – sometimes feels the same way. One minute you're focused on a strategic plan, the next you're untangling a leash from around a toddler's legs. It's a constant, loving balancing act! And just like with those pups, where clear boundaries & dedicated training work wonders, having the right business strategies & support systems in place can transform the chaos into a manageable, even joyful, dance.

This isn't about playing the victim, though. It's about recognizing the context so you can equip yourself with the tools to not just survive, but thrive. As female entrepreneurs, we often have to create our own structures and carve out our own spaces to truly shine.

Taking Back Your Power: Practical Strategies for Being Heard

So, what’s a driven woman to do? Here’s the thing – your brilliance doesn’t need validating; it needs amplifying. And that starts with you. If you're a Foundation Builder, just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, these strategies will be particularly helpful in ensuring your voice is heard from the get-go.

Own Your Voice (and Your Ideas)

This echoes our core value at Femmeprenista: Empowerment. Confidence isn’t about being arrogant; it’s about knowing your worth & owning your ideas. Finding your Fuel – that inner wellspring of energy and well-being – is essential for maintaining the stamina required for this journey. It's just as important as the strategic work you do in your business.

• ••Speak with Clarity & Conviction: Project your voice, articulate your thoughts clearly & concisely. Think of it as delivering your elevator pitch to your ideal client – what's the most impactful way to convey your value?

• ••Command Attention: Make eye contact, stand tall (even if it's just metaphorically on a Zoom call), & don’t be afraid to take up space. Remember, your presence is powerful. Practice power posing before important meetings, even if it's just for a minute in the bathroom. You'll be amazed at how much more grounded and confident you'll feel. Also, prepare a concise and impactful opening statement that immediately grabs attention & frames the conversation.

• ••Practice Your Delivery: Just like any skill, owning your voice takes practice. Rehearse your key messages out loud, even if it feels silly. Record yourself speaking and identify areas to improve your tonality. You'll be surprised how much smoother and more confident you'll become when the moment comes.

Strategic Positioning: Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Remembered

Think of your personal brand as your superpower. What makes you unique? What’s your zone of genius? What problem do you solve better than anyone else? Once you’ve got that clarity, let it shine! Position yourself as the go-to expert in your field.

For example, one of my clients, a brilliant life coach specializing in helping mums overcome overwhelm, initially positioned herself as a generalist. After we worked together to identify her niche (mums juggling multiple roles) and craft a clear message that spoke directly to their pain points (lack of time, guilt, feeling unsupported), her client inquiries tripled in just two months. She went from blending in to standing out, attracting the clients she truly resonated with. This transformation, really, was about her finding her Flair – her unique and authentic brand voice. What if you could do the same? What if you could craft your authentic message and build systems that support your unique Flair so you magnetically attract your ideal clients? Check out our Momentum Coaching Programme for strategies & support in building a sustainable business that works for your life! Momentum Coaching

Build Your Tribe (Where Your Voice Matters)

Surround yourself with a supportive network of women who champion your success. This could be through joining a mastermind, connecting with fellow female entrepreneurs in Femme Connect (our free online community – it’s truly a game-changer!), or building a strong inner circle of trusted mentors & advisors. Having a tribe where your contributions are not only recognized but celebrated is invaluable. Femme:Connect Community Page

The Ultimate Power Move: Building Your Own Empire

Ever feel like you're constantly pushing against a tide of outdated expectations? Me too, sometimes. It’s like trying to herd my two Miniature Pinschers, Cappuccino & Espresso – one's calm & collected, the other's a whirlwind of energy, and it’s a constant, loving, but slightly chaotic balancing act. But what if you could create your own current?

Building your own business isn’t just about making money (though that’s definitely a perk!). It's about owning your narrative, setting your own rules, and creating a space where your voice is not only heard, but amplified. It's about leading, not just following. It’s about building a legacy, not just a paycheck. Remember that pivotal moment during my MBA at Cranfield, when I realized climbing the corporate ladder wouldn't give me the fulfillment or flexibility I truly craved? Honestly, it was like having a little mini explosion go off in my head! It was the catalyst for building Femmeprenista – and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It's the reason I can now be present for my school-aged daughter's spontaneous "fashion shows" (featuring her latest creations made from old towels & safety pins), even amidst a busy work day, without the guilt or stress of needing to be in a specific place at a specific time. Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose

From Frustration to Flourishing: Your First Step

Yes, the system has its flaws. But is it just down to the system? As female entrepreneurs, we face unique challenges, but our power lies in how we choose to respond. What are the small, smart steps you can take today to own your progress? I’ve learned through my own journey – especially juggling four kids, a PhD, & recovering from my fourth C-section while building Femmeprenista – that taking responsibility for my own path, even if it's slower or looks different, is non-negotiable.

Ready to take control of your narrative & connect with other amazing female entrepreneurs who get it? Join our free Femme:Connect community today!Femme:Connect Community Page

P.S. It can feel lonely navigating these challenges. Share your experiences in the comments below – your voice matters! What’s one strategy you’ll implement this week to amplify your brilliance?

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

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