Lessons from those who said “yes”

In each city, a panel of extraordinary experts and grads volunteered their time to share their personal experience with the media, igniting conversations that inspired everyone present to understand the value their voices can add to public conversations.

Say yes before you feel ready

Whether it was agreeing to a radio interview, accepting a speaking invitation, or submitting an op-ed for the first time — for our panellists the confidence often did not come first. It came from doing.

Confidence is not a prerequisite for action. It is a byproduct of it. Women often hold themselves to a higher standard, believing we must perfect skills before taking them public, but we build muscles by using them. Every time we say “yes”, they get a bit stronger and confidence follows.

You are more qualified than you think

Our panellists were academics, lawyers and financial advisors—  operating in fields where women are underrepresented and often held to a  higher standard than their male counterparts. Not surprisingly, the instinct to hold back, to wait until they knew just a little more, showed up for many of them.

But they echoed advice we often give:  “Consider whose voice will be amplified if you say no. ” Even if that person is qualified, your perspectives, shaped by your background, your experiences, offer unique value.. 

The world does not need another voice repeating what has already been said. It needs yours. 

Practice communicating for a public audience

Learning how to communicate to a broad public audience came up often as a foundational skill.  Many of the panelists mentioned that the insights they gained from attending our workshops made sharing their expertise easier. The ability to take what you know and translate it into something clear, compelling and accessible for someone who doesn’t already know – or even care about – your field, is a super-power.

Indeed, panellists noted that this practice made them sharper and more effective not just in their media engagement, but in meetings and when writing other materials, as well. in interviews and better at writing persuasive policy briefs. 

Thank you to panellists Evelyn Ackah, Dr. Julie Cafley, Dr. Julia Chung, Dr. Jessica Davis, Dr. Beth Dhuey, Sara Forte, Dr. Roojin Habibi, Lorin MacDonald, Jackie Porter, Michelle Robinson, Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, Dr. Kara Santokie, Dr. Tricia Stadnyk, and Dr. Maite Taboada for their time, their stories and their candour.