Courageous Conversations: Speaking Up and Making Your Voice Heard

Effective communication is an essential skill for both personal and professional growth. In the recent gr.ai.ce webinar, “Courageous Conversations: Speaking Up and Making Your Voice Heard,” we explored the significance of assertive communication, advocating for oneself, and cultivating an inclusive workplace through open, honest dialogue.

The discussion was led by Saniha Rai, Program Manager for gr.ai.ce at DevRev, alongside Meghna Punhani, CVP of Business and People Operations at DevRev, and Thenu Kittappa, Head of Global GTM/Channel Partnerships at DevRev.

Here are some key takeaways from the session:

Panel Discussion Highlights

Saniha: Meghna and Thenu, both of you have had long and impactful careers. Can you recall a moment early in your career when you realized you had to speak up for yourself? How did it shape your approach to similar situations moving forward?

Meghna: Early on in my career, I faced the challenge many women experience—being overlooked despite making significant contributions. Coming from a non-tech background, I had to quickly learn on the job. While I contributed, I wasn’t always vocal about my efforts. Over time, I saw others receive recognition for similar work. This taught me a critical lesson: if you don’t advocate for yourself, no one will. I started calmly asserting myself, clarifying my role and ensuring my contributions were recognized. This mindset has stayed with me, regardless of my position.

Thenu: A pivotal moment for me was when I was wrongly accused of spamming at a multinational company early in my career. It was incredibly frustrating. But my father, a seasoned leader, advised me to reflect: “Are you fighting because it’s important or because you’re upset?” I chose to approach the issue professionally, calmly presenting my case to higher management. While I didn’t receive an apology, I earned respect and learned that speaking up is crucial, particularly in large organizations where it’s easy for your voice to get lost.

Saniha: Advocating for a raise or promotion can be uncomfortable. What mindset shift or strategy has made these conversations easier for you?

Thenu: There are three things I focus on:

1. Map your goals: From day one, map out where you want to be next in your career, and how you can align your worth with the company’s goals.
2. Be strategic: Do research on market salaries and aim for the middle or higher range. Confidence and preparation make all the difference.
3. Make your contributions visible: Ensure your impact is recognized beyond your team—across the organization.

Meghna: Women often start at lower salaries compared to men, which compounds over time. In places like California, laws prevent employers from asking about previous salaries, which helps break this cycle. To advocate for yourself, keep track of your achievements. This not only combats imposter syndrome but ensures you aren’t overlooked. Building a network of allies who can amplify your voice is invaluable. Their support can help ensure your contributions are seen.

Saniha: We often hear that ‘how you say something’ matters more than ‘what you say.’ What’s one technique you use to ensure your message lands?

Meghna: Staying calm and confident is key in high-stakes conversations. Women are often unfairly labeled when they speak up, so it’s important to focus on the facts. By staying objective, keeping the conversation focused on the bigger picture, and advocating for others as well, your message is more likely to be heard.

Thenu: Preparation is essential. If you have the opportunity, present your ideas to someone at a higher level first. Refine your thoughts based on their feedback. And if you’re unsure during a meeting, don’t hesitate to pause and return with a more polished approach. Proper preparation can make all the difference in ensuring your message resonates.

Saniha: Meghna, Thenu, both of you have been part of powerful networks like Neythri, and Thenu, you’re also part of Chief, which is a community for executive women. With your extensive careers, why do you think having women in leadership roles is so important, and how does it impact organizations?

Thenu: Diversity in leadership is essential for innovation. If everyone thinks the same way, you miss out on diverse ideas. Women bring empathy, practicality, and a collaborative mindset that enhances problem-solving. I’ve seen firsthand how women leaders encourage teams to think outside the box, which leads to new solutions. Organizations prioritizing diversity tend to thrive. Women are key to shaping high-stakes conversations, especially in times of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of AI.

Meghna: I agree with Thenu. Limiting contributions to one perspective is counterproductive. Women and individuals from other diverse backgrounds offer vital perspectives that help shape products designed for a global audience. Early in your career, it’s crucial to explore different roles and broaden your skills to increase your value and set yourself up for long-term success. As for leadership, we need to ask ourselves: how do we get more women into leadership positions? The key is to stay curious and avoid getting pigeonholed.

Saniha: Meghna, you mentioned that gender dynamics at work can be challenging, especially when dealing with key stakeholders. How do you navigate these situations while maintaining professionalism?

Meghna: It’s essential to keep emotions out of high-stakes conversations. When emotions dominate, it can divert the discussion away from the core issues. I focus on staying calm and grounded, relying on facts and data. As Maya Angelou said, “People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” In high-pressure situations, women often face more bias, making it even more crucial to remain composed and assertive. Staying focused on the facts helps ensure my message is received clearly and authoritatively.

Thenu: I’ve often been the only woman in the room, which can feel isolating. Early in my career, I felt patronized, but I always fall back on my father’s advice: “Are you fighting because it’s important or because you’re upset?” That stuck with me. When faced with tough situations, it’s vital to remain calm and present your case professionally, focusing on the facts. It’s essential to speak up for yourself, but doing so with grace and professionalism is key.

Saniha: That’s such valuable advice. It can be tough to balance professionalism and emotions. Having said that, if someone watching is struggling to find their voice at work, what’s one small, actionable step they can take tomorrow?

Meghna: Don’t hold back when you’re at the table. Speak up and contribute to the conversation. Even if you think your contribution isn’t huge, it’s important to participate. Ask a question, offer an idea. If you stay silent, you risk missing future opportunities to speak up. The more you contribute, the more you’ll be recognized as an active participant.

Thenu: I’d advise getting comfortable with discomfort. Growth happens when you push yourself outside your comfort zone. Have a clear career plan, whether you want to stay as an individual contributor or move into management. Engage with people outside your immediate team, ask questions, and seek exposure to other parts of the organization. Build your network intentionally and think about your next steps. And don’t be afraid to change careers if you feel it’s the right move. Trust your instincts and take action.

Q&A Highlights

Manasa: How can one speak in a way that is influential?

Meghna: Influence begins with understanding the people you’re engaging with. Knowing what motivates them allows you to connect on a deeper level. I build relationships, both professionally and personally, because it fosters empathy, which in turn strengthens your influence. Active listening, acknowledging others’ perspectives, and supporting your ideas with data are powerful tools for making your voice heard. Women often work in cross-functional teams without formal authority, so learning how to lead through influence is crucial.

Thenu: I agree with Meghna. Knowing your sphere of influence is vital. As you gain experience, your influence will naturally expand. It’s important to prove your value within your area of expertise before branching out.

Meghna: However, as leaders, we must also create environments where everyone feels comfortable raising their voices. Fresh perspectives are essential for innovation, and we need to create space for them, regardless of the source. Seniority and titles matter, but promoting new ideas is just as important.

Thenu: To Meghna’s point, it’s not only about making bold statements but asking the right questions. Phrasing things like, “What if we tried this differently?” or “Could this approach work?” fosters an open conversation and encourages collaboration without presenting your opinion as the final answer.

Robert: Can you share examples of how allies could support women’s professional growth?

Thenu: Early in my career, when I became a VP and attended CxO meetings, I always made sure I had an ally in the room—someone who could back me up if my voice was lost. Allies reiterate your ideas to ensure they’re heard. Also, always come prepared with data to back your ideas; it ensures credibility and clarity.

Meghna: Another way allies support women is by challenging biases. For example, I’m often asked about how I manage my family life and travel schedule, but I rarely see these questions directed at my husband. When men openly talk about their family responsibilities, it normalizes the idea that both men and women can prioritize family. This helps create a more inclusive work environment.

Sanskruti: Women are often made to feel that there are only a limited number of seats for them in leadership leading to unnecessary competition instead of fostering alliances. Do you think this is a reality or a myth? If it is a reality, how can we change it?

Meghna: I don’t think I’d agree with that. There is no fixed number for women in leadership. In my experience, companies like Google and Palo Alto Networks had teams led entirely by women. While it’s empowering to have women in leadership, it’s also important to have diverse perspectives. Women can rise to leadership roles if they continue to challenge themselves and seek new opportunities.

Thenu: I agree. It’s important to understand that quotas are minimums, not maximums. If you’re in a place where women’s growth is restricted, it might not be the right environment for you. There are plenty of opportunities for women to rise as long as they continue to push for growth.

The insights shared by Meghna and Thenu underscore the importance of speaking up, advocating for ourselves, and supporting one another in professional spaces. Courageous conversations are not just about making our voices heard—they are about creating an environment where every voice, regardless of gender, background, or perspective, is valued. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers, and lifting each other up.

At gr.ai.ce, we are committed to empowering women to lead with confidence, break through limiting perceptions, and contribute to a more inclusive, innovative future. By speaking up, fostering meaningful conversations, and supporting one another, we can all take part in building workplaces where diversity is celebrated, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s keep pushing boundaries, inspiring change, and ensuring that our voices—collectively—shape the future of work.