Waited too long

"I kept expecting my efforts to be noticed, assuming the hard work would speak for itself. But over time, I realized—if I don’t speak up for myself, no one will."

"For years, I took on everything—work, home, and responsibilities—without questioning it. I thought my efforts would be seen and appreciated. But when I finally voiced my frustration, I was met with surprise. That’s when it hit me—I had never said anything before, so they assumed I was fine handling it all."

"There were times when I struggled with work stress, but I stayed silent, hoping my partner would notice and offer support. When it didn’t happen, I felt resentment building. One day, I finally said it out loud—and things changed. But why did I wait so long?"

Many women hesitate to speak up—whether at home or at work. We assume our contributions will be recognized, that fairness will happen naturally, that someone will notice when we’re overwhelmed. But silence rarely leads to change.

Courageous conversations matter. Whether it’s pushing for the opportunities we deserve, setting boundaries, or challenging assumptions, speaking up is a skill—and one that can be learned.

At our 1000 Women Leaders Program, we help women build the Maverick Mindset—giving them the tools to have tough conversations, advocate for themselves, and ensure their voices are heard in the spaces that matter.