Unmute Yourself: Owning Your Voice in Corporate Spaces

Sometimes, the happiest person in the room has their bad days too. As young professionals, we often feel the pressure to always be "on"—radiating energy, keeping up appearances, and uplifting others. While it’s great to be the person who brings light to a room, it’s equally important to remember that you’re human. You don’t have to be perfect all the time.

This pressure can sometimes make you question your authenticity. Are you showing up as your true self? Or are you performing a version of yourself that fits the corporate mold? Today, as I sip on Mrs. Q, a South Australian Syrah with notes of vanilla, oak, and cherry (a solid pick at around $15), I want to talk about something deeply personal—finding your voice in the corporate space.

The Challenge of Being Heard

Let’s be real—I’m no expert in climbing the corporate ladder. But I’ve had enough experiences to know a thing or two about navigating office dynamics. Stepping into any corporate space can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying to put yourself out there. However, if you want to succeed, you have to do things differently.

For me, that meant more than just showing up—it meant being heard. And here’s what I’ve learned: No one will hand you a voice; you have to claim it.

I’ve played multiple roles in the workplace. I’ve been the quiet coworker who kept her head down, and I’ve also been the one who participated in everything. Honestly? Neither approach worked. The real key lies in balance—knowing when to listen and when to speak up. Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Be Authentic

People can always tell when you’re pretending to be someone you’re not. While some professionals advise masking your true personality at work, that can be exhausting. Wearing a facade every day just isn’t sustainable.

Instead, bring your best, most professional self to the table. That doesn’t mean oversharing or being unfiltered, but it does mean showing up in a way that feels genuine. When you’re authentic, you build stronger connections with colleagues, and people respect you more for it.

2. Build Confidence and Assertiveness

Confidence isn’t something you wake up with—it’s something you build. If you know your material, own it. Finding opportunities to speak up in meetings, contribute to projects, and insert yourself into conversations will help you develop confidence over time.

At first, it might feel uncomfortable. You might second-guess whether your contributions matter. But here’s the truth: They do. Even if your first attempt doesn’t land the way you want, keep at it. Confidence is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

3. Be Self-Aware (But Don’t Overthink)

One of the biggest mistakes I made early in my career was overanalyzing everything after the fact. I’d replay conversations in my head, wondering if I said the wrong thing or if I should have spoken up more.

While self-awareness is valuable, overthinking will paralyze you. Instead of fixating on what went wrong, shift your mindset to growth. Did you stumble in a meeting? Take a note and improve next time. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

4. Communicate and Collaborate

No one succeeds alone. One of the best ways to establish your voice in the workplace is by building relationships. Be intentional about networking—not just with leaders, but with colleagues at all levels. The more you collaborate and communicate, the more comfortable you’ll become in corporate spaces.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. It’s one of the fastest ways to grow. If you’re unsure how you’re perceived in the workplace, check in with a trusted mentor or manager. Their insights can help you fine-tune your approach.

5. Keep Growing and Refining Yourself

Finding your voice is an ongoing process. You won’t perfect it overnight, and that’s okay. Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither is confidence or career success.

Keep working at it. Keep refining your approach. Over time, you’ll find your rhythm, and speaking up will feel more natural.

Final Sip

If I’ve learned anything in my corporate journey, it’s that you don’t have to shrink yourself to fit into the room. The key is learning how to balance being seen and being heard—without losing who you are in the process.

So, the next time you pour yourself a glass of wine after a long day, take a moment to reflect: Did I show up as my authentic self today? If the answer is yes, then you’re already on the right path.