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In honor of International Women's Day 2026, I am continuing this series on what drives promotion velocity, a deeper leadership bench, and lasting influence for women leaders.

Here is what I know from 25 years of working with world-class athletes, Olympians, executives, and rising leaders:

It’s very possible that you are more ready than you think to have a bigger voice at the bigger table.

And with the right preparation, even the most challenging rooms become rooms where you are highly influential.

A phrase from a business mentor of mine used to say:

New level, new devil.

Let’s make sure you’re prepared for those important future moments, bigger rooms, and the leader you aspire to be, now!

So before you are thinking of making a big ask, having an even bigger voice, or contribution at a bigger table, here are three proven strategies to prepare:

Step 1: Do Your Homework Through Their Lens
Preparing our message is essential. However, what most do not do is prepare through the other person’s lens, preparing for their reality.

One of our most important needs as human beings is feeling heard and valued. If we don’t it’s challenging to trust that the other person has our best interest at heart.

I call this developing an ECO Mindset, developing empathy for the other, curiosity for their condition, and optimism for the desired outcome. Not simply "What must it be like for them?" ... but fully stepping into their perspective.

Ask yourself as if you are the other person:

What is keeping me up at night? What would make my life significantly easier right now? What am I most focused on protecting or losing?

When we can answer those questions with confidence, we walk in already ahead. We are no longer just presenting our case ... we are speaking directly to what matters most to them. That is where trust deepens and the runway to influence is built.

Step 2: Get Crystal Clear on Your Give
Give to Gain is a mindset that changes everything about how you enter a room.

Instead of only asking, "What do I want from this conversation?" expand it:

What do I have to contribute? What value and perspective do I uniquely bring, and own it! How do I want them to feel when we are done?

This one shift moves you from seeking approval to creating value. And that changes everything ... your posture, your presence, your tone, and your influence.

You have more to give than you realize. Walk in knowing that.

Step 3: Walk In as a Respectful Equal
Our mindset about our worth comes through in everything ...in our tone, our cadence, our eye contact, our presence. Only a small fraction of what lands in our communication is the words. Most of it is energy, body language, and how we show up.

So walk in knowing that you belong in that room. Walk in as a respectful equal who is there to create something powerful together.

Here's to you not just having a seat at the table ... but having a bigger, bolder, more influential voice at that table too.

If I can support you, your team, or your organization, please reach out to me directly at Sheryl@SherylKline.com.

I'm cheering you on, always!

http://www.sherylkline.com/getacquainted