When You're the Only Woman: Stop Shrinking, Start Owning

When You're the Only Woman: Stop Shrinking, Start Owning

From More Than A Paycheck by Lindsay Lyman

September 12, 2025 · 23 min · Episode 255

About this episode

Lindsay Lyman shares strategies for women navigating corporate environments as the only female presence in meetings.

Ever walked into a meeting as the only woman and felt your stomach drop? You're not alone. As someone who survived 12 years at Amazon (where most employees last under 2), I know exactly what it feels like to be outnumbered in corporate rooms. The workplace anxiety is real, and that voice telling you to prove you belong? It's lying. Here's what I learned: Stop trying to prove you deserve to be there. Start owning that you ARE there. In this episode, I share the exact strategies that helped me navigate being the only woman in executive meetings without shrinking or getting louder. Key Takeaways: · Why "proving you belong" backfires every single time · The breathing technique that calms your nervous system mid-meeting · How to use "partnering language" to command respect · Strategic questions that expose bias (without starting a fight) · Why you should never volunteer for administrative tasks The toxic workplace patterns are real, but you don't have to let them define your career. Ready to stop the workplace drama cycle? Subscribe to this podcast for weekly strategies that actually work. Found this helpful? Leave a review and help other professionals find these tools. Want…

Topics covered

  • women in the workplace
  • corporate culture
  • workplace anxiety
  • self-empowerment
  • leadership

Keywords

  • workplace dynamics
  • confidence
  • executive meetings

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