INTERACTION ASSOCIATES, INC.
BERKELEY, CA

Make no mistake, significant structural, institutional, and cultural barriers for women leaders persist. In our organizations, we have to keep making progress on matters like maternity leave, child care, and managing long-held unconscious biases that leak into decision making. As we do, hopefully at a much faster pace than ever, doors will open. And we need to ensure that the next generation of women leaders is ready to step through those doors. In my experience, four strategies are particularly helpful in combating lack of confidence. For women, a strong source of confidence stems from an honest assessment of our own values, expertise, and strengths. At the intersection of our personal capabilities, our passions, and our value to the organization lies our authentic selves. This is the essence of who we are (not a job title); it’s what we stand for and value. It’s what gives us traction in a competitive environment. Moving forward from that authentic center is crucial to stepping up our confidence. As the remarkable choreographer and dancer Martha Graham said, “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their