Have you ever felt invisible in a meeting or doubted your ability to lead confidently?
If so, you’re not alone. Many women in tech, especially those who are introverted or shy, struggle with finding their voice and stepping into their leadership potential.
In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Jane Williams, a former IBM executive turned leadership coach. Jane shares her journey from being so shy she couldn’t speak in class to becoming a confident leader in male-dominated industries. Her story is a powerful reminder that confidence is built, not born.
Here’s a glimpse into what we covered in this inspiring episode:
1. Why Finding Your Voice Matters
Jane emphasizes that having a voice isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about being heard and making an impact.
💡 Key Insight: Confidence begins with understanding your value and learning how to communicate it effectively.
2. Overcoming Shyness: Jane’s Story
Jane opens up about her shyness during her master’s program, where she avoided speaking in class entirely. Her turning point came when she had to give a presentation, and she realized that the first step is always the hardest—but it’s also the most important.
💡 Key Takeaway: Confidence grows when you take small, bold steps outside your comfort zone.
3. Transitioning from Doer to Leader
One of the hardest transitions in a career is moving from doing the work to leading others. Jane shares how this requires a mindset shift: understanding that your role is now about empowering others to succeed.
💡 Key Tip: Align your leadership style with the strategic vision of your organization while helping your team find their passion.
4. Making an Entrance and Owning Your Presence
Whether it’s walking into a meeting room or logging into Zoom, the way you show up matters. Jane discusses how posture, presence, and preparation can leave a lasting impression.
💡 Quick Tip: Confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about being intentional and present.
5. Thriving in Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings can feel impersonal, but they don’t have to hold you back. Jane shares practical tips to enhance your presence on Zoom, from improving your setup to turning off self-view to avoid distractions.
💡 Pro Tip: A few small changes to your virtual setup can make a big difference in how others perceive you.
6. Embracing Authenticity
Jane’s most powerful advice? Stop trying to be someone you’re not. Authenticity is what makes you memorable, respected, and impactful.
💡 Empowering Thought: You already have everything you need to be successful—confidence comes from recognizing and embracing it.
Ready to Step Into Your Confidence?
Jane’s journey is a testament to the fact that confidence isn’t innate—it’s something you build, one step at a time. Whether you’re looking to find your voice, navigate challenging environments, or thrive as a leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://limorbergman.com/podcast
About jane:
“Sometimes, the best way through a brick wall isn’t straight through it; it’s around or over it.” These words, spoken by Jane Williams’ father, perfectly represent her transformation from timid to triumphant. At a young age, Jane was known to be intellectual and creative. She even skipped ahead to the first grade, and while this helped her academically, she was personally overwhelmed by the transition, causing her to become shy and reserved. This condition seemed to plague her path for years, until the day came to do a speaking presentation for her IT graduate class. She realized that she didn’t want to be remembered for falling apart and failing…but for giving an amazing performance. The time had come to find her fire and rise to the challenge, which is exactly what she did. This launched a transformation that not only gave her the courage and confidence to speak up and stand up for herself, it fueled an enormously successful career at IBM, where she flourished in a male-dominated industry over the next two decades. During her time there, she gained extensive experience managing global teams in Fortune 500 companies and a multitude of industries. And, after making her way around many brick walls and traveling across the world, she knew it was time to ignite her solo career and pay it forward.
Today, Jane coaches ambitious women in IT to get clarity on their career, claim their voice, and find their fire. After successfully climbing the leadership ladder and charting her own path to success, she now helps other women rise to their idea of success in their careers. Jane is an exceptional problem solver who is certified in Design Thinking, with a Masters in Information Technology and a Doctorate in Leadership of Remote Teams. She actively listens and creates order out of the chaos to help her clients clarify and capture their desired career path. Her mission is to offer a bespoke experience that combines coaching and mentorship while encouraging and inspiring women across the globe.
Email: drj@findyourfirecoach.com
Website: https://www.findyourfirecoach.com/
Social Media Links:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGwDTg_oQsqSd62OlvU54YA
Twitter: https://x.com/fyfcoach
Facebook Bus Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560540465692
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itexec911/
