As a woman, you stand out whether you want to or not. Not because it\u2019s unsafe, quite the opposite, but because you are visible. Your voice, your posture, the way you ask questions. I had to learn that I didn\u2019t need to play a role. Not a tougher version of myself, nor a softer one. Just: knowledgeable, curious, and respectful of experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I discovered that authority is not about volume, but about listening. About being able to say, \u201cI don\u2019t know this yet.\u201d And about recognizing that craftsmanship comes in many forms. Sometimes it wears a simple pair of jeans; sometimes it\u2019s an oil-stained coverall carrying the scent of chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n