Welcome to Corporate IT Girl: Rise, Shine, and Make ‘Em Remember You! I’m Fatima, an ICF-certified coach and mentor with over 23 years navigating corporate spaces as a woman of color. Over the years, I’ve learned that self-advocacy isn’t just a nice-to-have skill; it’s an essential part of thriving professionally. In my latest podcast episode, Why Self-Advocacy Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential, I unpack exactly why this skill matters so much and share real-life stories of transformation, including my own.

If you’re ready to level up in your career, I invite you to listen to the episode and download a freebie I’ve created just for you! This free guide walks you through practical steps to start advocating for yourself with confidence, making it easier to step into rooms and own your value.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcast or Spotify and don't forget to grab your freebie here!

Part 1: Why Self-Advocacy Feels Like a Struggle for So Many Women

If you’re like many women I’ve coached, you’ve probably heard the advice, “Let your work speak for itself.” But here’s the reality: if you’re not speaking up for your contributions, you’re giving others permission to overlook them. The idea that “silent success” is enough is one of the biggest myths holding talented women back.

In the episode, I share a story from early in my career when I faced this very challenge—working tirelessly on a big project only to see my efforts go unrecognized. Sound familiar? If you’ve felt invisible or undervalued despite your hard work, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth I share in the podcast: self-advocacy is about making your work, your value, and your voice unforgettable.

Want to learn how to make self-advocacy a part of your career toolkit? Tune in to the episode and start applying these principles today!

Story Time: A Lesson from My Early Career

During one of my first major projects, I put in countless hours and went above and beyond my job description. Yet, come review time, my contributions were barely acknowledged. But a male colleague, with a smaller role, received all the praise. That night, I realized if I wanted my work recognized, I had to make it visible myself. The next team meeting, I gathered my courage and shared the outcomes, challenges, and solutions I’d brought to the table. And guess what? It worked.

In the podcast episode, I dive deeper into this story, sharing exactly how I reframed my approach to self-advocacy and the incredible impact it had on my career. Don’t miss this part—it’s packed with tips to help you do the same!

Part 2: Reframe Self-Advocacy—It’s Essential, Not Optional

Self-advocacy is more than a skill; it’s an act of self-respect. Every time you choose to speak up, you’re making an investment in your career. This is a message I dive into on the podcast, where I explain why showing up fully is more than just about the numbers; it’s about letting people see you—your ideas, your creativity, and your impact.

Ready to make this mindset shift? Listen to the episode and download the free guide to get started today!

Inspiration Story: Jamila’s Journey to Self-Advocacy

In the episode, I share the inspiring story of Jamila, a client who turned her career around through self-advocacy. When we first met, she didn’t feel comfortable talking about her accomplishments, despite her track record of delivering excellent results. After working together, she learned how to make her contributions known—and it led to the promotion she’d been waiting for.

Listen to Jamila’s full story and get tips for building your own self-advocacy practice in the latest episode of Corporate IT Girl. And don’t forget to download your freebie—it’s packed with practical steps to help you step into your full potential!

Take Action Today

Self-advocacy isn’t a skill for someday; it’s something you can start building today. Listen to Why Self-Advocacy Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential for the inspiration and tools you need to start. Download the free guide and begin taking small steps to make your work visible every day. This journey might feel new and even challenging, but with each step, you’re bringing yourself closer to the career, recognition, and impact you deserve.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to Apple Podcast or Spotify to listen to the episode and here to download your freebie!

Let’s make sure your career is as unforgettable as you are.

With love,

Fatima