Redefining Growth, One Room at a Time

My takeaways from a Women in Tech x Meltwater event as someone who used to question her worth in corporate spaces and now helps others own theirs.

Last week, I had the chance to attend a Women in Tech event hosted by Meltwater, a global media and social intelligence company that’s truly committed to wellness and empowering women in the workplace.

I didn’t fully know what to expect going in. I had the panel list and a general overview of the event, and that was enough to make me feel like I needed to be there.

If you’ve read my most recent Substack, you probably know a bit about my career path. If not, here’s the short version: I really struggled in my first few jobs out of college. Because of that, I’ve spent a lot of time questioning whether I actually deserved the opportunities I’ve been given. That feeling of imposter syndrome has stuck with me more than I’d like to admit.

And even though I work with clients on reframing their beliefs, I’ve had to do that same work on myself. I’ve had to unlearn what I thought career growth was supposed to look like—how fast it should happen, what milestones I should have hit by now, and how I imagined I’d feel when I got there.

That’s why this event stood out to me. It also felt important to mention that both John Box, Meltwater’s CEO, and Zubair Timal, VP of Culture, two men, were present and actively participating. They spoke about the importance of supporting women in the workplace and how men can play a role in helping women reach their full potential. It was honestly incredible to hear, and I wish more companies were having these conversations.

It’s rare to be in a room where people say out loud the exact thoughts you’ve been carrying. Especially the hard ones. One quote in particular, from Silvia Alvarez, Director of Communications and External Affairs at the MLBPA, stuck with me:

“If I was in the room, it’s because they wanted to hear from me.”

That hit me. Even a few years into my career, I still have moments where I wonder if I actually belong in certain spaces. Am I doing well, or just doing a good job of making it look like I am? Hearing someone say that so directly reminded me that we all have a right to be in the rooms we’re in.

I wrote down so many quotes throughout the event. Here are a few that really stayed with me:

“Build your board of directors. And don’t be afraid to build it with people in different industries.”
Silvia again, talking about mentorship and how helpful it is to have support from people outside your own field. I’ve recently been having more conversations with a mentor at work and realized how valuable it is to have a mix of voices you can turn to for different things. This is something I am definitely prioritizing at this stage of my career and life.

“Say yes even if it scares you.”
This one came from Tessa Burke, Director of Client Success at Meltwater. It was a reminder that growth almost always starts with discomfort. One of the biggest things my clients struggle with is just starting. I remember being in that place myself a few years ago. The fear doesn’t always go away, but taking action anyway is what moves you forward.

“Authenticity is contagious.”
Also from Tessa. There’s something so freeing about being in a space where you can be your full self. I feel that way at my job at Checkout.com, and it’s the first time I’ve truly felt that kind of freedom at work. If you’re not in a space that lets you be yourself, keep looking. It makes all the difference.

“Don’t wait until you’re 100% ready.”
Shared by Ally Gray, VP of Customer Success at Meltwater. This is something I repeat to friends and clients all the time. Whether it’s trying something new, starting a business, or putting yourself out there, waiting until you feel perfectly ready is the quickest way to delay your growth.

“Step into the role you want before you have the title.”
This one came from Laura Balsollier, COO of AARMY. I immediately wrote it down. It’s something I’ve been trying to practice more lately. The idea is that you have to start showing up as the future version of yourself before everything around you catches up. When you begin to embody the person who already has what you want, your mindset shifts, your energy shifts, and eventually, the opportunities do too.

What I loved most about this event was that it didn’t feel like a highlight reel. It wasn’t just people listing off wins or walking through polished career journeys. It was honest. We heard about imposter syndrome, career changes, speaking up, and starting over. Real conversations from women who are still figuring it out.

As someone who’s pivoted more than once, asked a lot of questions, and started from scratch multiple times, I needed to hear that. I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up anyway. It’s about trusting that your voice matters, even when you’re still learning how to use it.

So to Meltwater and Global Women in Tech, thank you. Thank you for creating a space that felt honest, welcoming, and real. I walked away feeling grounded and inspired, and I’ll be keeping a lot of these words close.

I’ve learned that finding your place isn’t always about the title or the resume. Sometimes it’s just about being around people who remind you you’re not alone. And hearing “me too” at the right moment can be exactly what you need.

And if you’re still trying to find your voice or a space where your authentic self feels seen, let’s talk. I promise there are people out there who will value what you bring. You just haven’t found them yet.

XX

Faith

P.S. : If you are looking for a great dress to wear to events like this, I highly recommend this one!!!! Professional but still chic and it comes in Black, White and Navy.