Episode 1: My Mom’s take on building confidence at work

Share your thoughts with us!Lynn Santi never planned to become a trailblazer. Starting as a stenographer at the Santa Fe Railroad in the 1960s, she entered a world where women were exclusively secretaries in the "lower part of the pecking order." Fast forward through a 38-year career, and Lynn had risen to Director of Administration, overseeing operations across New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Texas—a journey marked by determination, directness, and defying expectations."It wouldn't be odd to be in a meeting of 150 men with only two women," Lynn recalls, describing how male colleagues "tend to not think you had the same level of expertise." Yet her organizational talents and work ethic gradually earned recognition, particularly when she orchestrated the consolidation of railroad offices across multiple states. When a male colleague attempted to bully her early in her management role, Lynn's unforgettable response—"This isn't Little League, you're not the umpire. Sit down and shut up"—became legendary throughout the company and established her authority in a single moment.Lynn's personal story proves equally compelling. Adopted at three days old, she grew up feeling specially selected: "My mother wanted me enough that she prayed and prayed till I was a special present to her." This perspective shaped her identity and likely contributed to her drive for achievement. At 19, Lynn experienced devastating loss when her mother died suddenly at 51, forcing her to rebuild her life's foundation at a pivotal moment. These personal challenges forged in her the resilience needed to later break gender barriers professionally.For women navigating male-dominated spaces today, Lynn offers wisdom distilled from decades of experience: "Don't think about what you're not doing. Think about what you have done." Her story reminds us that confidence emerges not before challenges but through facing them—by working hard, showing up consistently, and gradually learning to believe in yourself even when you're charting unexplored territory. Ready to hear more stories of resilience and courage? Subscribe to Everyday Wonder Women for conversations with remarkable women overcoming extraordinary obstacles.