The Courage to Allow: Leadership, Home, and the Unspoken Load Women Carry

Women aren’t struggling to communicate. They’re exhausted from being the only ones expected to manage it.In this episode, Samantha Kaye Harris sits down with Kirsten Dubreuil, a former senior military officer turned executive leadership coach, to talk about what shifts when women stop self-editing and start leading as themselves.Kirsten shares what “playing small” looked like in her 25-year military career, including the moment she questioned whether her voice belonged at the table. She also opens up about being told she wasn’t “clear,” while men communicating the same way were never challenged.You’ll hear a powerful story from Kirsten’s time as a commanding officer, when she delivered difficult news to 400 people and realized vulnerability isn’t weakness; it builds trust. Together, Samantha and Kirsten unpack the unspoken rules women navigate at work, the pressure to fit a narrow leadership mold, and how women can build the muscle to stay at the table, even when they’re the only one there.Kirsten also shares why she’s intentionally bringing men into this work, because real change takes everyone at the table.In this episode, you’ll hear about:• What “playing small” looks like in leadership• The cost of being the only woman in the room• Why “executive presence” often pushes women to perform• Leading with emotion without losing authority• The courage to set boundaries and stop carrying the load alone• How to build community and stay rooted in your confidenceKirsten’s links and contact info are in the show notes.🔗 Resources & Links:Read the Book Your Truth Changes Everything: How Women Rebuild Self-Trust, Speak Up, and Get Paid in Male-Dominated Workplaces Pre-order here: https://rooted.theskhsolutions.com/your-truth-changes-everything-3074Take the Confidence Quiz https://links.theskhsolutions.com/widget/survey/osR2QGkypYzh7WuK0GNSBook a Session with Me https://links.theskhsolutions.com/widget/bookings/chat-and-connect-with-samantha-kayVisit My Website www.samanthakayeharris.comJoin My Free Community https://rooted.theskhsolutions.com/3-steps-to-hold-your-own-jobDon’t forget to: Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode Share this podcast with a woman who needs to hear it Leave a review to help more women find this space#RootedInYourConfidence #ConfidenceDisruption #ConfidenceAtWork #WomenInMaleDominatedIndustries #WomenInLeadership #WomenInTrades #WomenInConstruction #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalWomen #OrganizationalChange