When Confidence Is Questioned: Women, Authority, and the Double Standard

This episode is different.Recorded nearly nine months ago and never released, this conversation is real, raw, and deeply personal. It may land differently depending on your experiences — and that’s intentional.In this solo episode, Heather opens up about a question she’s been asked repeatedly as a founder and product leader:“How do you handle not getting the easy yes compared to your male counterparts?”This is not a knock on men. It’s an honest conversation about the double standards women often face in product management and other male-dominated industries — where influence without authority, confidence, and communication are constantly being evaluated through a different lens.Heather shares reflections from her career in engineering, software, and medical devices, along with practical strategies for building trust with technical teams, using language intentionally, and leading with grounded authority. She also addresses how women often self-limit before anyone says no — and what it takes to shift that pattern.While this episode reflects where Heather was nine months ago, the message remains clear and relevant:You are capable. You are credible. And you do not need permission to take up space.If this episode resonates, Heather invites you to continue the conversation on LinkedIn or Instagram. Your voice matters — and sharing it helps change the game for the women coming next.PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management.Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations.You can follow us for more daily content:Instagram: @pdrmconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consultingJoin our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9