Why Not Me? How Women Can Powerfully Advocate for Themselves at Work | Bridgett McMahan - E7

Dusty welcomes Bridgett McMahan, President of BESCO, for a powerful conversation about leadership, confidence, and community. Bridgett shares the transformative impact of the book Gravitas and how it empowered her as a new leader in a male-dominated industry. She discusses the importance of assembling a trusted "Gold Team" to lead collaboratively, her leadership superpower of listening, and the loneliness that can come with executive roles. Bridgett also advocates for CASA, an organization giving vulnerable children a voice in the judicial system, and reminds us that sometimes the best thing a leader can do is simply say “yes” and try.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence doesn't come from always knowing the answers—it comes from believing you belong in the room. That belief can shift how you're perceived and how you lead.

• The lonely moments of leadership aren’t a sign of failure—they’re a sign you’re carrying real weight. Building a team that shares the load can change everything.

• Confidence isn’t gendered, but women often face unique challenges in claiming space. Books like Gravitas provide language and support to overcome those barriers.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Meet Bridget McMahon: From Law to Leadership

(05:17) – Finding Purpose and Building Relationships

(20:39) – Defining Leadership Moments

(28:51) – The Turning Point: Advocating for Myself

(31:52) – Unexpected Boardroom Moment

(38:19) – Trusting Your Gut Instinct

(43:30) – Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Advice

(54:47) – Supporting CASA: Advocating for Children

(57:14) – Final Thoughts on Leadership and Growth

Key Topics Discussed:

Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Self-Leadership, Leadership Coaching, Leadership Clarity, Organizational Leadership

Mentions: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgett-mcmahan-1a0a23236/ 

Mentions: 

Gravitas: How to Communicate with Confidence, Influence and Authority by Caroline Goyder

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com