Have you ever walked into a meeting and felt like shrinking into your chair? Or watched as someone else took credit for your brilliant idea? In this week’s powerful episode of Latina Mic Drop, host Miriam Simon delivers a masterclass on owning your power and leading authentically, even in spaces where you might feel like an outsider.
As Miriam so eloquently puts it, “We are here to say yes to taking up space, owning your power, and leading out loud.” With her recent book “Tattoos and Pearls” becoming a #1 release in two categories, Miriam shares the wisdom that has made her such a formidable leader and mentor.
Five Power Moves to Own Your Leadership
Miriam breaks down five essential strategies that can transform how you show up in professional spaces:
1. Stop Shrinking
Take up the physical and metaphorical space you deserve. Sit at the table (literally at the front, not hiding in the back), make eye contact, and own your presence. As Miriam emphasizes, “You have value. Own it, people. Own it.”
2. Make Noise Where It Counts
Strategically amplify your wins and contributions to the right people. No more being the “secret weapon” nobody knows about! But there’s an art to this, find the middle ground between invisibility and the “me, me, me” approach that turns people off.
3. Protect Your Peace Like Currency
Every “no” is a “yes” to your bigger mission. Guard your time, energy, and mental real estate like the boss you are. Not every opportunity aligns with your path, even if it comes with a bigger paycheck.
4. Build Your Bench
Cultivate allies and sponsors who will mention your name when you’re not in the room. “Power moves don’t happen on their own,” Miriam reminds us. The more people aligned with your vision, the easier execution becomes.
5. Turn Your Scars into Credibility
Your unique experiences, even the painful ones, are your superpower. They’re the reason you can stay calm in chaos and resilient through challenges. Own your story; it’s your brand.
What resonates most from this episode is Miriam’s authenticity. She doesn’t just speak from a place of theory but shares her own journey of learning to take up space after years of being the unrecognized “brain behind the operation.”
As we approach challenging professional situations, her advice to “put that ego in the backpack” and focus on collaboration over confrontation offers a refreshing perspective instead of divisive workplace cultures.
For those working hard to advance their careers while maintaining their authentic selves, this episode delivers exactly the encouragement and tactical advice needed to step boldly into leadership. As Miriam says, feeling uncomfortable in new territory is natural, but with preparation and confidence, you can own any room you walk into.
Looking for more inspiration? Miriam’s book “Tattoos and Pearls” and its companion workbook are available now to help you apply the “Ink and Pearls” framework to your own leadership journey.
What strategies do you use to own your power in professional settings? Share in the comments below!
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