If you don’t speak up, assumptions will fill the silence

Why confidence, visibility and owning your impact matter

In this episode of The Women Behind the Network, Holly Staff is joined by Sonia Wadhwa for an honest conversation about confidence, self-doubt, leadership and finding your voice in the technology industry.

Sonia shares the experiences that have shaped her career, from facing assumptions early on to navigating male-dominated environments and rebuilding her confidence during some of her most challenging moments. Now a Senior Director in Microsoft’s AI Transformation Office and an executive coach, she explains why being capable isn't always enough, and why learning to communicate your impact and make your contributions visible can be just as important as the work itself.

They also explore the confidence saboteurs that can hold women back, including perfectionism, comparison and the habit of downplaying achievements. Sonia shares her perspective on building confidence through action, the power of mentoring and community, and why leaders have a responsibility to create space for quieter voices and advocate for others.

Whether you're looking to progress your career, overcome self-doubt, become a more confident leader or support other women in technology, this episode is full of honest and practical insights into finding your voice, owning your strengths and recognising your potential.