In this episode, I talk with Michelle Gladieux, author and President of Gladieux Consulting, about powerful communication strategies that help women in engineering speak up with confidence, rebuild their voice in meetings, and use self-advocacy to earn the recognition they deserve.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Michelle:
- What exactly is a hidden communication challenge, and how can someone recognize it in themselves?
- What makes a communication tactic worthy of being called a “pro move” in the context of powerful communication?
- What practical strategies can help women engineers feel more confident when handling tough conversations and building powerful communication habits?
- What advice can you share for rebuilding confidence to speak up during in-person or hybrid team meetings using powerful communication?
- How can women engineers use the ideas in Communicate with Courage to make their voices heard and develop communication skills that earn more recognition?
- How can leaders in technical workplaces create a culture that values open dialogue and encourages powerful communication among team members?
- What final piece of advice would you give to women engineers who want to improve their communication at work and in their personal relationships?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Powerful Communication Tips Women in Engineering Need To Succeed:
- Many professionals deal with hidden challenges in communication without realizing it. By becoming more self-aware and identifying patterns like avoiding risk or playing it safe, they can improve relationships and unlock new opportunities.
- A pro move is a bold but thoughtful choice that enhances powerful communication by stretching someone beyond their comfort zone. Speaking with intention, listening more actively, or shifting a habitual response can be meaningful steps toward better communication.
- Women engineers benefit from recognizing outdated habits that hinder communication. Tools like personality assessments and emotional awareness help build the clarity and confidence needed to engage in challenging conversations.
- Confidence grows with action. The more someone speaks up, writes, or engages in everyday conversations, the more natural powerful communication becomes.
- Progress begins when perfection is no longer the goal. Celebrating effort and using praise intentionally allows women engineers to gain visibility and build powerful communication habits that leave a lasting impact.
- Great leaders value powerful communication alongside technical skill. Modeling emotional intelligence and supporting open dialogue contributes to more effective, connected teams.
- Growth often starts with discomfort. By taking small steps, setting clear intentions, and speaking with purpose, women engineers develop communication skills and long-term confidence.
More Details in This Episode…
About Michelle Gladieux
Michelle Gladieux is a human potential whisperer.
She lives her mission of helping people grow as leaders and communicators every day.
She’s the author of the award-winning book Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to
Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges and President of Gladieux Consulting, a team of 8
delivering top-notch seminars in communication and leadership topics around the U.S. celebrating 21 (lucky!) years in business in 2025.
Michelle provides 1:1 coaching, custom team training, and strategic planning for clients in all industries, government, non-profits, and in academia. Michelle has 18 years of collegiate teaching experience at three universities in her home state of Indiana, accepting her first faculty position teaching organizational leadership at age 23.
She’s worked as a corporate HR and Training Director in the cold storage, robotics, and construction industries and enjoys visiting conferences as a keynote speaker. Michelle has designed over one thousand original training seminars, and her positive effect on those she advises is evident even after just one interaction.
About the host: Rebecca Swabey, P.Eng.
Rebecca is a professional engineer who transitioned into the role of a tech startup founder. With ten years of experience in the civil consulting industry, specializing in water resources engineering and land development, she co-founded Equator Studios in 2018. The company enhances efficiency and quality for civil firms in the early stages of projects by providing better access to LiDAR and proposal automation tools. Based in Ontario, Canada, Rebecca enjoys hiking along the Grand River, experimenting with pizza recipes, and spending time with her two dogs.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Sources/References:
Gladieux Consulting
Do it Best Hardware Company
Indiana State House
Purdue University, West Lafayette
Connect with Michelle Gladieuxon LinkedIn
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