Understanding the Power of Your Voice: Leadership, Confidence, and Career Growth with Sami Kinnison

Hey Trailblazers. Welcome back to another episode of Women in Tech Trailblazers with Tiffany Benitez. Today’s conversation is one of those that quietly stays with you long after it ends. Tiffany sits down with communication coach and facilitator Sami Kinnison to unpack something we all think about but rarely slow down to examine. The power of your voice.

Sami opens up about what authenticity really means in real life. Not the polished version. Not the always-on version. But the honest one. Some days that means energy and confidence. Other days, it means admitting you are not okay and still showing up with intention. As Sami puts it, “Authenticity means showing up how I am in that present moment.”

The conversation moves into career decisions and the risks we avoid because fear feels louder than logic. Sami breaks down how naming risk changes everything. What feels overwhelming in your head often looks very different on paper. “Sometimes we are avoiding something because we haven’t actually named what the risk is.” That shift alone can open doors you thought were closed.

One of the most powerful moments comes when Sami shares how early communication choices shape how people see us. Every email. Every meeting. Every question. They all add weight to your voice. And when women hesitate to speak up, it is often not a lack of skill but a lack of trust in their own perspective.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:28) What authenticity looks like day to day

(4:19) Having a bad day without damaging relationships

(6:50) Doubting yourself even when the skill is there

(10:20) Risk tolerance in careers and life

(15:09) How small communication choices change perception

(19:25) Speaking with intention when you are the only woman

(21:23) Asking questions instead of staying silent

(23:33) Paying attention to how you talk to yourself

(25:19) Confidence is built not performed

(28:27) Using your voice for the people after you

This episode is not about being louder. It is about being clearer. About asking better questions. About learning how to talk to yourself before you try to change how the world hears you. Tune in and listen closely. You might hear your own voice differently by the end.

About Sami Kinnison

Sami Kinnison is a communication coach, speaker, and facilitator at The Belford Group. She works with professionals and leaders to improve communication, emotional awareness, and resilience at work. Her work focuses on helping teams navigate change, pressure, and everyday challenges with clarity. Sami’s approach centers on practical communication and intentional leadership in real workplace settings.

Connect with Sami:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.