Dr. Cindy
McGovern
WSJ Bestselling Author, Founder & CEO at Orange Leaf Consulting & Academy
"The Permission Gap: Why High-Performing Women Hesitate in Leadership Moments—and How to Lead with Confidence in Tech"
"The Permission Gap: Why High-Performing Women Hesitate in Leadership Moments—and How to Lead with Confidence in Tech"
Thu May 14 - 5:20 PM EDT/New York (See in local time)
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05/14/2026 5:20 PM
05/14/2026 06:00 PM
America/New_York
#WTGC2026
"The Permission Gap: Why High-Performing Women Hesitate in Leadership Moments—and How to Lead with Confidence in Tech"
#WTGC2026
"The Permission Gap: Why High-Performing Women Hesitate in Leadership Moments—and How to Lead with Confidence in Tech"
https://www.womentech.net/ringcentral
https://www.womentech.net/ringcentral
"The Permission Gap: Why High-Performing Women Hesitate in Leadership Moments—and How to Lead with Confidence in Tech"
"The Permission Gap: Why High-Performing Women Hesitate in Leadership Moments—and How to Lead with Confidence in Tech"
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Session: The Permission Gap: Why High-Performing Women Hesitate in Leadership Moments—and How to Lead with Confidence in Tech
Women in technology often deliver exceptional performance, yet many hesitate during the defining conversations that shape career trajectory. Moments involving visibility, negotiation, influence, and leadership presence frequently determine advancement, but hesitation can quietly undermine otherwise strong performance.In this session, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and organizational communication strategist Dr. Cindy McGovern explores what she calls the Permission Gap—the internal and structural dynamics that cause high-performing professionals to hold back in moments that matter.
Drawing on research in organizational communication and leadership behavior, this talk examines how hesitation shows up in leadership conversations, how it impacts influence and opportunity, and how professionals can develop practical frameworks to communicate with greater clarity and confidence.
Participants will leave with actionable tools to strengthen executive presence, advocate for strategic opportunities, and navigate high-stakes conversations in fast-moving technical environments.
Key Takeaways
- A practical framework for navigating high-stakes conversations involving visibility, negotiation, and leadership influence.
- Strategies to strengthen executive presence and communicate with clarity in fast-paced technical environments.
- Tools for advocating for opportunities and building sponsorship relationships that accelerate career growth.
- Techniques for recognizing and overcoming hesitation in defining leadership moments.
Bio
Dr. Cindy McGovern is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, organizational communication strategist, and Founder & CEO of Orange Leaf Consulting and Orange Leaf Consulting Academy. She has delivered keynote addresses and executive leadership programs for corporations, associations, universities, and national conferences across industries including healthcare, finance, technology, and professional services.Her latest 2026 book, The Permission Mission: Reclaiming the Power to Trust Your Own Voice, explores how hesitation in defining leadership moments impacts visibility, negotiation outcomes, and executive influence.
