What does leadership look like when everyone in the room is treated as a capable contributor?
We often think leadership is about having all the answers or making the big, final decisions. But the reality of modern work is different. True leadership today isn’t about being the "oracle" on the stage; it’s about creating the conditions where others can step up, think independently, and lead alongside you.
In the latest episode of Women Leaders on the Move, I sat down with Selena Rezvani, President of NextGenWomen LLC and author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable Teams.
We had a candid conversation about the small, everyday choices leaders make that determine whether a team feels silenced or supported.
The Danger of Silent Meetings
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came when Selena dropped this truth bomb:
“If your meetings are silent, your people are managing you.”
It is easy to mistake silence for agreement. But often, silence signals calculation. People are calculating if it’s safe to speak, if their idea is "perfect" enough, or if speaking up will cause friction. When leaders break that silence by inviting people in early, the dynamic shifts from fear to ownership.
What are 3 Ways to Lead as an Equal?
Selena shares three core behaviors that leaders can adopt immediately to build trust and participation:
1. Invite participation early. Don’t wait until the end of a project or a meeting to ask for thoughts. When people are included from the start, they stay engaged and contribute more consistently because they feel part of the process.
2. Ask before you answer. It is not your job to have every solution. In fact, when you pause to hear others first, you build their confidence and strengthen their problem-solving muscles.
3. Share responsibility. Leadership shouldn't be a solo burden. Giving others a role in leading meetings and making decisions creates momentum and allows you to step back and facilitate rather than direct.
“It is not your job to know all the answers... It is your job, as a leader, to resource your people.” Selena Rezvani
What is an action I can take today?
The "First 5 Minutes" Rule
If you want to change the energy in your team this week, Selena suggests a simple, research-backed strategy.
Insight: If people are silent at the start of a meeting, they often stay silent until the end. If someone speaks in the first 5 minutes, they are significantly more likely to contribute later.
Action: Open your next meeting by asking everyone to answer a simple, low-stakes prompt before you dive into the agenda.
What to Say: "Everyone, we’re here to talk about [Topic] today. Before we start, I want to hear from each of you: What is one word that comes to mind when you think of [Topic]?"
Why It Works: It breaks the "lecture" dynamic immediately and signals that this is a space for participation, not just listening.
Leadership shows up in these small, everyday moments. It’s not about the title you hold, but how you help others hold their own.
Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.
A Message of Gratitude
Thank you to Selena for being a guest today on Women Leaders on the Move.
Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you!
This show is sponsored by NEXT2LEAD AI Powered by HerCsuite®.
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Keep Shining Your Light Bright. The World Needs You!
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About the Guest
Selena Rezvani helps people show up, speak up, and shake up the way work gets done. A Wall Street Journal bestselling author and LinkedIn Learning instructor, Forbes named her "the premier expert on standing up for yourself at work." She equips leaders to build confidence and cultures that lift everyone’s voice. Today we're discussing her new book, Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable Teams.
Connect with Selena:
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Website:
selenarezvani.com -
Book: Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable Teams
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LinkedIn:
Selena Rezvani -
Instagram:
@selenarezvani -
TikTok:
@selenarezvani -
YouTube:
Selena Rezvani Official
About the Host
Natalie Benamou is the Founder of HerCsuite®, a women's leadership network and portfolio career company. She also serves as President and CEO of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit bridging the care communication gap and improving health outcomes for women.
Sponsored by HerCsuite® Board Ready Course The only board ready course combining 1-2-1 sessions with Naomi Kent, CEO, The Boardroom and Group Accountability with Natalie Benamou.
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