More than 100 women from Synergy companies came together virtually on October 9th for a powerful peer session focused on confidence, communication, and influence – three areas that are essential for navigating success in male-dominated industries like mechanical contracting and HVAC.

Led by Wyetta Ford, a seasoned HR coach and leadership facilitator, the Enlighten and Empower workshop provided tactical frameworks for building presence, reclaiming your voice, and navigating unconscious bias in professional settings.

Here are a few highlights from the session.

Why Confidence Matters in Construction and HVAC

Women in mechanical contracting face unique challenges, especially when they’re the only woman in the room. From being talked over in meetings to having ideas overlooked, the issue often isn’t competence, it’s perception.

Wyetta opened the session by grounding the discussion in real-world data: women consistently underestimate their skills and contributions, even in areas where they are fully qualified. Her message was clear:

“Confidence isn’t a personality trait; it’s a skill. And you can practice it.”

Three Strategies for Being Heard and Having Influence

Participants explored three core strategies to boost their communication confidence:

1. Reclaim the Conversation
   When interrupted or overlooked, use the “Acknowledge + Redirect” technique:
   • Acknowledge the comment or person
   • Redirect the conversation back to your point with calm clarity
2. Communicate with Presence
   Speak with the 3 Cs:
   • Calm – Don’t rush to fill the silence
   • Clear – Know the core message you want to land
   • Concise – Say just enough to make impact
3. Influence with Impact
   Use the “So What / Now What” framework:
   • So what? – Why does this idea matter to the business?
   • Now what? – What action or solution are you proposing?

These tools aren’t just for meetings—they’re for everyday moments where influence counts.

Overcoming the “Pushy” Perception

One concern echoed by several participants was: “What if I come across as aggressive?” – a fear many women internalize when speaking assertively.

Wyetta challenged this mindset, encouraging attendees to ask:

• “Is this perception real or am I holding myself back based on a story I’ve been told?”
• The session emphasized that tone, delivery, and professionalism matter, but so does self-belief.

From Shared Stories to Shared Growth

Breakout room conversations allowed participants to reflect on personal experiences of feeling unheard or undervalued, and to connect with others navigating similar challenges.

For many, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the tools, but the reminder they’re not alone.

What’s Next for Women in Synergy

The session closed with a preview of what’s to come:

• A November Women in Synergy peer call, designed to continue the conversation and provide space for peer-to-peer support
• A December “I Am Remarkable” workshop, focused on self-advocacy and owning your accomplishments

Why These Conversations Matter

Creating space for women to build confidence, share challenges, and uplift one another is essential to strengthening the mechanical industry from within. The Women in Synergy group is more than a community—it’s a catalyst for leadership.

Interested in joining the next session?
Whether you’re in the field, in the office, or leading a team, there’s room for your voice. Reach out to learn more about Synergy’s Women in Synergy peer group and upcoming programming.