Stepping Into Your Voice with Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon
Many women work hard, deliver results, and assume their work will eventually speak for itself. But as Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon shares in this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, that is not always reality. In this conversation, 4word President & CEO Melissa Harrison talks with Merary about finding your voice at work, advocating for yourself with confidence and humility, and learning to use your influence with wisdom and discernment. Drawing from her own journey—from growing up in a Puerto Rican family and becoming a first-generation college student to serving in senior leadership roles inside major global organizations—Merary reflects on the moments that taught her to ask for opportunities, name her accomplishments, and stop assuming that hard work alone would move her career forward. She also challenges women to use their voices with discernment. Unmuting your voice is not about speaking up about everything. It is about understanding where your voice can make a difference, paying attention to God's nudge, and being willing to speak when the moment matters. The conversation goes deeper into the inner work behind healthy leadership as well. Merary explains why healing matters if we want to fully activate the gifts God has given us and why ambition itself is not the enemy—the deeper question is what we are working out of. And ultimately, stepping into your voice is not only about advancing yourself. Merary encourages women to use their influence to advocate for others, create opportunities, share what they have learned, and help someone else move forward. In this episode, we get into: Your work won't always speak for itself. Have the courage to advocate for what you bring. Use your voice with wisdom and discernment. Listen for God's nudge before you speak. Your voice can help others move forward. Influence isn't only about advancing yourself. You'll also hear about: Finding your voice and advocating for yourself at work Why speaking about your accomplishments is not the same as bragging The role of healing in leadership and personal growth How to know when your voice can make a difference Ambition, achievement, and what is driving you Using influence to advocate for other women Living out your faith in the workplace Staying open to where God may be leading you next About Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon is an executive, author, speaker, and leadership strategist with decades of experience leading within major global organizations. She is passionate about helping women recognize their potential, use their voices, and step into positions of influence while remaining grounded in purpose and faith. She is the author of H.E.R.A.C.T.: Activate Your Potential and is known for her work around leadership, healing, sponsorship, multicultural women, faith in the workplace, and creating opportunities for others. 🔗 Learn more about Merary: HERE About Melissa Harrison Melissa Harrison is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and President & CEO of 4word. She is passionate about helping women integrate faith, leadership, and purpose in the workplace. As host of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa brings a storyteller's perspective to honest conversations about work, calling, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward. 🔗 Learn more about Melissa: melissaharrison.net Follow Melissa on LinkedIn and Instagram About 4word 4word is a global community for Christian women in the workplace, helping women grow in their faith, thrive in their work, and become the women and leaders God created them to be. Find out more about 4word 👉 https://4wordwomen.org/ 🔗 Follow 4word on LinkedIn and Instagram
