Finding Your Voice, Owning Your Power: Lessons from M.H. McQuiston

Let’s get something straight: no one is going to hand you a seat at the table. You have to know who you are, speak with clarity, and own your damn voice.

That’s exactly what this week’s Possibilities episode is about. I sat down with M.H. (Mary Hope) McQuiston, VP and General Manager at Autodesk, board member, strategist, and women’s leadership advocate for a conversation that will light a fire under you whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, pivoting your career, or simply trying to get clear on what’s next.

Here’s your blog-reader-only breakdown of the gems we covered (because I know you want the highlights):

Clarity Isn’t Optional

Mary Hope built her career leading high-growth businesses in SaaS, mobile, and cloud. But her biggest lesson? Without clarity on your values, strengths, and goals, all the strategy in the world won’t save you.

She shared how taking the time to define what really matters, at work and in life, became her anchor in moments of uncertainty. Clarity = confidence.

Voice Is Power (and Yes, You Already Have One)

Too many women wait until they’re “ready” or “senior enough” to speak up. Mary Hope calls BS. Your voice is valuable right now.

She talked about the importance of not only having a point of view, but learning to deliver it with courage, whether you’re in a boardroom or a brainstorming session.

Opportunities Don’t Always Knock—Sometimes You Have to Build the Door

Mary Hope’s career path wasn’t a straight line. She revitalized dormant businesses, launched new markets, and took risks when others hesitated. The through-line? She learned to spot possibility where others saw problems.

That ability (to find openings and step into them) isn’t luck. It’s a muscle women can (and must) develop.

Challenges Are Inevitable. Quitting Is Optional.

From underestimation to burnout to being “the only woman in the room,” Mary Hope has seen it all. Her take: challenges are part of the package, but they don’t define you. How you respond with grace, grit, and humor does.

Her Advice for Women in the Workplace

We wrapped with some straight-talk advice every ambitious woman needs:

• Don’t wait for permission.
  
• Build networks that support you.
  
• Invest in clarity, because without it, you’ll chase everyone else’s goals but your own.
  

Want the unfiltered conversation (and more of Mary Hope’s wisdom on finding your voice)?
Listen to Episode #89 of Possibilities with Monique de Maio here: https://youtu.be/aDhjlkoBV_Q

With possibility,
~ Monique