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Episode 89

Finding Your Voice (and Actually Using It)

Featuring M.H. McQuiston

What does it really take to find your voice, and then have the guts to use it?

In this bold, funny, and refreshingly honest episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, Monique sits down with Mary Hope (M.H.) McQuiston, author of Finding Your Voice, to unpack what it means to stop self-silencing and finally say the thing that’s been stuck in your throat.

We cover:
→ Why so many women hold back from speaking up (and how to stop)
→ The messy truth about creativity, fear, and imperfection
→ Why vulnerability is your secret weapon, not your weakness
→ How reclaiming your voice can transform your work, your relationships, and your life

This conversation is equal parts pep talk and practical playbook for anyone ready to stop hiding and start being heard.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet M.H. McQuiston
01:56 – Career journey: from history major to tech leader
10:02 – Clarity through personal values
14:14 – Spotting and seizing opportunities for growth
20:00 – Breaking barriers in corporate America
30:07 – Real talk: advice for women at work
36:00 – Reflections and leadership lessons

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mary Hope (M.H.) McQuiston is a writer, speaker, and advocate for women’s voices. She is the author of Finding Your Voice and currently serves as Vice President and General Manager at Autodesk, where she has spent over 20 years leading strategy, marketing, and business development in SaaS, mobile, and cloud-based businesses.

A pragmatic visionary and strategist, M.H. is passionate about empowering women to speak up, show up, and lead—whether in boardrooms, books, or everyday conversations. She is also a member of Chief, Project 1490, and serves on the boards of the Exploratorium and SkillsUSA, helping shape the future of education, science, and leadership.

Connect with M.H. McQuiston on LinkedIn

Finding Your Voice (and Actually Using It) | Featuring Mary Hope (MH) McQuiston

Available wherever you get your podcasts

Imagine taking a journey whose destination is confidence—being able to say with certainty that your life serves you, rather than the other way around. Listening to these podcasts can offer you affirmation, inspiration, practical advice, tips, hacks, and a sense of community with like-minded individuals. Join us on this journey!

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