The hidden bias that keeps smart people quiet

When I was a product marketing leader for a corporate regional bank, I found myself getting annoyed during an all-day strategy meeting. My frustration came from hearing the same voices, sharing the same old ideas. I wondered why other people, especially the women in the room, weren’t speaking up. I remember thinking, “Well, you could be the one to speak up.” 

I felt nerves jump in my throat and doubt sink heavily in my stomach. Who was I to speak up? I thought that others in the room...