A conversation with Admired Leadership Partner, Michelle McDermott and Wes Bender from CRA | Admired Leadership, exploring the hidden costs of remaining silent in critical moments and why speaking up matters even when outcomes seem uncertain. Drawing from over 20 years of advising senior leaders through challenging communication situations, this session reveals how silence is never neutral and provides practical frameworks for overcoming the fear that keeps leaders from contributing their voice. Michelle shares actionable strategies for speaking up effectively, delivering difficult feedback, and understanding when silence might actually be the right choice.