A selectively mute product director’s manifesto

How TO Be A Great Communicator and Tech Leader

It’s difficult to make a name for yourself in any industry. However, the voices of young tech professionals are especially vulnerable to being drowned out by the deluge of new ideas and the rapidity at which the sector continuously evolves. Silicon Valley’s tendency to “move fast and break things” makes for a constant stream of exciting and innovative developments, but the unapologetic urgency at the heart of that mantra can also impede the aspirations of young professionals, particularly those who do not fit the image of established tech gurus and corporate power players. See example A, B, C, D…. et al

I’m writing this because I want to shatter the stereotypes, but even more importantly, those impediments that marginalize or overlook the voices, ideas, and contributions of Black, Hispanic, female, disabled and other underrepresented tech innovators. I want to show the tech industry, and the world, that they’re sleeping on the genius of so many talented young people–people who are more than capable of ascending to executive roles–just because they don’t fit the paradigm of who we imagine is built to lead a project, a team, or a company. 

I’m writing this because I believe that my journey stands as a testament to the power of steadfast determination. I’m writing this because I want to expand the possibilities of who makes it to the top as tech founder or CEO and why too many of them still look like the white guys above who is seen as deserving of being a tech founder or executive. I’m writing this to show young techies from marginalized backgrounds that their promise and potential is boundless, and that they should never allow the world to question their aptitude for excellence. 

So now, I’m sure you’re wondering where I fit into all of this. This is me.

I’m a 3x tech founder and currently hold a senior director role in product management, and, unlike the pictures above my photo is not regularly downloaded from Wikipedia.  At least, not yet.  I’m a proud 28-year-old Black disabled woman.  I’m selectively mute due to a disorder called dystonia, which affects my vocal cords, limiting my ability to speak. Against the odds, I’m carving out my place in the tech world, as an expert in building products users embrace, in leading and mentoring teams, and as a communications whiz. 

People often express surprise (and honestly, I’m tired of it) at how someone who communicates silently–in the way that I do–controls conversations, leads teams, and drives innovation. Yet, my unique condition has taught me to approach communications differently, one that is rooted in asking the right questions and engaging deeply with the answers. I’ve learned that it's not about speaking the most, but about making what is said count. 

In fact, I’ll let you in on one of my secrets, which not enough CEOs and senior executives understand. Silence has power. Amid all the chatter and messages in our “always on” world, constantly bombarded with texts, TikTok videos, Instagram pics, emails, voicemails, Zoom meetings, downloadable songs, movies and podcasts, we need a periodic break from all the noise if only to give us a chance to process all we are being exposed to. It’s actually silence that makes us stop and take notice.

Communications is More Than Speech

I utilize closed captioning during video calls using platforms like Teams or Google Meet, alongside using Otter for recording transcripts and automated note-taking. Additionally, I am selectively mute, which means I use text-to-speech technology to communicate effectively. This aspect, combined with my use of closed captioning and Otter, has led some to nickname me the "Stephen Hawking of tech.”

As the leader of the product team, I regularly conduct group meetings to foster idea generation, address any obstacles hindering our deadlines, and fortify relationships within the team and the company at large.

Whether these meetings occur virtually or face-to-face, my team initially engages in casual conversation, which I encourage to facilitate comfortable expression. However, I've observed that they tend to refrain from talking over each other and exhibit better listening skills. Instead of merely verbalizing ideas, they are inclined to jot down key points or start sketching concepts.

Understanding that individuals process information differently, I advocate for incorporating various methods such as writing, drawing, or verbalizing ideas to cater to visual and verbal thinkers alike. This approach encourages visual thinkers to delve deeper into concepts visually, while verbal thinkers focus on articulating ideas with real merit.

Whether communicating through text, email, or other mediums, my ability to ask insightful questions has proven invaluable in uncovering overlooked insights and inspiring unconventional thinking among my teams. Two fundamental principles I adhere to are "engage in the principle of charity" and "redundancy kills productivity," which not only influence my communication but also form the foundation of my leadership style.

The Principle of Charity

It’s very simple. In every interaction, I give my counterpart the benefit of the doubt, interpreting their statements in the most rational way possible. This approach fosters an environment of respect and understanding, encouraging open, honest dialogue, and cutting through the noise that often bogs down effective communication.

The principle of charity is about listening intently, processing information thoroughly, and responding with precision. By deliberately applying this principle to my work, I've been able to lead my teams to understand the core of any issue and collaborate efficiently toward innovative solutions. 

And all that’s not even to mention the obvious but oft overlooked truth that if you treat people with respect, they will return the favor more often than not. When my colleagues and team members feel as if they are truly being heard and given adequate consideration, productivity, and cooperation (and fun!) increase tenfold. 

Redundancy Kills Productivity

We’re in a world where time is the most valuable currency. I cannot afford to waste my time (or yours) on repetitive or unnecessary discourse. 

One thing my condition has taught me is the importance of concise, impactful communication. Every meeting I lead has a clear agenda, objectives, and desired outcomes. This discipline ensures that we extract maximum value from our time together, making decisions swiftly and moving projects forward with momentum. 

(Productivity tools like Otter.ai have been game-changers, enabling me to engage more actively in discussions by handling note-taking, thus freeing me to focus on the essence of the conversation.)

What’s more, strategic scheduling and mindful moderation are necessities in my world. My aim is to ensure that every meeting and every interaction is purposeful and productive. It’s an approach that sounds simple, but it takes diligence. 

Maybe you’d be surprised, or maybe you wouldn’t, by how many unnecessary, overindulgent, and meandering meetings I’ve had to sit through. 

If you want your team to feel that their time and contributions are respected, foster a culture of efficiency by streamlining communication and eradicating redundancy. 

The Future

Throughout my journey, I've encountered plenty of skepticism and underestimation, but I've also found allies and advocates who recognize the value of inclusive leadership. Relationships like these are important. 

The success I’ve enjoyed speaks to the fact that with the right mindset, tools, and approach, barriers can be broken, and new standards can be set for what effective communication and leadership look like.

Looking ahead, I see a corporate world where diversity isn’t just celebrated but is recognized as a critical component of success. 

I envision a future where leaders are judged not by their ability to fit a conventional mold but by their capacity to innovate, communicate, and inspire irrespective of their race, gender, or disability.

As I continue to break barriers and redefine norms, my message to aspiring leaders who may not conform to traditional expectations of what attributes and experiences a CEO or founder should have or how that person looks, talks, and behaves is simple: embrace your uniqueness, harness the power of effective communication, listen to different perspectives, and lead with conviction. 

In a society that often equates disability with limitation or failure, I stand as proof that the only true limitations are those we place on ourselves. I want my journey to be a call to action for all who aspire to lead, to rethink the paradigms of communication and leadership, and to boldly chart their own course toward success.