Ask the Mentor

We all face moments when we have to make decisions without knowing how things will turn out. It can feel uncomfortable, even scary—but learning to move forward without having all the answers is a skill you can build. In this piece, we’re talking about simple ways to feel more confident when things feel uncertain. From trusting your gut to focusing on what’s in your control, these tips can help you make choices with more clarity and less stress.

1. How can I communicate my ideas more effectively to people who might not initially agree with or understand them? – Anika

To communicate ideas effectively, empathy, clarity, and persuasion play a big role. It’s not just about expressing your thoughts—it’s about connecting with others in a way that builds understanding and trust.

Start by understanding the other person’s perspective. Acknowledging their point of view shows respect and creates space for open, meaningful conversation. Once that space is created, keep your message clear and simple. Avoid jargon and explain your thoughts step by step so your idea is easy to grasp. Making your message relatable helps too. Use real-life examples or familiar situations—people connect better with stories they can see themselves in. As you share your idea, look for common ground. Identifying shared goals or values can make your idea feel more relevant and easier to accept.

Be open to feedback and questions. This shows you’re willing to listen and care about the other person’s response. Thoughtful replies make it clear you value two-way communication. Balance is key—support your ideas with facts but also appeal to emotion. Logical points give strength, while emotion builds connection. Together, they make your message more powerful. Stay courteous, especially when opinions differ. Keeping calm and respectful helps maintain a positive tone, even in challenging conversations. And finally, be flexible. Being open to adjusting your ideas or meeting halfway encourages collaboration and keeps the conversation moving forward.

2. What’s one skill or mindset shift that women in corporate roles should develop today to stay ahead of workplace changes in the next decade? – Jenny

One of the most important things for women today—no matter their age or background—is to be adaptable and open to learning. When you’re adaptable, you’re better at solving problems because you focus more on the solution than the issue. And when you keep learning, you build new skills and fresh ideas, which helps you stay relevant and confident in any space.

Technology is moving fast, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a big part of it. It’s a powerful tool, and we need to learn how to use it wisely. If we don’t, someone else who knows AI better might take our place. So, it’s time we embrace it and use it to our advantage. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. If you deserve equal pay, ask for it. Believe in yourself, share your ideas, and own your achievements. Your journey matters. Building your personal brand—how people see and remember you—can really help your career grow.

Networking is just as important. Know who’s around you—your teammates, managers, and leaders. The more we connect with each other, the more we grow together. And remember, don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start something. Often, waiting too long can hold us back. Start now and adjust along the way.

Finally, we need to change the mindset around us too. People must believe that women are just as capable—and sometimes even better—at doing things that matter.

3. Women are often expected to be emotionally intelligent in the workplace, but how do I make sure I’m valued for my strategic and analytical skills as well? – Naira

Women often hesitate to acknowledge their achievements and expertise. It’s time to change that.

• Speak up and share your suggestions with confidence.
• Use clear, business-oriented language—talk in terms of cost savings, ROI, efficiency, and impact.
• Avoid slang and be concise. This positions you as a strategic and analytical thinker.
• Back up your contributions with data. Show how your insights solved a specific issue, improved a process, or added value to a project. This demonstrates what you did, and how it benefited the organization.
• Seek feedback—from peers, mentors, and leadership. It shows that you’re growth-oriented and open to refinement.

Take initiative. Volunteer for challenging projects and become a reliable problem solver. Lead with flexibility over perfectionism and promote inclusivity. This will establish you as a go-to person for both leadership and subject-matter expertise. Always align your actions with the company’s larger mission. Emotional intelligence is a critical asset in strategic planning. Use it to understand team dynamics and make sound business decisions.

Finally, stay agile. Quick thinking and adaptability are essential in today’s fast-evolving environment. Let your strategy evolve with the changing needs of the organization. Showcase your emotional intelligence—but also make your strategic thinking and analytical abilities visible. Let both shine.

4. How can I learn to embrace uncertainty and make decisions confidently, even when I don’t have all the answers? – Nishita

No decision can promise a perfect outcome. And truthfully, we rarely have all the answers right away. That’s why learning to embrace uncertainty and still move forward with confidence is such a valuable skill—it’s something you build over time, with practice.

One of the best ways to grow in this area is by simply making more decisions. With every choice you make, you learn a little more about yourself and how you handle different situations. Slowly but surely, that builds confidence. It also helps to accept that uncertainty is just a normal part of life. Once you make peace with that, the pressure around having it all figured out starts to fade. When a big decision feels overwhelming, try breaking it down into smaller steps. Each small step you take gives you clarity and makes the whole thing feel more manageable. Progress, even in small amounts, boosts your confidence in a big way.

It’s also important to let go of the need for perfection. That pressure can limit your thinking and stop you from taking action. It’s completely okay to make a few mistakes or settle for a “good enough” choice every now and then. What matters most is that you’re moving forward. Focus on what’s in your control. That shift in mindset can make you feel more empowered and freer you from the weight of what you can’t change. When making decisions, gather the information you need, think about what aligns with your values, and be willing to adapt or adjust if something isn’t working. That’s all part of a healthy decision-making process.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or support when you need it—you’re not alone. And maybe most importantly, listen to your intuition. That quiet inner voice often knows more than we give it credit for. Over time, by practicing these habits, you’ll find yourself feeling more at ease with uncertainty—and more confident in your ability to make smart, thoughtful decisions, even without all the answers in front of you.

–Dr. Aabha Pimprikar is a Life Skills Trainer and President of DAGMHI 3030 (Mental Health Initiative to Promote Mental Health Awareness)