312. Unmute Yourself: Stop Shrinking, Find Your Voice & Take Up Space with Dr. Rita Renee

What if the only permission you need to be seen, heard and take up space is your own? In this episode I sit down with author, speaker and two-time TEDx speaker Dr. Rita Renee for a powerful conversation about what it means to **unmute yourself**. For years, Rita was accomplished on paper. She had the degrees, the titles, the experience and the leadership roles—but underneath it all, she knew she was still shrinking in places where she was meant to stand tall. Eventually, she realized she had to stop auditioning for rooms she already belonged in. We talk about the experiences that taught her to stay quiet, the courage it took to begin sharing her story, and why our greatest freedom may come when we stop needing everyone to understand, approve of or applaud us. We also explore the connection between **style, presence and visibility**—and why what you wear can help you walk into the room, but your voice, your message and your belief that you belong are what allow you to truly own it. If you've ever felt like you were waiting until you were more qualified, more confident, more polished—or simply more ready—before allowing yourself to be fully seen, this conversation is for you. Because as Rita reminds us, you don't need to see the whole staircase. Sometimes you just need to take the first brave step. **It's time to come off mute.** Your Takeaways: - Why you may be waiting for permission to enter rooms you already belong in. - The hidden cost of staying quiet—and who misses out when you keep your voice on mute. - What changes when you stop performing for approval and start showing up as your full, unapologetic self. Dr. Rita Renee is a two-time TEDx speaker, international keynote speaker, best-selling author, and Executive Leadership & Voice Strategist who helps women and leaders find the clarity to own their message, the confidence to use their voice, and the courage to step into greater visibility. With more than two decades of corporate leadership experience and a long- standing career in healthcare, Rita understands what it means to lead, achieve—and still feel called to something more. Today, she brings together her experience, wisdom and authenticity to help others stop shrinking, come off mute and show up fully in the rooms they were meant to occupy. Let's dive in. Connect with Rita Renee here: https://drritarenee.com/ Take the FREE Signature Style quiz now and discover your archetype: https://www.thevisibilitystylist.com/ Join me over on ​​https://substack.com/@theartofbecomingvisible/ Come join us in the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theartofbecomingvisible/ Follow me on IG https://www.instagram.com/marymicheleofficial/