Hi Friend,
If you’ve ever found yourself waiting to be noticed, invited, or asked for your opinion… this is for you.
I had a conversation recently with a fellow speaker, Concetta Green, and she said something that stuck with me:
You don’t need permission to evolve.
That permission already exists within you.
And it took me right back to a version of myself I know so well.
The one who waited.
- Waiting to be noticed.
- Waiting to be promoted.
- Waiting to be asked my opinion.
- Waiting to feel ready.
- Waiting to feel confident.
- Waiting.
I remember feeling inadequate because no one had “given” me permission to do what I wanted to do.
And then one day, I looked at myself in the mirror and said:
You’re a grown woman. You don’t need permission.
- What you need is courage.
- Grit.
- Fortitude.
- And a willingness to act before you feel ready.
Because here’s the truth most people don’t tell you:
Confidence doesn’t come first. Action does.
Where We Shrink (And Don’t Even Realize It)
I see this all the time with administrative professionals. Not because they lack capability, but because they’ve been conditioned to wait.
Here are three places it shows up the most:
1. In meetings
You have the insight. You see the gap. You know the answer.
But you hesitate.
You wait to be invited in.
2. In your emails
You soften your language.
You over-explain.
You ask when you should be making a statement.
3. In goal reviews and career conversations
You talk about what you’ve done.
But not the impact.
Not the value.
Not what you’re ready for next.
And then you wonder why no one is noticing.
The Permission Audit
Let’s change that.
Before you move on from this email, take five minutes.
I created a simple tool to help you see exactly where you’re holding yourself back.
Ask yourself:
Where am I waiting?
(Be honest. Meetings? Conversations? Opportunities?)
What am I afraid of?
(Rejection? Being wrong? Being seen differently?)
What will I do instead?
(One action. One shift. One decision.)
No overthinking. Just one step.
Because clarity creates movement.
A Shift You Can Make Today
- Instead of waiting to be asked, speak once in your next meeting.
- Instead of softening your email, state your recommendation clearly.
- Instead of hoping someone sees your value, communicate it.
This is how you stop waiting.
This is how you take charge of your future.
Want Support Doing This?
If this message hits home, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
This is exactly the work I do in my trainings—helping administrative professionals communicate with confidence, position their value, and show up as true strategic partners.
And if you’re thinking: “I’d love to attend something like this…”
Don’t wait for your manager to invite you to attend.
Ask to attend.
Here’s how to do it in a way that gets taken seriously:
1. Lead with impact, not interest
Instead of: “I’d like to attend this training…”
Say: “I’ve identified a training that will directly support how I communicate, contribute in meetings, and add value to the team.”
2. Connect it to the business
“I’ll bring back key takeaways and share them with the team so we can improve how we communicate, collaborate, and operate.”
3. Make it easy to say yes
“I’ve reviewed the details, including cost and timing, and I can ensure my responsibilities are fully covered while I attend.”
4. Close with confidence
“I’d like your support in attending. I believe this will strengthen my impact in my role. What are your thoughts?”
Don’t ask for permission by saying, “Can I attend?”
You want a conversation, not a yes or a no.
That’s the shift.
From asking for permission…
to making a case for investment.
Upcoming Opportunities
If you’re ready to invest in yourself and take your career to the next level, I’d love to see you at one of these upcoming events:
AdminsRock: May 11–13, 2026 – 10% off with code 10Peggy10 (Register HERE)
APC Nashville: September 13-16, 2026 (Register HERE)
Elite Assistant Certification Course: October 19, 2026 (Register HERE)
EA Ignite Fall: November 2-4, 2026 (Register HERE)
You Already Have It
No one handed me permission.
Instead I gave myself permission.
And Im so glad I did.
- You don’t need permission to grow.
- You don’t need permission to speak.
- You don’t need permission to take up space.
You already have it.
Now act on it.
Warmly,
Peggy
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P.S. If you’re ready to stop waiting and start showing up differently, this is exactly the work I do through coaching and speaking.
Whether it’s you or your team, I’d love to support that next step.
You can learn more or reach out here.
Speaker | Bestselling Author | Empowerment Coach