What does it really take to find your voice, and then have the guts to use it?

In this bold, funny, and refreshingly honest episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, Monique sits down with Mary Hope (M.H.) McQuiston, author of Finding Your Voice, to unpack what it means to stop self-silencing and finally say the thing that’s been stuck in your throat.

We cover:

→ Why so many women hold back from speaking up (and how to stop)

→ The messy truth about creativity, fear, and imperfection

→ Why vulnerability is your secret weapon, not your weakness

→ How reclaiming your voice can transform your work, your relationships, and your life

This conversation is equal parts pep talk and practical playbook for anyone ready to stop hiding and start being heard.

Chapters00:00 – Meet Mary Hope McQuiston

01:56 – Career journey: from history major to tech leader

10:02 – Clarity through personal values

14:14 – Spotting and seizing opportunities for growth

20:00 – Breaking barriers in corporate America

30:07 – Real talk: advice for women at work

36:00 – Reflections and leadership lessons

ABOUT OUR GUESTMary Hope (M.H.) McQuiston is a writer, speaker, and advocate for women’s voices. She is the author of Finding Your Voice and currently serves as Vice President and General Manager at Autodesk, where she has spent over 20 years leading strategy, marketing, and business development in SaaS, mobile, and cloud-based businesses.

A pragmatic visionary and strategist, M.H. is passionate about empowering women to speak up, show up, and lead—whether in boardrooms, books, or everyday conversations. She is also a member of Chief, Project 1490, and serves on the boards of the Exploratorium and SkillsUSA, helping shape the future of education, science, and leadership.

Connect with M.H. McQuiston on LinkedIn

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