Speak Up Anyway: Trust your voice and take the front seat

In this episode of SawaTalks, host Samia Jamai speaks with Angie Teng, a product manager based in Tokyo.

Through her journey across cultures and male-dominated spaces, Angie shares what it truly means to speak up anyway: to keep raising your voice even when it’s not heard the first time.

Together, they explore how redefining the Japanese concept of Gambaru goes beyond endurance, becoming the courage to say “I’m here, listen to me.” Angie also reflects on the subtle ways women minimize themselves at work, the importance of asking for recognition, and why respect and trust are the real foundations of inclusion.

A thoughtful conversation on courage, belonging, and being “politely difficult” for every woman finding her voice in global workplaces.

References and Inspirations Mentioned in This Episode

• How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith – https://sallyhelgesen.com/books/how-women-rise/

• Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez – https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women

Credits

Concept creation: SAWA Journey

Host: Samia Jamai

Production: ZERO TO ONE Productions

Studio: J-Wave Tokyo Studio

Digital partner: Maxima Group

Theme music (licensed via Slipstream Music):

• Happening Now by Zaphod and the Hearts of Gold

• Givers and Takers by Lt FitzGibbons Men

  
  

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