Career advancement is rarely accidental. It emerges when leaders learn to articulate their value, voice their aspirations, and step confidently into opportunities that stretch them. Yet many professionals, even highly capable ones, struggle with self-advocacy, worried that speaking up may be misinterpreted as arrogance or entitlement. Across hundreds of leadership interviews for It’s Personal Stories, one truth consistently rises above the rest: self-advocacy is not self-promotion, it is self-responsibility. When balanced with humility, it becomes one of the most powerful drivers of long-term growth, influence, and impact.

Below are six lessons from accomplished leaders on how to advocate for yourself with confidence, clarity, and grace.

1. Know Your Value and Communicate It Clearly

Effective self-advocacy begins with self-awareness. Leaders who grow consistently understand the impact they create and can articulate it in a way that aligns with organizational goals. Tony Capuano, President & CEO of Marriott International, emphasizes that preparation strengthens both clarity and confidence: “Data, preparation, and clarity matter.” Knowing your value does not mean overstating your accomplishments; it means recognizing your contributions, understanding how they advance the mission, and expressing them with accuracy and purpose.

2. Step Forward Before You Feel Fully Ready

Many leaders describe pivotal moments when they raised their hand before feeling fully prepared. Alexandra Jaritz, Senior Vice President, Global Category Head, All Suites & Focused Service Brands at Hilton, captured the mindset simply: “Say yes before you’re ready.” Waiting for perfection is one of the biggest barriers to advancement. Growth rarely arrives when you feel comfortable; instead, it requires choosing courage over certainty. Self-advocacy often means taking the first step, asking for the role, applying for the promotion, or volunteering for the challenge, before your inner voice has caught up.

3. Build Relationships, Not Transactions

Visibility is strengthened through authentic connection. Stacy Silver, President of Silver Hospitality Group, reminds us that “Relationships are the currency of our industry.” People advocate for those they trust, respect, and understand, not just those they know. Genuine engagement, active listening, and consistency create a network of allies who see your potential firsthand. When you invest in others without agenda, self-advocacy becomes natural rather than forced.

4. Balance Confidence with Humility

Humility is the key to ensuring self-advocacy is admired, not resented. Mehul Patel, Managing Partner of NewcrestImage, grounds ambition with purpose when he says, “Success without purpose is hollow.” Mit Shah, Founder and CEO of Noble Investment Group, adds a powerful reminder: “Never see yourself as the smartest person in the room.” Humility signals that your aspirations are rooted in contribution, not ego. When confident action is balanced with grounded perspective, your voice becomes more compelling.

5. Cultivate Mentors and Sponsors Who Champion You

Self-advocacy becomes exponentially more powerful when others advocate alongside you. Mentors guide, but sponsors elevate, ensuring your name is spoken in rooms you may not yet have access to. Pat Pacious, President and CEO of Choice Hotels International, highlights the importance of consistent behavior: “Trust is earned through consistency, not charisma.” When your daily actions align with your values, others become willing and credible champions of your potential.

6. Advocate for Yourself, and for Others

Leadership is not only about advocating for your own growth but also about lifting those around you. Rachel Humphrey, Co-Founder of It’s Personal Stories and Founder of Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, expresses it best: “Empowering others is the most lasting form of success.” When you champion others, particularly those who have historically lacked visibility, you reinforce the humility and generosity that make your own self-advocacy more authentic and influential.

Owning Your Path Through Confidence and Grace

Self-advocacy is not about chasing attention; it is about directing your future with intention. It requires clarity, courage, and the humility to keep learning along the way. When grounded in purpose and strengthened by authentic relationships, self-advocacy becomes a form of leadership, one that deepens trust, strengthens influence, and expands opportunity for yourself and for others. When you take ownership of your voice and your path, you not only elevate your own career, you inspire others to claim their own.