<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Empowering individual contributors (ICs) to stop waiting for permission and take ownership of outcomes is crucial.Building authority and trust as a subject matter expert can enhance an IC's influence within their team.Developing a mindset that believes in the value and necessity of one's voice is essential for ICs.Stories shared highlighted the impact of self-advocacy and how small actions can lead to significant changes.Taking small steps like self-advocacy, mentoring, or speaking up in meetings can initiate leadership from any role.The focus is on creating a culture that values leadership qualities beyond formal job titles.