Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our podcast series, “Tips From The Trail,” hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, where we explore the path to political office, from the decision to run to election day. 

This month, we are excited to feature special guest Joel Noyes, Chair of WPLN’s Board of Directors. With over two decades of public and private sector experience, Joel has a record of successful policy influence, advocacy, and coalition building that provides value for clients of Noyes Consulting, LLC.

One of WPLN’s core values is that we are “pro-woman,” without being “anti-man.” We are so thankful for the support of our male allies who support and uplift women in leadership every single day, and Joel is one of them. It was important to Joel to be part of this mission to educate, organize, and inspire women in leadership. “Men and women have to coexist, and that includes in government positions. And we should have more women involved.”

Throughout his life and career, Joel mentioned that he’s been inspired by the leadership of women in his life:  his wife, mom, sisters-in-law, and friends. But ultimately, it came down to the world he wants to leave behind for his daughter. Joel shared, “What an incredible way to be involved in something that might make a difference for [my daughter]... to help support a cause that is paving the way for more women to be in office so that when my daughter grows up, if she decides to run for office and feels called to that, hopefully there will be fewer barriers for her to do it.”

When women run for office, there is a crucial role for friends, family, and loved ones: encouragement. The most powerful first step you can take to support someone in your life is simply to encourage them to run. Joel reflected on a time that he encouraged his wife to consider a local elected position in their own community. His perspective was clear: “My wife works full time. Her success is my success–and vice versa.”

Another important way to support women who are pursuing leadership at any level is to give them the space to do so. Joel noted that “One of the things that men can do, maybe better, what I try to do at least in my personal situation, is to provide the space for success. Provide the encouragement that women may need to take a step into running for office or even just taking a step towards looking for a promotion in their current job, or maybe looking for a new job that’s going to be a better opportunity for them.”

Finally, Joel shared key advice for women taking that first step: “Don’t be scared. Look, the worst thing that could happen is that you don’t win the election. But you’re going to come out better for it—whether you win or lose—you’re going to learn a lot about yourself, you’re going to learn a lot about the community you live in, and the world you live in. So don’t be afraid to step into the space, regardless of the outcome."

Check out the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

MORE ABOUT THE GUEST: With over two decades of public and private sector experience, Joel Noyes has a record of successful policy influence, advocacy, and coalition building that provides value for clients of Noyes Consulting, LLC. Most recently, Noyes served as the Head of Global Government Affairs for Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem), in which he was responsible for the company’s federal, state, and international government engagement strategy. Prior to CPChem, he served as the Director for Government & External Affairs for Hess Corporation for over ten years. He began his career working on Capitol Hill, served in The White House for the Office of Legislative Affairs and later for the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

He is a past Board Chairman for the Louisiana Mid-continent Oil & Gas Association and a past Board Member of the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Women’s Public Leadership Network, a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating, organizing, and inspiring women to enter public office. In 2021 he was a recipient of ALLY Energy’s G.R.I.T. Award, recognized as an Ally and Male Champion for women and diversity.