Inside the Promotion Room

About Inside the Promotion Room

Inside the Promotion Room is a career advancement and leadership podcast for corporate professionals who want to get ahead. Because, there's a conversation happening right now in a room somewhere in your company about who's getting promoted next, and you're not in the room. Most people never are. Inside the Promotion Room is the show that changes that. Every week, host Courtney O'Connell (a former Fortune 500 SVP and Head of HR with 23 years inside corporate America) sits down with senior leaders, executives, and career trailblazers to pull back the curtain on what really happens when talent gets assessed, careers get made, and promotions get decided. This isn't a show about working harder. It's a show about working smarter and understanding the unwritten rules that separate high performers who plateau from the ones who rise. Each episode goes inside the real stories: the pivotal moments, the relationships that changed everything, the mistakes that almost derailed great careers, and the hard-won wisdom that most leaders only share behind closed doors. What you'll hear every week: → How leaders actually climbed the ladder (and not the polished version - We go deep!) → What decision-makers are really looking for in up-and-coming talent → The role of executive presence, visibility, and reputation in getting ahead at work → How successful people navigated setbacks, politics, and work-life reality → The conversations that happen in rooms you're not in and how to make sure your reputation is clear and deliberate Inside the Promotion Room is for every high-achieving leader who is ready to become the undeniable choice for that next big opportunity.

Publisher

Courtney O'Connell

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Jul 2026

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Why Your Best Work Is Keeping You Stuck

   Why Your Best Work Is Keeping You Stuck and What To Do When You're At a Career PlateauCourtney O'Connell shares a solo episode on how high performers get stalled in corporate careers and what it actually takes to move into executive-level roles. She breaks down the difference between being a top performer and being seen as high potential, then gives a practical framework for spotting the blind spots that keep people stuck.Key topics In this episode, Courtney explains why hard work alone often stops working once you reach mid-career and why promotion decisions shift from output to perception, positioning, and leadership readiness. She shares her own career story at Deutsche Bank and later as an HR director, including the moment she realized she was being seen as a workhorse rather than a future leader. Courtney draws a sharp distinction between high performance and high potential, using the example of a manager’s workhorse versus the person who is already operating at the next level. She identifies three blind spots that stall ambitious professionals: She explains how behaviors that once got rewarded, like being the first to respond, overexplaining, or knowing every detail, can become liabilities at more senior levels. Courtney outlines three recalibrations needed for advancement: She offers a simple executive communication framework: headline, impact, recommendation. Courtney emphasizes that delegation is development, not dumping work, and that strategic work has to be deliberately made room for in the calendar. She argues that the biggest blocker is not ignorance but behavior patterns that have been rewarded for years and are hard to see from inside your own mindset. Timestamps 00:00 - Why Courtney is talking about career plateaus now 01:26 - Hitting the wall after years of quick growth 01:56 - Watching promotion decisions from inside HR 02:52 - What the people getting promoted were doing differently 04:20 - The three blind spots that stall high performers 05:04 - The corporate reality behind promotion decisions 05:58 - Why managers worry about losing workhorses, not just high potentials 07:31 - Why high performance and high potential are not the same 08:37 - What a blind spot actually is 09:04 - When a perceived strength turns into a weakness 10:29 - How early career praise can become a later-career liability 12:20 - Blind spot one: positioning and not being known by decision makers 13:19 - How to test whether you are strategically positioned 13:47 - Blind spot two: perception and executive presence 15:14 - Blind spot three: leadership drag and staying trapped in execution 16:31 - Why recalibration is required for the next level 17:28 - Recalibration one: move from doer to leader through delegation 18:51 - The calendar test for spotting what must be delegated 19:21 - Recalibration two: move from expert to executive with concise communication 20:15 - Managing stress without spreading it to the team 20:55 - Leading through others by setting and holding standards 21:23 - Recalibration three: move from proving to positioning 22:41 - Why you must state your aspirations out loud 23:13 - Why knowing the advice is not the same as changing behavior 24:49 - The real payoff: work gets easier when you stop carrying everything 25:49 - Introduction to Executive Edge and who it is for Interested in exploring Executive Edge? Get more information HERE (https://thepromoted.mykajabi.com/executive-edge?preview_theme_id=2167773788). www.thepromoted.com/executive-edge Remember - enrollment ends soon so don't delay!

2. 

   29 Sept 2026

   What Executive Presence Really Means (and How to Play the Corporate Game) with Shari Chernack

   What does executive presence actually mean and how do you navigate the corporate game without becoming someone you're not? In this episode of Inside the Promotion Room, Courtney O’Connell sits down with former Chief People Officer and transformation leader Shari Chernack to talk about the unwritten rules of career growth. They unpack executive presence, mentorship, imposter syndrome, tough feedback, corporate politics, career pivots, and why ambitious leaders need to learn how to read the room while staying true to who they are. Shari also shares a powerful reminder for anyone trying to move up: you own your career. Growth requires knowing when to stretch, when to adapt, and when discomfort is actually telling you to keep going. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome and why Shari’s consulting background matters 01:03 - Growing up in New York and almost becoming a lawyer 02:45 - Early marketing roles and realizing the work was not the right fit 03:35 - First consulting role in e-learning and change communications 05:31 - The dot-com bust and the decision to go to business school 06:52 - Learning change management from the inside out 08:06 - Why Dell’s transformation pulled her back into in-house leadership 09:55 - Returning to consulting, then leading a turnaround internally 11:39 - The hardest career pivot and losing the comfort of infrastructure 14:05 - Becoming a chief people officer and learning the role in practice 16:31 - The gap between theory and lived leadership experience 17:26 - “You always know more than you think, and less than you think” 19:34 - Mentors, sponsors, and the value of tough love 21:58 - What actually drove her career success 24:23 - Hiring people who want to outgrow the seat 27:23 - Knowing when you need complementary strengths on your team 30:10 - Moving into adjacencies and growing through stretch roles 32:49 - How to choose the right company and culture for your season of life 34:37 - Large organizations versus smaller, scrappier environments 38:34 - Career adventurism and building breadth through variety 41:50 - Managing imposter syndrome with evidence and experience 45:43 - Using feedback and 360s to see your impact clearly 47:24 - Why blunt feedback can be useful when it is delivered well 54:16 - A more grounded take on executive presence 57:57 - The real “corporate game” and how to play it well 59:54 - Trade-offs, visibility, and learning to show up differently 63:11 - Re-reading The Five Dysfunctions of a Team 64:38 - Her forthcoming book Leadership Retreat and its core idea The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Here (https://link.amazon/B0bfVTmds)

3. 

   22 Sept 2026

   What Gets You Promoted? Darrell Fincher-Crusan on the Truth About People-Pleasing and Career Pivots

   Courtney reconnects with a former Bank of America colleague for a conversation that goes further behind the promotion room door than most. Darrell spent nine years as a bank collector before making the pivot into HR, eventually rising to head of HR roles across financial services and biopharma, and he's candid about what it actually took to get there: the degrees earned while working full time with two small kids at home, the jobs he didn't get despite being "ready," and the toll of being what he calls a recovering people pleaser. "You can lie to your brain, you can lie to your heart, but you can never lie to your body," he tells Courtney, and the two of them dig into what happens when ambition outruns self-awareness. This episode earns its place in the promotion room because of what Darrell has seen from the inside of actual talent discussions. He names the exact behaviors that quietly take people off the list for bigger roles, the difference between being productive and being strategic, and why "how you do things is more important sometimes than what you do." They also get into sponsorship as a two-way exchange, why executive presence is really about the energy you're putting off without realizing it, and the one question that separates a good career pivot from a bad one: are you running away from something, or running toward it? Whether you're managing a team for the first time or eyeing the next seat up, this one leaves you with a real audit to run on yourself, not just a feel-good takeaway. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome back and reconnecting after years apart 00:24 - How Courtney and Darrell first crossed paths at Bank of America 02:58 - The trajectory Darrell thought he was on, and the one he found instead 03:36 - The man behind the resume: growing up in South Bend, Indiana 04:40 - Wanting to wear a suit, and finding his own path there 05:14 - Leaving college, coming home, and landing in collections 05:43 - Nine years as a collector, then the pivot at thirty 06:38 - Learning to trust intuition instead of the plan 08:19 - Self-inflicted pressure versus family pressure 09:00 - Unpacking people pleasing: what it cost him 09:39 - "You can lie to your brain, but you can never lie to your body" 10:31 - The Body Keeps Score, and Courtney's own health wake-up call 14:51 - Head of HR at a fintech during an economic downturn 15:33 - Rebuilding HR from scratch at a biopharma company 16:58 - His biggest regret, and learning to let go of the work 19:03 - Tactics versus strategy: why busy isn't the same as effective 21:01 - The three biggest Achilles heels holding strong leaders back 23:06 - Is being likable actually a career strategy? 24:38 - The manager who shaped how Courtney leads 26:40 - The leader who taught him the wrong way to win 29:46 - Discretionary effort: the real payoff of leading with respect 30:14 - Sponsors and mentors: luck, intention, or both 32:42 - Courtney's take: there is no luck, only self-audit 33:12 - Knowing when it's time to leave 36:22 - Journaling, reflection, and the advice that changed his next move 37:38 - Running away from something versus running toward something 38:07 - What actually gets discussed behind closed doors in talent reviews 39:39 - Why sponsors beyond your own boss matter so much 40:41 - The right way to build relationships with senior leaders 42:21 - Executive presence, and why people are always watching 43:32 - Emotional containment without losing authenticity 45:15 - The one thing to start doing this Monday 46:15 - Book recommendation: The Untethered Soul The Untethered Soul Book Here (https://link.amazon/B03XtPtgX) ~Be sure to link and follow so you never miss an episode!

4. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Mandy Wong on being coachable, self-mastery, and rising through corporate leadership

   Mandy Wong on being coachable, self-mastery, and rising through corporate leadership Courtney speaks with Mandy Wong, a Canada Post leader with 15 years in the same organization, about career pivots, taking risks early on, and what actually drives promotion: coachability, trust, and self-awareness. The conversation is especially useful for ambitious professionals trying to balance confidence without tipping into arrogance.We discuss how Mandy moved from a child, youth, and family relations degree into marketing and product roles, why she believed in taking the risk on a one-year term role, and how she reframed fear as a signal to proceed with caution rather than stop. Mandy also shares what changed when she moved from manager to director, and why executive presence is really just presence plus self-mastery. And...why she stopped looking at being an introvert as a professional handicap and started recognizing her style as the superpower that it is. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to the promotion room and why Mandy’s background matters 02:17 - Wanting to make an impact, not just choosing a childhood dream 03:11 - University, co-op, and realizing teaching was not the right path 06:04 - Supportive family, temp work, and the first step into marketing 07:41 - Landing at Canada Post and taking a role without list experience 09:35 - Why a one-year term role still felt worth the risk 11:13 - Advice to younger professionals: twenties are for experimenting 13:56 - Fear as a yield sign, not a stop sign 16:12 - The manager to director transition and imposter syndrome 19:04 - Why coachability mattered more than list experience 20:51 - Confidence without needing to be right 23:29 - Self-mastery as the better measure than performative competence 26:00 - EQ, self-awareness, and reading the room at higher levels 30:01 - The trust equation: credibility, reliability, intimacy, self-orientation 32:08 - Building intimacy without being naturally extroverted 35:56 - The belief that introversion was the barrier 37:25 - Why presence is the real core of executive presence 41:17 - Communication as a career accelerant 43:38 - Self-promotion, team wins, and sponsorship 47:25 - Career ownership belongs to the person seeking growth 50:23 - Planting seeds in others and saying yes when ready 53:31 - Surrendering control and letting trust drive outcomes 56:09 - Why The Gap and the Gain is one of Mandy’s favorites 57:21 - Measuring success by progress, not by what is still missing Links & Resources Connect with Mandy on LinkedIn here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandywongcpc/) Book: The Trusted Advisor here (https://link.amazon/B06yDfEZM) Book: The Gap and the Gain here (https://link.amazon/B013NJX69) Be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW so you don't miss an episode!

5. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Ben Brooks on getting hired, standing out, and taking the initiative to create the career you want

   My conversation with Ben Brooks focuses on how to create opportunity, prove hunger, and become the person a boss would fight to keep. In this episode, Ben shares specific lessons from merit-based environments, career pivots, and the difference between being technically good and being promotable. He also explains why clarity, attitude, and visible initiative matter more than polished resumes. Timestamps 00:19 - Growing up in Austin and northern Colorado 02:26 - First jobs and the pull of corporate life 03:49 - Why Enterprise was a powerful first internship 04:19 - Meritocracy, metrics, and branch rankings 06:24 - Sales training through rental-car discovery 07:57 - Handling customer frustration and operational failures 09:49 - Why first jobs shape executive instincts 10:36 - Losing a dream job and regrouping after graduation 11:31 - How a professor and alum helped him land at Lockheed 12:27 - Security clearance, classified work, and a rough start 13:55 - Learning contracts, vendor management, and Lean Six Sigma 16:32 - Why the government program eventually collapsed 18:07 - Mentorship, variety, and deciding to leave Lockheed 20:00 - Choosing consulting over a longer corporate path 21:42 - Finding Mercer through industry curiosity and a bold target 23:33 - Writing a direct pitch to a group President 24:58 - The FedEx package and an unexpected response 26:14 - Why specificity and value matter in networking 27:09 - Hustle, anxiety, and being committed without being attached 28:52 - “You’re going to get what you work for” 30:27 - Evidence of hunger versus vague ambition 32:28 - Rejection, experimentation, and building enough surface area for luck 35:29 - Threshold skills versus differentiating behaviors 37:26 - Surviving the financial crisis and pitching internal change 38:26 - Co-founding an LGBT employee resource group 39:22 - A one-slide pitch that led to an executive response in minutes 40:48 - Landing an HR rotation and later becoming an HR executive 42:50 - The biggest gut-punch mistake: choosing fun over importance 43:34 - Doing the ugly work that removes pressure from your boss 45:11 - The idea of being someone your manager would fight to keep 46:31 - A simple question that changed manager relationships 47:38 - What executives really notice in promotion decisions 48:37 - Why emotional regulation matters as you move up 50:45 - Book recommendation: Four Thousand Weeks 53:20 - Clarity on what you want and how to get it Key Takeaways Be specific about what you want in your career Show evidence of hunger through actions, not just words Ask your boss what is keeping them up at night Take on the ugly work, not just the visible or fun work Build relationships before you need them Use rejection as a signal that you are actually trying Links & Resources Connect with Ben on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbrooksny/) What Color Is Your Parachute Book here (https://amzn.to/4dpkcXw) Four Thousand Weeks Book here (https://amzn.to/4gU9d9u) #Networking #CareerAdvice #Leadership #PersonalBranding #Promotion 🎙️ Subscribe for more career growth & leadership insights!

6. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Michelle Martin on Self-Belief, Office Politics, and the Real Path to Promotion

   Michelle Martin's career didn't start in a boardroom. It started as a temp garbage collector at a waste management company in Hamilton, Ontario, a job she took because she needed the money, not because she had a plan. Decades later, she was a Director of Fleet Maintenance at a Fortune 500 environmental services company, one of the few women to reach that level in a male-dominated industry. In this episode, Courtney sits down with Michelle to trace that entire arc: coming back from maternity leave and asking her manager, point blank, what she needed to do to get promoted; hitting a wall with a senior leader who made it clear he wasn't rooting for her; and the moment in an interview she knew she wouldn't win where she realized she was no longer asking for anyone else's validation. Michelle and Courtney get specific about what it actually takes to move up once the work itself stops being the differentiator, including how to talk to senior leaders in the language they respond to, why the questions "who do you want to be" and "how is this place better because of your leadership" belong on a recurring calendar reminder, and why letting go of doing the work yourself is often the hardest transition in a leader's career. They also dig into a feedback moment that caught Michelle off guard: a new supervisor telling her that her actions made it seem like she thought her employees weren't smart, and what it looked like to sit with that instead of defending herself. If you've ever wondered what's actually said behind closed doors about who gets promoted, or you're dealing with someone at work who has already decided you're not getting the job, this conversation is for you. Timestamps - 00:15 - Welcoming Michelle Martin - 00:38 - Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, and wanting to be an ER doctor or a cop - 02:03 - Dropping out of high school and starting out as a temp garbage collector - 05:38 - Coming back from maternity leave and asking directly for a path to promotion - 08:08 - The turning point: "But do you believe in yourself?" - 14:12 - The interview she knew was already decided, and the boss who wasn't a fan - 17:25 - Dealing with a blocker who won't get out of your way - 19:57 - What Leadership and Self-Deception taught her about letting go of the fight - 21:42 - The move to the US and the career acceleration that followed - 26:58 - Becoming a Director in a male-dominated industry - 30:57 - The three questions Michelle revisits every year - 35:16 - Letting go of doing the work yourself: patience, empathy, and delegation - 40:50 - The feedback that caught her off guard: "You think less of your employees" - 45:38 - Dale Carnegie, likability, and why asking for help builds relational capital - 50:45 - What's actually said behind closed doors about who gets promoted Connect with Michelle on LinkedIN (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetmichellemartin/) - The Speed of Trust - Stephen Covey here (https://amzn.to/4guCzfV) - Crucial Conversations - Stephen Covey here (https://amzn.to/45YfjRi) - Crucial Accountability here (https://amzn.to/4i5yAHS) - Leadership and Self-Deception - The Arbinger Institute here (https://amzn.to/4cVGdNt)

7. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Richard A. Hinton on Career Growth, Intuition, and Leading With Authenticity

   Richard A. Hinton on career growth, intuition, and leading with authenticity Courtney sits down with Richard A. Hinton for a candid conversation about his path from early jobs in customer service to a long corporate HR career. They discuss the role of intuition, the reality of being “the only one” in the room, and how leadership, belonging, and self-awareness shape promotion and growth. Key topics Richard reflects on how strong leadership, authentic managers, and a CEO who truly practiced what he preached influenced the kind of leader he wants to be. Richard and Courtney compare notes on identifying good and bad managers, including why coaching, EQ, and multiple data points matter when evaluating a leader in an interview process. He opens up about feeling “other” as a Black, Jamaican, Indian, gay man in corporate spaces, the pressure to mask, and the emotional cost of trying to belong by overperforming and people pleasing. Richard discusses the identity reckoning that came after George Floyd’s death, how it forced him to confront self-hatred and burnout, and how he began rebuilding through self-awareness and self-compassion. He shares how intuition shows up in his body, why coaching helped him trust it, and how that inner voice ultimately led him to launch his own business. Timestamps 02:21 - What Burger King taught him about customer service 05:32 - A Gillette internship that confirmed a future in HR 06:59 - Breaking into recruiting after college 12:48 - Why he almost ruled out construction too soon 13:31 - Trusting his gut and recognizing the right culture 15:54 - Why authentic leadership changed his career 18:31 - Learning from leaders with technical strength but low EQ 20:31 - How to evaluate managers before accepting a job 24:07 - How intuition feels in the body 26:53 - Coaching, journaling, and quieting the noise 28:56 - When the mind protects you too much 30:15 - Naming the inner critic and managing self-sabotage 33:46 - The lifelong learning mindset and becoming a better version of himself 34:32 - Early childhood experiences of feeling different 36:29 - Masking, people pleasing, and the pressure to blend in 37:44 - The emotional impact of identity loss and burnout 41:36 - How his identity crisis affected career choices 42:41 - What he would tell his younger self 43:49 - Slowing down, feeling emotions, and building self-awareness 45:14 - Losing a job and realizing career had become part of his identity 46:55 - What promotions conversations are really about behind closed doors 48:49 - Why business strategy matters for future-ready talent 51:16 - One simple Monday morning habit that builds trust and presence Links & Resources Connect with Richard Hinton on LinkedIN (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hinton-peopleoperations/) The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown here (https://amzn.to/4ghqOcC) Let Them by Mel Robbins here (https://amzn.to/4wHkaRT)

8. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Personal Branding at Work: Control Perception & Build Authentic Leadership

   Personal Branding at Work: Control Perception & Build Authentic Leadership with Lisa Williams Key topics: Lisa's diverse career trajectory, from collections at a bank to internal coaching leadership The importance of self-awareness, values, and authenticity in career development Strategies for effective interview preparation and self-promotion How to develop and control your personal brand within professional settings The role of mentors, sponsors, and relationship-building in career success Managing perceptions and modulating behavior for authentic leadership Lessons learned about leadership humility, listening, and decision-making The significance of presence, vulnerability, and letting go of outcomes Recommendations for fostering curiosity through informational interviews Insights on building influence and sponsorship behind closed doors Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and Lisa's background in HR and consulting 02:00 - Lisa's first jobs and early career insights 04:42 - The significance of self-awareness and career trial-and-error 06:39 - Navigating job transitions and learning from adversity 08:24 - Mastering interview prep with depth and impact 10:21 - Moving from finance to HR and consulting insights 12:50 - Morphing without losing authenticity 14:56 - The importance of values and authentic leadership 16:37 - Intentional mentorship and relationship strategies 18:19 - Defining success through choices and self-awareness 19:52 - Gaining clarity on career paths and future planning 20:22 - Building curiosity through networking and informational interviews 22:32 - Preparing for effective informational interviews 24:09 - Clarity and goal-setting in short conversations 27:26 - Managing personal brand and perception in leadership 29:11 - The importance of creative thinking and innovation in roles 32:48 - Authenticity and modulation of presence in different settings 35:35 - Behind-the-scenes truths about promotion and sponsorship 36:53 - Building influence and sponsorship relationships 39:08 - Leading and developing others before formal authority 41:50 - Wisdom for younger self: presence and letting go of control 44:56 - Favorite books: psychological thrillers and business insights 47:21 - Final thoughts and advice for career growth and self-awareness Resources & Links: Connect with Lisa Williams: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-williams-pcc-eli-mp-a14b204a/) #PersonalBranding #ExecutivePresence #CareerGrowth #Leadership #SelfPromotion | Subscribe for more career growth & leadership insights!

9. 

   11 Aug 2026

   Grit, Influence, and Boundaries: How to Get Promoted Faster With Denise Moss

   Denise Moss climbed from bank teller to VP of HR, but not before spending years stuck at the director level, watching less-qualified peers get promoted around her. In this episode, Courtney O'Connell sits down with Denise Moss (aka "Your HR Homegirl") to unpack exactly what changed. Denise shares the real story behind her rise through corporate HR: starting as a temp receptionist, getting promoted to HR administrator in six months, and later volunteering for the systems implementation project no one else wanted (one that finally put her name in front of the C-suite). She and Courtney break down why grit is a skill you can build (not just a trait you're born with), why "no" is a complete sentence, and why self-promotion isn't bragging, it's how decision-makers actually find out you're ready for more. In this episode, you'll learn: Why being great at your job is not the same as being visible for promotion How to build the confrontation muscle if pushback doesn't come naturally to you The exact project-volunteering strategy that got Denise noticed by her company's COO How to set boundaries and protect your time without damaging trust What executive presence actually looks like in the room (hint: it's not arrogance) If you've ever felt like you're doing the best work of your career and still getting passed over, this conversation is for you. About the Guest: Denise Moss ("Your HR Homegirl") is a former VP of Human Resources with a career built on grit, reinvention, and knowing when to raise her hand. About the Host: Courtney O'Connell spent 23 years in corporate HR, rising from administrative assistant to SVP sitting in the room where promotion decisions were actually made. She now coaches high-performing leaders on how to get seen, get sponsored, and get promoted. Links: The 5am Club Here (https://amzn.to/3RUlDG5) The 48 Laws of Power Here (https://amzn.to/4zaOMNM) Grit Here (https://amzn.to/4z630zL) Connect with Denise Here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisemoss/) 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes of Inside the Promotion Room every week 👉 Learn more at thepromoted.com (http://www.thepromoted.com) Keywords/Tags career advancement, how to get promoted, corporate career growth, HR career tips, executive presence, workplace confrontation skills, career coaching, women in leadership, stuck at director level, how to get promoted at work, building visibility at work, career grit, corporate promotion strategy

10. 

    4 Aug 2026

    The Leadership Skills AI Can Never Replace With Former CIO Michael Kubit

    What if the biggest thing holding you back from your next promotion isn't your technical skills… but how people experience you as a leader? Today's guest is Michael Kubit, former Chief Information Officer and executive leader with decades of experience building teams, leading transformation, and making high-stakes leadership decisions. In this conversation, we unpack why emotional intelligence is becoming more valuable (not less!) in the age of AI, how to make the difficult transition from individual contributor to leader, and what executives are really looking for when they decide who's ready for the next level. Main Topics: Michael’s non-traditional career path and key learnings from early roles The role of emotional intelligence and vulnerability in effective leadership Building organizational culture through trust, conflict, and clear communication Recognizing when it’s time to pivot professionally based on values and environment The impact of technology evolution and skills to focus on in the age of AI Strategies for developing executive presence and impactful communication The significance of self-awareness and team fit in leadership success Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Michael Cubit and his background 02:03 - Lessons learned from early roles in hotel maintenance and transferable skills 03:45 - How DIY problem-solving influences professional problem-solving 05:06 - From music tech to IT: The evolution of technological involvement 06:13 - The early days of university-based dial-up modems and internet progress 08:21 - Skills to prioritize in the age of AI and technological disruption 10:12 - The importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence in leadership 11:36 - Perception management and deliberate career development 12:45 - Recognizing organizational misalignment and knowing when to move on 14:10 - Navigating virtual communication glitches and resilience during remote recordings 20:23 - The significance of brand and reputation in career success 22:13 - Developing leadership authenticity and the balance between self-control and presence 33:48 - Communicating effectively and managing power dynamics as a leader 36:28 - Building trust and fostering healthy team conflict (Lencioni’s model) 44:38 - Moving from doing to leading: the evolving leadership pie chart 52:26 - The ability to distill complexity and demonstrate executive presence 54:45 - Understanding and managing emotions for better leadership impact 57:31 - The art of toggling authenticity — reading the room and showing up deliberately 60:27 - Recommended books for leading change and understanding energy and spirituality (Switch by Chip & Dan Heath, Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza) 63:30 - The grounding power of nature and staying connected to self amidst professional demands Resources & Links: Switch by Chip and Dan Heath (https://amzn.to/4vOoQol) Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza (https://amzn.to/452iZBb) Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions of a Team (https://amzn.to/4fBYL6a) Connect with Michael Kubit: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kubit-mba-cpc-5684471/) #EmotionalIntelligence #CIO #TechLeadership #CareerGrowth #Leadership 🎙️ Subscribe for more career growth & leadership insights!

11. 

    29 Jul 2026

    From Hollywood Extra to HR Leader: The Power of Storytelling With Patrick Sutton

    Patrick Sutton shares his inspiring journey from Hollywood extra to HR executive emphasizing authenticity, storytelling, and strategic influence in career growth. In this episode: Patrick shares his unexpected start The crucial skills acting and storytelling develop for effective communication and executive presence Transition from Hollywood to corporate, highlighting the transferability of soft skills How embracing career pivots and external influences can guide strategic growth The importance of building your personal brand, visibility, and advocacy through self-promotion Practical tips on "reading the room" and influencing via storytelling and emotional intelligence The significance of legacy-minded leadership over trend-driven pursuits Insights into trust, integrity, and owning your story to accelerate promotions Timestamps: 00:16 - Welcome and Patrick Sutton’s Hollywood debut experience 01:30 - How a movie role led to corporate skills development 02:53 - Acting skills enhancing executive presence and communication 04:20 - Teenage role in A Time to Kill and its impact on professionalism 05:07 - Transition from Hollywood to corporate HR and learning to pivot 06:45 - The power of transferable skills from acting to leadership 08:40 - Childhood dreams of becoming a writer and storytelling as a career foundation 09:58 - Influences from college and early career explorations 11:10 - Starting in media and realizing the importance of connection 13:47 - Advice for career growth and the importance of being intentional 14:23 - How 2008 recession shaped empathy and leadership in HR 16:09 - The moment that defined Patrick’s desire to make a difference in HR 17:39 - Finding joy in the work and creating a legacy in leadership 19:39 - Navigating work fulfillment in a challenging economy 20:01 - The importance of owning your story and self-advocacy 21:38 - Practice makes perfect: elevator pitches and storytelling tips 22:06 - Building community and relationships for career advancement 23:04 - The art of advocacy, sponsorship versus mentorship 25:28 - The importance of integrity and follow-through in promotions 31:10 - Legacy over trends: becoming a legend in leadership 34:35 - Mastering influence by reading the room and connecting authentically 45:35 - Developing executive presence through confidence and body language 48:55 - Trust, credibility, and the role of integrity in leadership decisions 50:11 - Advice to Patrick from a decade ago: trust yourself 51:49 - Patrick’s favorite books: Let Them and The Four Agreements Resources & Links: Let Them by Mel Robbins (https://amzn.to/4fNhxZf) The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz (https://amzn.to/4yB1WmW) Connect with Patrick Sutton: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-sutton-/) #ExecutivePresence #CareerAdvice #Leadership #PersonalBranding #StorytellingForLeaders | 🎙️ Subscribe for more career growth & leadership insights!

12. 

    29 Jul 2026

    From Art to Tech Leadership: A Journey of Courage, Growth, and Authenticity With Lauren Newton

    In this inspiring conversation, Lauren Newton shares her unconventional career path from art school to senior leadership in HR and recruiting. Her story highlights the importance of vulnerability, strategic risk-taking, and fostering authentic relationships in professional growth. The leap of faith: transitioning from creative arts to staffing without prior connections Lessons learned from working at Facebook and Medium during hyper-growth and pandemic challenges Building psychological safety and vulnerability as leadership strengths Navigating career pivots: from individual contributor to team builder and head of functions The significance of seeking mentorship, articulating ambitions, and making strategic plans Work-life boundaries and balancing motherhood with high-stakes roles In this episode: Lauren discusses how her early passion for art influenced her creative approach to recruiting The moment she decided to leave a stable job for high-risk opportunities during pregnancy How vulnerability and transparency built her leadership reputation The role of internal relationships and political awareness in career advancement Practical advice for managing boundaries as a working parent in tech Timestamps: 00:00 - Lauren Newton’s childhood dreams and career evolution 02:03 - Transition from art school to creative recruiting success 03:22 - How a Monster.com (http://Monster.com) resume led to her first recruiting role 04:09 - The importance of early career mentorship and networking 06:38 - From staffing agency to in-house recruiting at startups 08:32 - Experiences and challenges at Facebook during rapid growth 10:46 - The moment Lauren realized the impact of her work at Medium 12:35 - Overcoming risk aversion and taking bold career leaps while pregnant 15:22 - Building confidence through transparent leadership and advocacy 17:20 - Navigating pregnancy and inclusion in corporate culture 18:38 - Transitioning from Facebook to Medium as a transformational move 20:10 - Leading teams through hyper-growth and organizational change 23:19 - Recognizing leadership potential and advocating for yourself 27:24 - Cultivating vulnerability and transparency for psychological safety 30:45 - The power of being known and internal networking 34:36 - Handling corporate politics with integrity and strategy 40:50 - Setting boundaries for work-life harmony as a working mom 56:20 - Lauren’s favorite books on leadership and resilience 60:05 - Reflection on art, life, and ongoing learning Lauren emphasizes that vulnerability, transparency, and strategic risk are key to authentic leadership. Her journey exemplifies that with clarity of purpose and strong relationships, career pivots and challenges become opportunities for growth. Resources & Links: No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings (https://amzn.to/4fgYyq0) Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (https://amzn.to/4vKZVCb) Connect with Lauren Newton: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanewton22/) #Vulnerability #Leadership #TechCareers #CareerGrowth #WorkingParents | 🎙️ Subscribe for more career growth & leadership insights!

13. 

    29 Jul 2026

    Career Advice from a CHRO: Kacy Wickenhauser on Resilience & Trust-Building

    In this episode, Kacy Wickenhauser shares her inspiring journey from aspiring ER physician to CHRO in the energy industry, highlighting the importance of resilience, authenticity, and strategic thinking in career development. Key Topics: The value of starting in unglamorous roles to build foundational skills in HR and corporate settings The significance of partner choice and support systems in shaping career paths and dreams Lessons learned from managing employee relations, layoffs, and industry stability during economic downturns The importance of curiosity, trust-building, and intentional branding in leadership development Understanding executive presence and the impact of distractions in today’s fast-paced workplace Embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and the concept of ‘bringing your whole self’ to work Strategies for navigating mistakes and building credibility through trust and consistency The ongoing balance of work, personal values, and life’s unpredictability Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and insights into Casey’s career pivot 02:05 - Reflecting on the regret of not pursuing a childhood dream in medicine 05:55 - How psychology and an MBA shaped Casey’s HR approach 08:12 - Building foundational HR experience in staffing and manufacturing settings 10:24 - Why the energy industry offers meaningful, sustainable work 13:50 - Overcoming fear and embracing mistakes as growth opportunities 15:50 - Trust as a 'trust jar' analogy for managing mistakes and credibility 17:40 - The challenge of balancing emotional baggage with leadership responsibilities 19:12 - Defining what it means to "have it all" and the importance of balance 21:22 - Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and the importance of curiosity in talent development 24:53 - The significance of executive presence and reading the room 25:08 - The real meaning of ‘bring your whole self to work’ and setting boundaries 28:13 - The impact of likability and building genuine relationships at work 31:57 - Developing personal values and legacy in professional life 36:44 - Strategic thinking beyond daily tactics for long-term success 38:01 - Practical advice for high-performing employees seeking visibility 39:43 - The role of vulnerability, authenticity, and storytelling in leadership 42:09 - Recommended books: Victor Frankel’s Man’s Search for Meaning and Ethan Cross’s Chatter Resources & Links Victor Frankel - Man's Search for Meaning (https://amzn.to/4flyM3X) Ethan Cross - Chatter  (https://amzn.to/4pCAH7z) Connect with Kacy LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacywickenhauser/) #CHRO #CareerAdvice #Resilience #ExecutivePresence #Leadership | 🎙️ Subscribe for more career growth & leadership insights!

14. 

    29 Jul 2026

    Unlocking Authenticity and Resilience in Your Career with Colleen Lauria

    In this episode, Colleen Lauria shares her inspiring journey of embracing her authentic self in the workplace, navigating mental health challenges, and building a fulfilling career in HR and coaching. Discover how core skills like emotional intelligence, curiosity, and thriving amid ambiguity can elevate your professional life, no matter your industry. Key Topics - We discuss: The importance of mental health awareness and integrating personal challenges into professional growth Her unconventional career arc from real estate to HR consultancy to corporate transformation The role of networking and relationship-building in pivoting careers How to recognize if you're in the right organizational environment for success The enduring relevance of emotional intelligence, curiosity, and adaptability in a changing business landscape Practical steps to develop coachability, embrace feedback, and own mistakes confidently The impact of authentic leadership and how to balance self-expression with organizational culture The significance of understanding your core values—like freedom—and how they shape career choices Managing workplace politics while staying true to yourself Using AI as a cognitive tool without losing creative and critical thinking skills Book recommendation: The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Mate—exploring inherited trauma and self-development Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Colleen Lauria’s journey and insights 02:05 - The thread of passion connecting music, theater, and leadership 06:01 - Navigating career transitions and the power of networking 10:39 - Embracing mental health struggles as superpowers in professional growth 16:36 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and trusting organizational support 22:27 - How seniority fosters authentic leadership and self-confidence 28:46 - Recognizing organizational culture fit and the importance of values 36:25 - Practical skills for thriving amid change and ambiguity 43:34 - Understanding executive presence beyond traditional norms 46:41 - Book recommendation for self-development and emotional healing Resources & Links: The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Mate: https://amzn.to/4g0Xjvh (https://amzn.to/4g0Xjvh) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (https://naminycmetro.org) Connect with Colleen: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriacolleen/) #Authenticity #MentalHealthAtWork #Resilience #CareerGrowth #Leadership | 🎙️ Subscribe for more career growth & leadership insights!

15. 

    23 Jul 2026

    The Trailer

    I spent 23 years inside Fortune 500 companies, the last decade as SVP and Head of HR sitting in the rooms where promotion decisions actually get made. I've watched talented people get passed over for reasons no one ever explained to them, and I've watched others rise because they understood something the rest of the room didn't. I'm Courtney O'Connell, and this is Inside the Promotion Room. This trailer is your first look at the show: why I'm doing this, who it's for, and what you can expect every week. If you're a manager, director, or executive who feels like you're doing great work that nobody notices, this show was built for you. Each week, I sit down with senior leaders and executives for an honest conversation about how their careers actually happened, not the polished version. We talk about the moments that changed everything, the mentors and sponsors who opened doors, the mistakes that almost ended things, and the unwritten rules of executive presence, visibility, and workplace politics that most people only learn the hard way. Inside the Promotion Room launches soon. Subscribe now so you're ready when they drop. Welcome to the Promoted Room 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on career advancement, executive presence, and leadership 📩 Guest inquiries: support@thepromoted.com (mailto:support@thepromoted.com) _🌐_http://thepromoted.com (http://thepromoted.com) #CareerAdvancement (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/careeradvancement) #Leadership (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership) #ExecutivePresence (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/executivepresence) #PromotionTips (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/promotiontips) #CorporateLeadership (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/corporateleadership) Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 0KCSIEDUZK32IJU8

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.