On The Rise With Mim Abbey

About On The Rise With Mim Abbey

The podcast for professionals who are ready to lead—and rise. Leadership today isn't just about managing others. It starts with you. Your mindset, your resilience, your ability to stay clear and steady when the pressure is on. Because if you can't lead yourself, you can't lead anyone else. On Leader on the Rise, we explore the habits, communication skills, and leadership practices – both internal and external - that help you grow your presence, influence and confidence—so you can thrive at work and rise into your next level. Whether you're stepping into leadership for the first time, leading a team through challenges, or preparing for greater responsibility, you'll find practical insights, real stories, and research-backed strategies to help you perform at your best—and bring out the best in others. This is where professional growth meets personal leadership. If you're ready to lead with more clarity, confidence, and purpose—you're in the right place. Let's rise.

Publisher

Mim Abbey

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Oct 2024

Latest episode

3 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Jun 2026

   What Leaders Actually Need From You (That No One Tells You)

   Episode Description Most professionals focus on meeting expectations. But rising leaders learn something different: advancement often comes from understanding what leaders actually need from the people around them. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores the four things leaders consistently value most—yet rarely articulate clearly. These aren't technical skills or job descriptions. They're the qualities that make leaders trust you with greater responsibility, larger opportunities, and more complex challenges. Drawing from leadership research, organizational psychology, and years of coaching leaders across industries, Mim explains why clarity, judgment, ownership, and calm under pressure are often more important than flawless execution. You'll learn how leaders experience the people around them, what creates trust at higher levels, and how to become someone leaders increasingly rely on rather than manage. What You'll Learn The difference between meeting expectations and meeting leadership needs Why leaders evaluate more than execution How clarity reduces cognitive load The role of judgment in leadership trust Why ownership signals leadership readiness How proactive thinking accelerates advancement The importance of emotional regulation under pressure How leaders decide who is ready for more responsibility What makes leaders feel confident when you're involved Practical ways to become a more trusted partner to leadership Featured Research & Insights Center for Creative Leadership research on leadership derailment and level transitions Leadership Pipeline research on advancement and role shifts Studies on cognitive load and decision-making Research on emotional regulation and leadership effectiveness Organizational psychology findings on trust and leadership readiness Leadership perception research on judgment and ownership Executive development studies on leadership transitions and advancement Why It Matters As careers progress, leaders begin evaluating something beyond performance. They ask: Can I trust this person's judgment? Do they think ahead? Do they reduce complexity? Do they create clarity? Do they remain steady when things get difficult? The professionals who rise aren't simply the hardest workers. They're the people who make leadership's job easier. By consistently delivering clarity, judgment, ownership, and calm, you begin building the kind of trust that transforms careers—and positions you for the next level.

2. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Why You Struggle to Advocate for Yourself at Work (Even When You Know You Should)

   Episode Description You know what you want to say. You know what you should ask for. And yet somehow, in the moment, you hold back. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores why so many capable professionals struggle to advocate for themselves at work—even when they know exactly what needs to be said. Drawing from neuroscience, leadership psychology, and executive coaching, Mim explains why self-advocacy is not simply a confidence issue. Instead, it is often a deeply learned response to perceived social risk, rejection, and conflict. You'll learn why professionals soften their messages, over-explain, delay important conversations, and defer to others—and how those patterns quietly limit leadership presence and career growth. Most importantly, you'll learn how to replace those patterns with direct, credible, leadership-oriented communication that allows your voice, ideas, and perspective to be heard. What You'll Learn Why self-advocacy is often misunderstood The neuroscience behind speaking up and holding back How social risk influences workplace behavior Why professionals soften, delay, and over-explain The difference between assertiveness and aggression The "Goldilocks Zone" of effective self-advocacy Why leadership requires clear self-representation How to communicate recommendations more directly The power of the One-Sentence Stand Practical ways to strengthen leadership voice and presence Featured Research & Insights Naomi Eisenberger's UCLA research on social pain and social rejection The Cyberball study and its implications for workplace behavior Daniel Ames and Francis Flynn's Columbia Business School research on assertiveness and leadership effectiveness Research on workplace self-advocacy and career advancement Studies on leadership presence and communication credibility Neuroscience research on threat perception and decision-making Organizational psychology findings on influence and leadership visibility Why It Matters The cost of not advocating for yourself isn't simply missed opportunities. It's misrepresentation. People cannot value ideas they never hear. Leaders cannot trust judgment that is never expressed. Organizations cannot develop leadership potential they cannot see. Learning to advocate for yourself isn't about becoming louder, more aggressive, or more self-promotional. It's about representing reality clearly. And the ability to do that—to communicate your perspective, needs, recommendations, and boundaries directly—is one of the most important leadership skills you can develop.

3. 

   2 Jun 2026

   The 5 Conversations That Change Your Career Trajectory

   Episode Description What actually shapes a career? Most people assume it's major projects, performance reviews, or big opportunities. And while those things matter, careers are often shaped by something much smaller—and much more frequent. Conversations. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores the five conversations that consistently accelerate careers and strengthen leadership readiness. These are the conversations many professionals avoid because they feel uncomfortable, vulnerable, or risky. Yet they're often the very conversations that create clarity, visibility, trust, and advancement. Drawing from workplace communication research, leadership psychology, and real coaching examples, Mim breaks down the five career-changing conversations every ambitious professional should be having—and provides practical language you can use to start them. If you've been waiting to be noticed, hoping things will change on their own, or delaying conversations you know you need to have, this episode will help you take the initiative and create momentum. What You'll Learn Why avoided conversations often become career obstacles The psychology behind communication avoidance Why difficult conversations strengthen relationships more often than they damage them How to align expectations with your manager The importance of visibility conversations How to ask for meaningful feedback Why boundary conversations demonstrate leadership maturity How to discuss advancement proactively The role of curiosity in high-stakes conversations How conversations create clarity, trust, and opportunity Featured Research & Insights Crucial Learning research on high-stakes conversations and workplace avoidance Research on manager-employee expectation alignment Tasha Eurich's work on self-awareness and perception gaps Studies on career advancement and proactive communication Research on workplace trust and relationship-building Leadership development findings on feedback-seeking behavior Organizational psychology research on difficult conversations and professional growth Why It Matters Many professionals spend years waiting for recognition, feedback, opportunities, or advancement conversations to find them. But careers rarely move forward through hope. They move forward through clarity. The professionals who rise learn how to initiate conversations that create alignment, surface opportunities, close perception gaps, and make their ambitions visible. Because your manager cannot read your mind. Leadership cannot support goals you've never expressed. And opportunities often begin with a conversation someone was willing to start.

4. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Why High Performers Get Stuck (Even When They're Doing Everything Right)

   Episode Description You work hard. You deliver results. You're reliable, capable, and committed. So why does it sometimes feel like your career has stalled? In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores one of the most frustrating realities in professional life: why high performers often get stuck despite doing many of the things that made them successful in the first place. This episode challenges the common belief that hard work alone drives advancement and explores the hidden shifts that occur as careers progress. You'll learn why the behaviors that help professionals stand out early in their careers can eventually become the very things that limit growth. Drawing from leadership psychology, organizational behavior, and executive coaching, Mim unpacks the patterns that keep talented professionals from reaching the next level—and what rising leaders do differently. If you've ever felt overlooked, underutilized, or uncertain about what's holding you back, this episode will help you identify the invisible barriers that may be standing between you and your next opportunity. What You'll Learn Why hard work alone eventually stops driving advancement The hidden difference between performance and leadership Why high performers often become trapped in execution How visibility influences career growth The role of strategic thinking in advancement Why leaders are evaluated differently than contributors How identity can limit future growth The importance of influence and relationship-building Why leadership readiness is often misunderstood Practical ways to break through career plateaus Featured Research & Insights The Peter Principle and its implications for advancement Leadership Pipeline research on the transition from contributor to leader Herminia Ibarra's work on leadership identity and career transitions Center for Creative Leadership research on leadership derailment Studies on visibility, influence, and organizational perception Research on strategic thinking and executive advancement Organizational psychology findings on leadership readiness and promotion decisions Why It Matters Many professionals assume that if they continue producing excellent work, advancement will naturally follow. But as careers progress, the criteria change. Leaders begin looking for different signals: strategic thinking judgment influence visibility leadership presence the ability to elevate outcomes through others The challenge is that most people never receive direct feedback about this shift. Instead, they continue optimizing for the behaviors that made them successful in the past. Understanding what changes at higher levels can help you stop working harder and start growing differently. Because the next level rarely requires more effort. It often requires a different way of thinking, communicating, and leading.

5. 

   31 May 2026

   How to Position Your Work So Leadership Notices

   Episode Description You can do exceptional work — and still communicate it in a way that leadership barely notices. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores the hidden communication gap between professionals and senior leaders, and why the ability to position work strategically is one of the most important leadership skills in modern organizations. This conversation breaks down how senior leaders actually process information, why most updates fail to land, and how rising leaders communicate in ways that create clarity, trust, and strategic visibility. You'll learn practical frameworks for communicating with leadership more effectively, including how to lead with the headline, frame work in organizational terms, clarify decisions, and communicate trade-offs with maturity and credibility. Drawing from cognitive psychology, executive communication research, and real-world leadership examples, this episode explains why communication quality often shapes advancement more than the work itself. If you want your ideas, projects, and leadership thinking to carry more weight inside your organization, this episode will help you understand how senior leaders truly listen. What You'll Learn Why leadership communication differs from execution communication How senior leaders process information under cognitive load The importance of leading with the headline Why concise communication signals authority How to position work strategically The role of organizational relevance in visibility Why explicit decision framing matters How to communicate trade-offs effectively The communication habits of rising leaders How to make leadership pay attention to your work Featured Research & Insights George Miller's "Magical Number Seven" cognitive load research Executive communication studies from the University of Southern California Wharton School research on relevance framing and executive communication Daniel Kahneman's research on decision framing William McGuire's persuasion and credibility research on two-sided arguments Leadership communication research on concise messaging and executive perception Why It Matters Senior leaders operate under enormous cognitive load. That means they are constantly filtering for: clarity relevance implications decisions risk The professionals who rise are not always the ones doing the best work. They are often the ones who communicate their work in ways leadership can process quickly and confidently. Positioning your work is not about spin. It's about helping leadership understand: what matters what changed what decision exists and why your thinking can be trusted

6. 

   28 May 2026

   Why Some People Look Promotion-Ready Before Others

   Episode Description Why do some professionals seem promotion-ready long before others — even when their experience and performance appear similar on paper? In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores the psychology behind promotion-readiness and the hidden perception mechanics shaping advancement inside organizations. This conversation breaks down why readiness is not simply an objective milestone, but a perception formed through dozens of small moments: how someone communicates, responds under pressure, handles ambiguity, and carries themselves in leadership settings. Drawing from leadership psychology, organizational behavior, and Nalini Ambady's groundbreaking "thin slices" research, this episode explains how people form durable impressions of leadership potential far faster than most professionals realize. You'll learn why some professionals feel "senior" before they officially become senior — and how leadership perception compounds into opportunity over time. What You'll Learn Why promotion-readiness is largely perception-based The psychology behind leadership impressions How "thin slicing" shapes career advancement Why some professionals feel more senior early The role of emotional steadiness in leadership perception How leaders evaluate ambiguity tolerance Why visible thinking matters in leadership settings The importance of external self-awareness How reputation influences advancement The leadership habits that signal readiness Featured Research & Insights Nalini Ambady's "thin slices" research on rapid impression formation Center for Creative Leadership research on role anticipation Tasha Eurich's research on external self-awareness INSEAD leadership research on tolerance for ambiguity Academy of Management Journal research on developmental feedback Leadership psychology research on trust and perception Why It Matters Promotion decisions are rarely based on one dramatic moment. They are formed through accumulated impressions: how you communicate how you respond to uncertainty whether people feel steadier around you how visible your thinking becomes whether leadership already experiences you as operating at the next level The professionals who look ready earliest are often the ones who have already mentally stepped into the role above them. Because readiness is not discovered. It is perceived. And perception compounds over time.

7. 

   27 May 2026

   Why Great Work Goes Unnoticed (And What Rising Leaders Do Differently)

   Episode Description Why does exceptional work sometimes seem to disappear inside organizations? In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores one of the most frustrating realities in professional life: why great work often goes unnoticed — and what rising leaders do differently to ensure their thinking, judgment, and impact become visible. This conversation breaks down the hidden visibility dynamics shaping recognition, advancement, and influence inside organizations. You'll learn why strong contributors often remain invisible outside their immediate teams, how promotion conversations actually happen, and why visibility is not about ego or self-promotion — it's about leadership communication. Drawing from organizational psychology, leadership research, and real-world coaching examples, this episode introduces four practical visibility practices that help professionals become known not just for execution, but for leadership potential. If you want your work, ideas, and leadership to carry more weight, this episode will help you understand how visibility truly works. What You'll Learn Why hard work alone doesn't guarantee advancement The hidden visibility gap inside organizations Why great work often goes unnoticed How rising leaders communicate strategic thinking Why cross-functional relationships matter The difference between visibility and self-promotion How to communicate impact professionally Why leadership visibility shapes career growth How reputation influences advancement opportunities The visibility habits of rising leaders Featured Research & Insights Herminia Ibarra's research on outsider thinking and leadership visibility Adam Grant's Give and Take research on workplace contribution and advancement Journal of Applied Psychology research on "sensegiving" Mark Granovetter's "strength of weak ties" research LinkedIn Workforce Confidence research on cross-functional relationships Jeffrey Pfeffer's Stanford research on visibility and advancement Linda Hill's Harvard Business School research on leadership identity shifts Why It Matters Organizations are overloaded systems. Leaders do not see every late night, every thoughtful analysis, or every strong contribution firsthand. Instead, advancement often depends on: visibility reputation strategic communication trusted relationships understood impact The professionals who rise are not simply producing strong work. They are making their thinking, judgment, and contribution visible in ways leadership can recognize and trust. Visibility is not vanity. It is leadership communication.

8. 

   27 May 2026

   The Invisible Criteria You're Being Judged By at the Next Level

   Episode Description Most professionals believe career advancement is driven primarily by performance — how hard they work, how much they produce, and how reliably they execute. But at higher levels, leadership evaluates something very different. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores the invisible criteria leaders actually use when deciding who is ready for the next level. This conversation breaks down the hidden shift from being evaluated for execution to being evaluated for leadership readiness — including presence, strategic thinking, emotional regulation, communication clarity, and visibility of impact. You'll learn why some high performers become indispensable but not promotable, how leaders unconsciously assess readiness, and what signals create trust at more senior levels. Drawing from leadership psychology, executive coaching, and organizational research, this episode offers a clearer understanding of how advancement decisions are really made inside organizations. What You'll Learn Why performance eventually stops being enough The hidden difference between execution and leadership readiness Why leadership presence matters more than charisma How strategic thinking changes advancement potential Why emotional regulation shapes leadership trust The role of communication clarity in perceived authority Why visibility of impact matters inside organizations How leaders evaluate readiness under pressure Why some professionals plateau despite strong work The leadership signals that accelerate promotions Featured Research & Insights The Peter Principle by Dr. Laurence Peter The Leadership Pipeline research by Ram Charan and the Center for Creative Leadership Amy Cuddy's research on warmth and competence McKinsey leadership transition research on strategic thinking Center for Creative Leadership research on leadership derailment Harvard Business Review research on communication clarity and leadership perception MIT Sloan research on organizational visibility and perception Why It Matters Many professionals continue optimizing for the wrong scorecard: more effort more output more responsiveness more reliability But leadership evaluation changes at higher levels. Leaders begin asking: Does this person create clarity? Do people trust their judgment? Can they think strategically? Do they make situations steadier or more chaotic? Understanding those invisible criteria changes how you operate, communicate, and position yourself for advancement. Because promotions are not based solely on how well you perform your current role. They are based on whether leadership trusts you at the next level.

9. 

   27 May 2026

   The Real Scorecard For Promotions At Work

   Episode Description You can be excellent at your job and still feel stuck. Not because you lack talent, work ethic, or results — but because leadership is evaluating you on a completely different scorecard than the one that created your early success. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey breaks down the invisible criteria leaders use when deciding who is truly ready for the next level. This conversation explores the shift from execution-based evaluation to leadership-based evaluation — where judgment, influence, steadiness, decision quality, and the experience people have around you become more important than output alone. You'll learn why high performers often plateau, why leadership feedback feels vague, and how professionals can start operating on the real leadership scorecard before promotion happens. This episode combines organizational psychology, leadership research, behavioral science, and practical leadership strategy to help you understand how advancement decisions are actually made inside organizations. If you've ever wondered why doing more is no longer creating forward movement, this episode will help you understand the deeper leadership patterns that truly shape career growth. What You'll Learn Why performance eventually stops being enough The hidden leadership scorecard used at senior levels Why judgment matters more than execution at the next level How leadership evaluation becomes experiential Why some professionals become indispensable but not promotable The difference between doing the work and elevating outcomes Why calmness, clarity, and steadiness shape leadership trust How leaders evaluate decision-making under uncertainty The role of influence in leadership advancement How to start operating at the next level before promotion Featured Research & Insights Leadership research consistently shows judgment under ambiguity predicts advancement more than technical expertise Organizational psychology studies demonstrate that influence multiplies leadership impact more effectively than individual execution Trust research shows consistency, clarity, and emotional steadiness strongly shape leadership credibility Behavioral science research suggests people evaluate leaders experientially, not just analytically Leadership perception studies show that emotional regulation and communication style significantly influence advancement decisions Why It Matters Most professionals continue optimizing for the scorecard that created their early success: more effort more output more responsiveness more availability But leadership evaluation changes. At the next level, people are evaluating: how you think how you make decisions whether you create clarity or confusion whether people feel steadier or more stressed around you whether outcomes improve because of your involvement Once you understand the real scorecard, career growth becomes far less mysterious. You stop trying to prove you're ready. And start showing up like someone who already is.

10. 

    25 May 2026

    How to Influence Decisions When You're Not in the Room

    Episode Description What happens to your ideas when you're not in the room? In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores how influence actually works inside organizations — and why leadership influence depends far less on airtime than most professionals realize. This conversation breaks down the hidden mechanics of organizational influence: how ideas travel, how trust shapes decisions, and why senior leaders often influence outcomes long before formal meetings happen. You'll learn why good ideas alone are not enough, how credibility becomes a shortcut for leadership trust, and why leaders who influence effectively shape conversations before and after key decisions — not just during them. This episode also explores how trusted judgment becomes a form of scalable leadership, allowing your thinking to carry weight even when you are not physically present. If you want stronger influence, more strategic visibility, and greater leadership impact inside complex organizations, this episode will help you understand how real influence actually spreads. What You'll Learn Why influence is not the same as visibility How senior leaders actually make decisions Why ideas need trusted carriers to gain traction The role of credibility in organizational influence Why influence often happens before meetings begin How to shape decisions through pre-work and positioning Why trusted judgment scales leadership influence How to communicate thinking instead of just analysis The difference between expertise and leadership influence How to build influence even when you're not present Featured Research & Insights Cognitive load research shows leaders rely heavily on trusted inputs when overloaded Research on social transmission demonstrates that ideas spread through credible messengers and repeated framing Leadership psychology studies show judgment becomes a proxy for leadership trust at senior levels Organizational behavior research suggests influence depends heavily on relational trust and decision simplification Studies on idea diffusion show that credibility and consistency shape whether ideas gain traction Why It Matters Many professionals believe that strong ideas naturally rise to the top. But inside organizations, ideas move through people, trust, relationships, and credibility. Senior leaders rarely evaluate every detail independently. Instead, they rely on people whose judgment reduces uncertainty and simplifies complexity. That means leadership influence is not just about having good ideas. It's about becoming someone whose thinking others trust enough to carry forward. When your influence no longer depends on being physically present everywhere, your leadership begins to scale.

11. 

    25 May 2026

    Why Some New Leaders Earn Trust Quickly

    Episode Description When leaders step into new roles, most believe they need to prove themselves quickly. But the fastest way to build trust is not performance alone — it's clarity. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores why trust trajectories are formed early in leadership transitions and how the first 90 days shape long-term perception, alignment, and confidence. This conversation breaks down the hidden leadership behaviors that either stabilize teams or create uncertainty — often without leaders realizing it. You'll learn why ambiguity erodes trust faster than lack of expertise, why predictability feels like competence to the nervous system, and how clear expectations, orientation, and visible follow-through create leadership trust quickly. This episode blends leadership psychology, organizational behavior research, and practical communication strategies to help leaders create steadiness and confidence in moments of transition. If you're stepping into a larger role, leading a new team, or trying to strengthen trust and credibility quickly, this episode will help you understand what people are truly looking for from leadership early on. What You'll Learn Why the first 90 days shape long-term trust The hidden leadership mistakes that create uncertainty Why silence in leadership creates anxiety How clarity builds trust faster than output The psychology behind leadership predictability Why people interpret clarity as competence How strong leaders orient teams early The importance of visible follow-through Why role clarity increases trust and engagement The leadership behaviors that stabilize teams during transition Featured Research & Insights Primacy Effect research shows early impressions disproportionately shape long-term perception Trust research demonstrates that predictability and consistency reduce cognitive and emotional load Organizational psychology studies show role clarity significantly improves engagement, trust, and performance Leadership research suggests people evaluate new leaders rapidly based on clarity, direction, and communication patterns Behavioral science research demonstrates that uncertainty increases stress and reduces psychological safety Why It Matters When leaders enter new roles, teams immediately begin looking for orientation. People want to know: What matters most? How will decisions be made? What does success look like? What can I expect from this leader? Without those answers, people create their own assumptions — and trust erodes quickly. The strongest leaders reduce uncertainty early. They create clarity, consistency, and visible follow-through that allows people to relax, align, and move forward confidently. Trust is not built through perfection. It's built through predictability.

12. 

    25 May 2026

    Why Some People Feel Like Leaders Before They Have the Title

    Episode Description Some people walk into a room and immediately feel like a leader — even before they have the title, authority, or years of experience. Why? In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores the hidden signals that create senior-level presence early in a career. This conversation unpacks why leadership is experienced emotionally before it's recognized organizationally — and why maturity, steadiness, proportion, and perspective often matter more than tenure. You'll learn why some professionals are trusted quickly while others remain stuck being managed, overlooked, or excluded from higher-level conversations despite strong work. This episode explores the psychology of leadership perception, emotional regulation, credibility under pressure, and the communication patterns that make someone feel "senior" long before promotion. If you want to strengthen your executive presence, leadership maturity, and influence at work, this episode will help you understand the deeper signals people are responding to around you every day. What You'll Learn Why seniority is an experience, not just a title The difference between competence and perceived leadership maturity How emotional steadiness changes leadership perception Why perspective creates credibility The hidden behaviors that make someone feel senior How leaders communicate proportion under pressure Why calmness is often interpreted as capability How to strengthen your executive presence early in your career Why direction creates leadership trust faster than execution alone The leadership habits that build authority before promotion Featured Research & Insights Research on emotional regulation shows that leaders who regulate emotion effectively are perceived as more competent and trustworthy Leadership perception studies show people attribute authority to those who demonstrate perspective, proportionality, and balanced thinking Research on decision-making under pressure suggests that calm, measured responses increase trust and perceived leadership capability Studies on executive presence consistently show that steadiness and communication clarity strongly influence leadership perception Organizational psychology research demonstrates that people rely heavily on emotional signals when evaluating leadership readiness Why It Matters Many professionals believe leadership begins after promotion. But in reality, people start deciding whether you feel leadership-ready long before that moment arrives. They evaluate how you react under pressure, how you communicate complexity, whether you create steadiness or stress, and whether your presence makes situations clearer or more chaotic. The professionals who rise fastest are often the ones who already think, communicate, and regulate themselves at the level above them. Seniority is not about age or tenure. It's about how safe, steady, and trustworthy people feel around you.

13. 

    24 May 2026

    Masterclass Part 4: The Visibility Gap - Why Great Work Isn't Enough

    Episode Description You can be exceptional at your job and still feel overlooked. Not because you lack talent, drive, or results — but because your leadership is not being seen clearly. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores "The Visibility Gap" — the hidden reason so many capable professionals struggle to gain recognition, influence, and advancement despite producing excellent work. This episode breaks down the invisible rulebook that shapes workplace perception and explains why visibility is not about ego, self-promotion, or office politics. It's about helping people understand your impact, your thinking, and your leadership potential. Drawing from psychology, leadership research, and real coaching examples, Mim shares practical strategies to help you become more visible, trusted, and top-of-mind — without becoming performative or inauthentic. You'll learn how leaders actually notice talent, why strong work often goes unseen, and how small communication habits can dramatically shift how people experience your leadership. This is Part 4 of the Leader on the Rise Masterclass Series. What You'll Learn Why great work alone is not enough for career advancement The invisible workplace rules most professionals learn too late Why talented people are often overlooked The psychology behind visibility and recognition at work How leaders actually evaluate leadership potential Why communication and framing shape perception The Visibility Ladder: five practical tools for becoming more visible How to communicate your impact without sounding self-promotional Why repeated leadership signals build trust and influence How to move from overlooked contributor to visible leader Featured Research & Insights The Spotlight Effect (Cornell University): people dramatically overestimate how much others notice them The Illusion of Transparency: we assume others naturally understand our effort and intentions when they often do not Cognitive Load research: overloaded leaders notice what is surfaced clearly, not what remains hidden Availability Bias: people remember what is visible, recent, repeated, and easy to recall The Exposure Effect: repeated visibility increases familiarity, trust, and perceived credibility Leadership perception research consistently shows that presence, communication, and strategic framing shape advancement opportunities alongside performance Why It Matters Many professionals believe that excellent work will naturally speak for itself. But organizations are fast-moving, overloaded systems. Leaders are not observing every contribution in detail. They rely on what is visible, memorable, strategically framed, and consistently communicated. That means visibility is not vanity. It is leadership communication. When you learn how to clearly communicate your impact, frame your thinking, and signal leadership consistently, people begin to experience you differently. They begin to trust you with larger opportunities, greater influence, and higher-level responsibility. Great work gets you into the room. Visible leadership moves you forward.

14. 

    24 May 2026

    Masterclass Part 3: The Communication Gap - Why Talented People Still Get Overlooked

    Episode Description Communication is one of the most overlooked career accelerators in professional life — and one of the biggest reasons talented people get stuck. In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey explores "The Communication Gap" — the hidden disconnect between what professionals intend to communicate and how they are actually experienced by others. Some professionals speak too softly and become overlooked. Others dominate conversations and unintentionally erode trust. And many simply communicate in ways that are unclear, causing their ideas, intelligence, and leadership potential to get lost in translation. This episode breaks down the communication patterns that quietly limit influence, leadership presence, and career growth — and offers practical ways to become more clear, credible, confident, and effective in how you communicate. You'll learn how to strengthen your executive presence, communicate with greater clarity, calibrate your style for different situations, and become someone people naturally trust, remember, and want to follow. This is Part 3 of the Leader on the Rise Masterclass Series. What You'll Learn Why communication is one of the strongest predictors of career success The three communication traps that hold professionals back Why talented people are often overlooked despite strong work How unclear communication erodes influence and trust The difference between confidence and clarity Why executive presence is communicated before you even speak How to structure messages so people actually remember them The power of strategic silence in leadership communication How to adapt your communication style without losing authenticity Why active listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills Featured Research & Insights 61% of managers say poor communication is the top reason teams underperform Research suggests 85% of career success comes from people skills, while only 15% comes from technical expertise Poor workplace communication is estimated to cost organizations $1.2 trillion annually Harvard Business Review research found that leaders who communicate through clear structure and storytelling significantly increase engagement Albert Mehrabian's communication research demonstrated the powerful role of tone and body language in message impact MIT Human Dynamics Lab research found that high-performing teams balance strong participation with thoughtful pauses and listening Research published in the Journal of Business and Psychology links active listening to higher trust and stronger leadership effectiveness Why It Matters Communication is not a "soft skill." It is a leadership skill. Your ability to communicate shapes how people experience your confidence, clarity, judgment, credibility, and leadership potential. It influences whether people trust you, advocate for you, invite you into opportunities, and believe in your ability to lead. Many professionals spend years developing technical expertise while dramatically underestimating the impact of how they communicate. But careers accelerate through influence — and influence is built through communication. The good news is that communication is not fixed. It's learnable. Small shifts in clarity, structure, presence, listening, and delivery can fundamentally change how others experience you — and how far your leadership can go.

15. 

    12 Feb 2026

    Masterclass Part 2: What Is Executive Presence — And How Do You Develop It (Without Becoming Someone You're Not)?

    Episode Description Executive presence is one of the most talked-about — and least clearly defined — concepts in leadership development. You're told you need more of it. That you don't quite "come across as senior." But what does that actually mean? And more importantly, what can you do about it? In this episode of Leader on the Rise, Mim Abbey demystifies executive presence and reframes it as something deeply practical, observable, and trainable. This is not about charisma, personality, or becoming louder. It's about cultivating gravitas, credible communication, and leadership credibility — the signals that shape how others perceive your readiness for leadership. Blending leadership research, psychology, and neuroscience, this episode reveals why executive presence influences trust, competence, and promotion potential — often before you even speak. What You'll Learn Why executive presence accounts for a significant portion of promotion readiness What executive presence is (and what it is not) How gravitas, steadiness, and emotional regulation shape leadership perception How communication patterns strengthen or weaken your authority Why "upspeak," over-explaining, and hedging erode credibility How leadership altitude transforms how others evaluate you Why your body language influences perception before your words How pressure disrupts presence — and how to regain control Practical tools to develop grounded, credible leadership energy Featured Research & Insights Center for Talent Innovation: Executive presence drives a substantial percentage of promotion decisions Harvard Business Review: Leaders perceived with strong presence are rated as more competent and trustworthy Amy Cuddy (Harvard): Nonverbal behavior shapes how others evaluate confidence and capability Albert Mehrabian: Visual and vocal signals dominate how messages are received Neuroscience & emotional regulation research: Calm leadership stabilizes teams and improves decision environments Organizational psychology: Role clarity, steadiness, and credibility accelerate leadership trust Why It Matters Your skills may earn respect. Your presence determines trust. Executive presence shapes how people interpret your judgment, leadership maturity, and readiness for greater responsibility. It influences whether you are trusted with complexity, invited into high-level decisions, and seen as someone who steadies the room under pressure. Leadership is not just what you know. It's how you show up when it matters.

16. 

    14 Nov 2025

    Masterclass Part 1: How To Drive Confidence for Career Growth

    Confidence drives careers — yet over 70% of professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point in their journey. In this first episode of the Leader on the Rise Masterclass Series, host Mim Abbey reveals why confidence, more than competence, determines who rises — and how to build it from the inside out. This episode blends psychology, neuroscience, and leadership strategy to help you overcome self-doubt, strengthen your executive presence, and move forward with clarity and conviction. What You'll Learn Why self-assurance predicts advancement more than technical skill (Harvard Business Review, Bandura research) The psychology behind imposter syndrome — perfectionism, attribution bias, and invisible rules at work How to shift from self-doubt to self-trust and rewire your brain for confidence Simple neuroscience-based practices to build confidence daily How confidence shapes leadership perception, influence, and presence Featured Research & Insights Albert Bandura: Self-efficacy — belief in your ability to succeed — is the strongest predictor of achievement. Center for Talent Innovation: Presence and confidence drive 26% of promotion potential. Amy Cuddy (Harvard): Power poses reduce cortisol and boost performance. Neuroscience: Celebrating small wins rewires your brain to expect success. Why It Matters Your competence got you in the room. Your confidence takes you to the next level. And leadership — of self and others — is how you rise.

17. 

    23 Sept 2025

    Wired To Rise

    Why do some professionals rise while others stay stuck — even when they’re equally talented? And what’s the difference between working hard and truly moving forward? In this kickoff to the Leader on the Rise Masterclass Series, host Mim Abbey unpacks a powerful truth: we are wired to rise — and leadership is the key. Through research, personal story, and practical insights, you’ll discover why rising isn’t just ambition — it’s biology, psychology, and purpose coming together. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The science behind growth: dopamine, neuroplasticity, and the power of progress Why a growth mindset rewires the way you tackle challenges What London taxi drivers can teach you about your brain’s capacity to change The link between leadership and happiness, resilience, and flourishing How imposter syndrome holds even high performers back — and what to do about it Why leadership is both an identity and an activity The three levels of leadership that drive long-term career growth Why It Matters Research shows that: 60% of professionals are unsatisfied with their career progress. 70% experience imposter phenomenon at some point. Technical skills account for only 15% of advancement, while leadership skills and presence account for 85%. Translation? Hard work alone won’t get you there. Leadership — of yourself, others, and the world around you — is the multiplier. Episode Highlights Mim shares her own journey of rising: taking leadership roles in her 20s, feeling like an imposter, and the game-changing shift that happened when she began to lead from the inside out. You’ll also hear how science, psychology, and practice all point to the same conclusion: rising is part of being human. Why You’ll Want to Listen This isn’t another career podcast about tips and tricks. Leader on the Rise is about becoming the kind of leader others want to follow — starting with yourself. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or like you’re capable of more but don’t know how to get there, this series will show you the path.

18. 

    13 Oct 2024

    Trailer

    Welcome to On The Rise, the podcast dedicated to helping professionals and individuals elevate from where they are to where they want to be. Host Mim Abbey dives into the dissatisfaction many people feel with their career progression and personal growth, tapping into the $42 billion personal development industry. Through real-world insights and stories from her extensive experience working with global companies like Microsoft, Tiffany, and Cisco, Mim reveals what it truly takes to rise—whether at work, at home, or in life. In each episode, she shares the key strategies to overcoming obstacles and reaching your full potential. From helping tech experts speak the language of customers to guiding parents through life’s toughest relationships, Mim has seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. Tune in weekly to discover practical advice and actionable steps to rise in your career and life without burning out. Don’t miss episode one, a masterclass on the essential components everyone needs to truly rise. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen! 4o

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact On The Rise With Mim Abbey

Guest appearances

Books guests

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