In this episode, Sarah shares the key steps to fast-tracking your next promotion. Whether you're feeling overlooked, craving a challenge, or unsure if you're truly ready for the next leadership level, this episode will help you clarify your direction and take intentional action.

You’ll learn how to recognise the signs you're ready, overcome self-doubt, identify gaps, build your leadership brand, and position yourself for internal or external opportunities all in a realistic 3–6 month window.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Intro

[00:01:00] Why Promotions Can Feel Elusive

• The tension between leadership ambition and time constraints
• How self-doubt and imposter feelings show up, even at senior levels

[00:02:00] Are You Ready for Promotion? Signs to Watch For

• Seeing others get ahead while you feel stuck
• Feeling bored or underutilised
• Frequently acting up or being asked to take on more
• Strategic thinking beyond your own team

[00:04:00] Self-Doubt vs. Self-Awareness

• The difference between questioning your readiness and making a conscious, values-aligned choice
• A story of a client who chose not to go for promotion—intentionally

[00:05:00] 8 Strategies to Fast Track Your Promotion

1. Be intentional - promotions rarely happen passively
2. Do a gap analysis - skills and visibility
3. Clarify your leadership brand - ask for feedback or work with a coach
4. Scan for stretch opportunities - projects, strategic challenges, or acting-up roles
5. Demonstrate value - be proactive, solve problems beyond your remit
6. Build key relationships -with your boss, senior leaders, and potential mentors
7. Get comfortable with self-promotion - articulate achievements with depth and context
8. Time it right – leverage business wins or personal successes

[00:16:00] Final Reflections & Next Steps

• Be strategic and give yourself permission to aim higher
• Consider both internal and external promotional routes
• Take the first step by creating space to think and plan

[00:17:30] Get in Touch

• Sarah invites listeners to message her if they take action and land that promotion

Useful Links

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