Welcome back to The Executive Coach Podcast, where we help high achievers move beyond box-ticking busyness and into careers that feel spacious, fulfilling, and exciting to wake up to.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a bold but essential truth:

Senior-level promotions aren’t earned - they’re negotiated.

This insight struck a nerve when I first shared it on social media, and for good reason. If you’ve been working tirelessly, delivering results, and still feel overlooked this episode is for you.

I share behind-the-scenes stories from my own career and from recent client breakthroughs to show how promotions really happen at the top.

We’ll explore:

Why relying on merit alone can stall your progress

The role of strategic sponsorship and visibility

How executive presence is often code for "playing the game"

Why trust, timing, and negotiation matter more than you think

The questions you must ask if you're not advancing

You’ll also hear the hard-won lessons that helped me and my clients, move into senior leadership by design, not default.

💡 If you’ve ever felt like you're doing everything right and still being passed over, this episode will shift your mindset and your strategy.

👉 Unwritten Rules of Career Success Program can be found here https://www.mayagudka.com/unwritten-rules – Learn how to build influence, identify sponsors, and make your promotion inevitable.