The Art of Charm
9 'Bad' Traits That Get You Promoted | Jenny Wood
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Jenny Wood emphasizes that confidently sharing your accomplishments is vital for career progression and standing out among peers.
- The discussion highlights the importance of reclaiming 'taboo' traits like shamelessness and weirdness to foster authentic connections and drive success.
- Strategically managing relationships beyond your immediate supervisor enhances visibility within an organization, significantly impacting career mobility and promotions.
Deep dives
Affordable Wireless Solutions
Mint Mobile offers wireless plans starting at an astonishing $15 a month for a three-month plan, challenging the traditional, high-priced services of existing wireless providers. The company's unique approach eliminates the overhead costs associated with physical stores and sales teams, allowing for lower prices while maintaining premium service. Customers receive high-speed data, unlimited talk and text on the nation's largest 5G network, and the ability to keep their existing phone and number, making the transition seamless. This disruptive model invites consumers to reassess their spending on wireless plans, suggesting that affordability doesn't have to sacrifice quality.
The Key to Career Advancement
Sharing accomplishments and wins is crucial to career progression, as many skilled individuals often fail to actively communicate their successes. Those who can confidently articulate their achievements stand out from their peers who may remain silent or modest. This dynamic becomes particularly important during job interviews and performance reviews, where self-advocacy can greatly influence perception and potential career outcomes. Overcoming the fear of judgment and learning to shamelessly broadcast achievements allows individuals to unlock their full professional potential.
Reframing Success Traits
Jenny Wood's insights challenge conventional beliefs about success traits in the workplace, emphasizing that being perceived as 'weird' or 'selfish' can actually foster authentic connections and drive career advancement. Wood highlights nine traits such as 'shamelessness' and 'brutality', encouraging individuals to reclaim these terms and use them constructively. By redefining these traits positively, she aims to help professionals embrace their unique qualities rather than conforming to an average standard. The discussion centers on cultivating courage to leverage these traits effectively in both personal and professional contexts.
Visibility in the Workplace
Achieving visibility within an organization involves strategically managing relationships beyond just one’s immediate supervisor. Building connections with peers and higher-level managers can significantly impact career mobility and promotion potential. Engaging authentically with colleagues across the organization fosters a richer network, which can lead to unexpected opportunities and support. Individuals who remain hidden may find their contributions unnoticed, reinforcing the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure their work and ambitions are visible to decision-makers.
Knowing When to Leave
Recognizing when it’s time to leave a job often involves evaluating factors such as fun, learning opportunities, impact, and personal life circumstances. If an employee feels stagnant without challenge or excitement, it may signal that a change is needed for professional growth. Additionally, if the workplace environment stifles expression of one’s abilities or traits, it might exacerbate feelings of dissatisfaction. The emphasis on aligning personal goals with career paths illustrates the importance of self-awareness in navigating professional landscapes.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jenny Wood—career coach, former Google executive, and author of Wild Courage. Over 18 years at Google, Jenny rose from entry-level to executive and created one of the company’s largest career development programs. Her work focuses on breaking the myths of professional success and teaching high performers how to reclaim “taboo” traits—like being shameless, weird, or even manipulative—to build authentic relationships, increase visibility, and take control of their careers.
Introduction
Join us for a bold and insightful conversation with Jenny Wood as she reveals why playing it safe is holding you back—and how to reclaim traits like weird, shameless, and even manipulative to fuel career growth. Jenny shares hard-earned lessons from her rise to executive at Google, the power of strategic visibility, and why soft skills are your ultimate edge in the AI era.
What to Listen For
Introduction – 00:00:00
- What separates high performers who rise from those who stagnate in their careers?
- What soft skills do tens of thousands of high performers crave—despite excelling technically?
Visibility, Influence, and Strategic Self-Promotion – 00:05:21
- Why managing your boss isn't enough—and what it means to “manage higher” and “manage diagonally”
- How to get noticed before a promotion cycle even begins.
- What’s the right way to brag—and how do you do it without sounding arrogant?
Reclaiming “Taboo” Traits – 00:17:31
- What are the nine negative traits Jenny says you must reclaim—and why are they the key to getting ahead?
- How do bold, assertive actions (like chasing someone off a subway) illustrate professional courage?
- Why being manipulative might actually make you a better leader
Frameworks That Help You Win – 00:34:27
- How to use the “WIN” framework to advocate for your needs without guilt
- Why saying “yes” to everything might be sabotaging your career
- What is the “SAFE” framework for giving clear, kind, and honest feedback?
Is It Time to Leave? – 00:48:01
- What’s the FLIP framework—and how can it help you decide whether to stay or go?
- How to know when your manager is holding you back—and when it’s time to make your move
A Word From Our Sponsors
Tired of awkward handshakes and collecting business cards without building real connections? Dive into our Free Social Capital Networking Masterclass. Learn practical strategies to make your interactions meaningful and boost your confidence in any social situation. Sign up for free at theartofcharm.com/sc and elevate your networking from awkward to awesome. Don’t miss out on a network of opportunities!
Unleash the power of covert networking to infiltrate high-value circles and build a 7-figure network in just 90 days. Ready to start? Check out our CIA-proven guide to networking like a spy!
Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince—where high-end essentials meet unbeatable prices. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns.
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Shopify makes it easy to start, scale, and succeed—whether you're launching a side hustle or building the next big brand. Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm.
Need to hire top talent—fast? Skip the waiting game and get more qualified applicants with Indeed. Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm.
Curious about your influence level?
Get your Influence Index Score today!
Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence.
Resources from this Episode
Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It
Check in with AJ and Johnny!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
