HBR On Leadership Step Up from Middle Management to Senior Leadership
59 snips
Aug 5, 2025 
Megan Bach, COO of Federato and expert in machine learning for risk assessment, along with Lauren Reyes, COO of the YMCA of Greater Boston and advocate for positive change, share their experiences of rising from middle management to senior leadership. They discuss the emotional hurdles, self-doubt, and the importance of strategic visibility. Both guests emphasize the need for proactive career mapping, building professional relationships, and recognizing one's own worth to break through the stagnation many mid-level managers face.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Challenges of Middle Management
- Middle management feels particularly tough because you're caught between upper management and your direct reports, managing conflicting expectations.
- Women face added challenges due to stereotype biases expecting communal behavior and harmony, which conflicts with the inherent dissatisfaction from both sides.
Barriers to Senior Leadership
- Advancing from mid-level to senior management is a numbers game with few roles and pipeline issues.
- Gender and racial biases affect women's chances; men often get the benefit of the doubt over women when track records are evaluated.
Build Strategic Relationships
- Be strategic in building visibility with influential people beyond your current organization.
- Cultivate sponsors or champions who will advocate for you and open doors to new opportunities.