Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style

421: 2 Unwritten Rules that Are Keeping You Out of Senior Leadership and How to Crack That Invisible Ceiling

Jun 16, 2025

Discover the unwritten rules that often hold high-achieving introverts back from senior leadership roles. Learn about the hidden communication skills that are vital for being seen as executive-ready. Explore the significance of building strategic relationships within your organization and how they can propel you to the top. Unpack the frustrations of missing out on vital information that could help you advance. This is your roadmap to breaking down the invisible barriers to the C-Suite.

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INSIGHT

Relationships Trump Results

Relationships hold more weight than just delivering results in senior leadership roles.
Influencing beyond your direct line into your boss's circle is vital for career progression.

ADVICE

Build Strategic Relationships

Identify key stakeholders who influence promotions and build strategic relationships with them.
Use opportunities like meetings or emails to establish connections and request coffee chats.

INSIGHT

Power of Strategic Candor

Senior leaders can't just say 'yes'; they must practice strategic candor when pushing back.
Balancing assertiveness with respect preserves reputations and builds trust.

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In today’s episode you’ll discover there’s a right way and a wrong way to kiss the ring and what you’re missing that’s keeping you out of senior leadership roles.

This episode dives into the invisible wall many high-performing introverts hit on their way to senior leadership—and it’s not about your KPIs. Discover the real reasons you're stalling and what no one is telling you about how the game changes above director level.

To chat with Lara to see if her Executive Presence Mastery System is right for you click here.

By the end of this short episode, you’ll know:

2️⃣Two unwritten rules of senior leadership that are so deeply ingrained that no one remembers to explain them to you

🪝The magical communication skill that everyone wants you to have and no one tells you

🤐The reasons why your boss doesn’t share this with you, even when you ask.

Hit play now to uncover the subtle but critical skills you need to be seen as executive-ready and finally break into the C-Suite

If you want a complimentary Clear Point of View cheatsheet mentioned send an email with POV in the subject line to hello@speakupwithlaura.com.

If you’re crushing it at work but still feel like you’re on the outside of senior leadership looking in, stuck behind invisible walls and unspoken expectations, this episode probably hit home.

That’s exactly why I built the Executive Presence Mastery System—to help you master the relationships, the messaging, and the executive presence that makes people say, “You belong in the C-suite.”

If you want personalized guidance to help you build your influence, speak up strategically, and finally get the recognition you deserve, check out the link above in the show notes or go to www.speakupwithlaura.com to book your strategy call.

For more information visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. Our Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities.

By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.