Leading Up: The Work Shift

Lorraine K. Lee: How to Go From Passed Over to Promoted

26 snips
Jan 20, 2026
Lorraine Lee, author of Unforgettable Presence and former LinkedIn editor, shares her journey of career stagnation and the vital role of presence in promotions. She unveils the 80/20 rule of advancement, emphasizing that effective presence can outshine hard work. Lorraine explains the TEAM framework for optimizing video presence and how introverts can leverage their strengths in the workplace. Small talk is reframed as a powerful tool for connection, while actionable networking strategies and feedback techniques further empower listeners to enhance their career visibility.
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ANECDOTE

Stalled Despite Strong Performance

  • Lorraine K. Lee stayed at LinkedIn six years and stalled despite strong performance and likability.
  • After leaving she reflected and realized lack of presence, not performance, blocked her promotion.
ADVICE

Turn Small Talk Into Rapport

  • Treat small talk as intentional rapport building by asking specific prompts.
  • Replace generic questions with ones like “What was the highlight of your weekend?” to spark real conversation.
ADVICE

Optimize Video With The T(E)AM Method

  • Before any video call, check tech, energy, and aesthetics to boost credibility.
  • Use good lighting, show hands, and clear audio to appear warmer and more professional.
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