Secrets of the Career Game 111. Why Smart Women Still Play It Safe in Their Careers: How to Stop | Dr. Candace Steele Flippin
Too many smart, capable women stay stuck in roles that feel "safe." In this episode, Kendall Berg and Dr. Candace Steele Flippin unpack why β and how to finally break free.
Drawing on groundbreaking research from her book and her SHAPE Framework (Safe, Hard Work, Advocate, Persevere, Educate), Dr. Candace reveals the hidden connection between financial stability and career confidence β and why money literacy isn't just about saving, it's about power.
Together, they explore how self-advocacy, financial readiness, and strategic visibility help women move from fear to freedom. Whether you're hesitating to take a promotion, negotiate your worth, or leave a role that no longer fits, this conversation gives you the mindset and tools to stop playing it safe and start shaping your next chapter.
π‘ Key Takeaways-
Financial stability is the foundation for taking bold career risks with confidence.
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"Hard work" doesn't guarantee advancement β visibility and alignment do.
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Poor negotiation skills can cost up to $2M over a career; advocacy pays off.
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Resilience means knowing when to persevere and when to move on.
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Continuous learning and feedback fuel long-term self-efficacy.
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The SHAPE Framework helps women assess where they're playing small β and how to grow.
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Career success starts with self-awareness, not perfection.
What's one "corporate game" rule you've learned the hard way?
π― Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: https://stan.store/thatcareercoach/p/get-started-with-my-play-the-corporate-game-course
About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall BergKendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy β not stress.
βοΈ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me β let's talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Book your Coffee Chat β https://calendly.com/thatcareercoach/15-min-follow-up
Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?
Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_
Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/
Dr. Candace Steele Flippin is a three-time bestselling author and career strategist who helps professionals advance with clarity and influence. She is the founder of the Global Career Advancement Institute and creator of the SHAPE Career Accelerator program, developed from more than a decade of research on career advancement and leadership. A former corporate communications executive, she has led teams in healthcare, financial services, and industrial technology and now teaches leadership development at Johns Hopkins University. Her work is trusted by companies and organizations that want practical solutions for career growth, retention, and engagement. She shares strategies you can use right away to move your career forward with purpose and confidence.
Follow Her On: LinkedIn Dr. Candace Steele Flippin Instagram @candacesteeleflippin