Ep 197 - The Hidden Rules of Promotion, the AI Era

What does it really take to succeed — and get promoted — in today’s rapidly changing, AI-driven world? In this episode of the Finding Better Podcast, John Suzuki sits down with Keith Anderson, founder of Career Alchemy Lab and former leader at Google, Uber, Meta, and YouTube. Together, they unpack why performance alone is no longer enough — and why trust, perception, and human connection matter more than ever. Keith shares firsthand insights from sitting inside promotion rooms at Big Tech companies and explains why being “great at your job” doesn’t automatically make you a safe bet for leadership. As AI reshapes how work gets done, the next era of success belongs to those who lead with humanity, intuition, and clarity. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 1. Why strong performers often get overlooked for promotions 2. The difference between being likable and being promotion-ready 3. How leaders decide who is a “safe bet” for advancement 4. Why storytelling matters more than checklists and metrics 5. How human connection protects careers during layoffs and disruption 6. What skills will matter most as AI transforms the workplace 💡 Key Takeaways: 1. Promotions are driven by trust, not just results 2. Leaders advocate for people they can clearly “tell a story” about 3. Human connection is a career survival skill in the AI era 4. Career growth requires shaping perception, not just doing good work 👍 If you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share the episode with someone navigating their career right now. Connect with Keith: Website: https://keithanderson.io/MediaPartnerships Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/keithand