Navigating Corporate Politics & Building Executive Presence: How to Climb the Corporate Ladder with Andrea Wasserman of The Executive Express

Do you feel like you’re excelling in your role but can’t really figure out how to crack the code to get to that next level? In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Andrea Wasserman, Executive Coach and Founder of The Executive Express, whose career spans leadership roles at Nordstrom, Yahoo, Verizon, and more in VP and C suite roles. Andrea brings firsthand insight from both sides of the hiring table—having led high-performing teams and now coaching rising leaders to get that next big promotion.Together, they unpack the strategies, mindsets, and subtle shifts that separate steady contributors from standout executives. From building executive presence and leading through influence to communicating strategically and advocating for your growth, Andrea shares practical, no-nonsense advice for anyone ready to take the next step in their corporate career.What You’ll Learn:Why being strategic is less about adding work and more about changing how you communicate itHow to map out key relationships across your company—and build influence without direct authorityWhat style flexing is (and why you should treat coffee with finance differently than coffee with IT)How to prep for one-on-ones that don’t waste your time—or your boss’sA smarter approach to promotion and compensation conversationsThe difference between mentorship and sponsorship—and how to build bothAdd a bullet point about navigating and getting the most out of corporate politicsWhether you're working toward your first leadership role or refining your executive edge to position yourself for a promotion, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps.Guest Links:Connect with Andrea Wasserman on LinkedInNext Steps:Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn