The CEO of Your Career: How Lorraine Lee Turned Five Years of No Promotions into Entrepreneurial Success

I'm in conversation with Lorraine Lee, a speaker, author, and LinkedIn Learning instructor whose journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship redefines what it means to own your career. We explore how she went from being a “hardworking, overlooked employee” to becoming the CEO of her own path—building visibility, presence, and confidence along the way.Lorraine opens up about the lessons she learned at LinkedIn and Prezi, how she developed her EPIC career brand framework, and what it really takes to get promoted, advocate for yourself, and manage your career with intention. She also shares how introversion can be a superpower in a world built for extroverts, and how every “scary new step” builds the confidence to take the next one.This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their career, struggled to advocate for themselves, or questioned if they’re ready to make a bold move. It’s also a reminder that confidence is built in the doing—and that your story, no matter where you are in your journey, is worth sharing.Key Themes & TakeawaysHow to become the CEO of your own careerBuilding presence and visibility as an introvertThe EPIC framework: Experiences, Personality, Identity, and CommunityAdvocating for yourself and managing up effectivelyRedefining success and work-life balance as an entrepreneurHow layoffs and “scary moments” can become growth catalystsPowerful MomentsOn Taking Ownership:"Things shouldn’t just happen to you—you can make things happen. You can influence outcomes."On Confidence:"Every scary new step I took was such a confidence booster for me. The growth happens in the doing."On Introversion:"Introverts have superpowers—deep connection, empathy, and thoughtful communication. You can be visible on your own terms."Reflection Questions:Where are you waiting for someone else to “see” your potential instead of advocating for yourself?How do you want to be seen in your career—and what can you do to bridge the gap between that vision and others’ perceptions?What “scary next step” might actually be your biggest confidence builder?How can you honor your own rhythm as an introvert or ambivert in a world that rewards extroversion?How might you redefine success or balance in this current chapter of your career?Resources & Topics Mentioned:Lorraine’s book: Unforgettable PresenceEPIC Career Brand Framework (Experiences, Personality, Identity, Community)Managing up and setting proactive career chatsPower of feedback and 360 reviewsPublic speaking as a visibility strategy for introvertsAbout the GuestLorraine Lee is a keynote speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and former editor at LinkedIn. She’s passionate about helping professionals build an unforgettable presence—both in person and online. As the author of Unforgettable Presence, Lorraine combines her corporate experience and personal journey as an introvert to teach others how to stand out authentically, lead with confidence, and build careers that align with their values.