The Meritocracy Myth: Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right at work — hitting deadlines, going above and beyond — but somehow, it’s the louder, more visible people who get the promotions? You’re not imagining it. Promotions aren’t about pure merit, they’re about visibility, strategy, and knowing how to manage the unspoken rules. In this episode of Work in Progress, CJ and Larone break down the real mechanics of career growth: from how bias shapes opportunity, to how self-advocacy, visibility, and quiet influence actually move the needle.💬 If you’ve ever said:✔ “I hate self-promotion. Why can’t my work speak for itself?”✔ “I feel stuck, but I don’t know what to do differently.”✔ “How do I get noticed without feeling fake?”…this episode is your playbook.🔍 What You’ll Learn:Why hard work isn’t enough — and what actually isHow bias and politics shape who gets promotedTactical ways to build influence and get noticed (without cringing)How to network and self-advocate without selling outWhy personal branding matters, even if you’re planning to leave⏱ Chapters:00:00 – The Myth of Meritocracy02:48 – Identity, Bias & Career Advancement07:56 – Advocating for Yourself Without Feeling Cringe11:10 – Visibility, Power & Influence16:48 – Networking for People Who Hate It23:05 – Staying Professional When You’re Over It31:17 – Why Branding Matters (Even If You’re Leaving)Follow CJ on Instagram ⁠Here⁠ or LinkedIn ⁠Here⁠Follow Larone on Instagram ⁠Here⁠🔑 Keywords: career growth, how to get promoted, workplace bias, meritocracy at work, self-promotion, visibility at work, personal branding, networking strategies, career advancement