PODCAST · business
More Women Promoted
by Katy McFee
Are you an ambitious woman who's been stuck at the sr. manager or director level, watching peers advance despite your consistently stellar performance? Do you find yourself drowning in back-to-back meetings, unable to carve out time for lunch, much less time for professional development? You are not alone. Breaking through to the executive level isn't about working harder—it's about transforming how others perceive your leadership.Join Katy McFee, a former tech executive and Forty under 40 winner turned leadership coach. Through her leadership programs, Forbes.com writing and keynote speaking, she's empowered hundreds of women to secure promotions and thrive in their roles. When she's not helping over 100,000 women on social media crush their career goals, she's raising 3 kids and running ultramarathons—proving that resilience isn't just a buzzword, it's a lifestyle.Each week on More Women Promoted, dive into practical strategies
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Build Your Career Like a Brand: 3 Marketing Concepts Every Woman Needs
You have a personal brand at work whether you're intentional about it or not. The question is whether it's working for you. Steal the playbook from brand marketing: three concepts that drive market share and apply them to your career. morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Most women I know are heads-down doing good work and assuming that's enough. It's not. The women who get promoted to VP and beyond aren't just talented. They've built a career brand, and they've done it intentionally.In this episode, I sit down with Shea Cole, CMO at Field Effect and former VP at FullScript, to break down the three brand marketing fundamentals that drive market share and show you exactly how they apply to your career. If you want to be the name that comes up when a big opportunity opens, this episode is your playbook.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy your personal brand is just your reputation and how to start building it intentionally, even if you have zero social media presenceHow differentiation works in your career: what makes you different doesn't have to be what you're best at today; it just has to be authentic and sustainableThe two-part framework for "meaning," including the part about making people want you in the room (and what happens when strong opinions get mislabeled as difficult)What top-of-mind awareness actually means in a workplace context and why a single standout project isn't enough to get you on the succession planThe one habit Shea's former boss swore by: "merchandise your work" and why doing it benefits your boss as much as it benefits youRESOURCES MENTIONEDShea Cole on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheacole Shea's brand strategy course through Electives: electives.io Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Weekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Lewis Howes School of Greatness podcast: lewishowes.com/school-of-greatness More Women Promoted Podcast S3 Ep2: Why Your Boss Can't Promote You (Even If They Want To)Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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Stop Trying to Reinvent the Wheel - It's Holding You Back
I spent years trying to figure out leadership on my own, then more years asking the wrong people for help. Here's what changed everything, and how you can start building your own circle: morewomenpromoted.com/masterclass Have you ever gotten advice that was completely wrong for your situation, from someone who genuinely wanted to help? That disconnect isn't random. It usually means you asked the right person the wrong question, or the wrong person entirely.I used to believe that once I made it to director, I was supposed to have all the answers. So when I got stuck, I either tried to solve it alone, or I asked whoever happened to be successful, whether or not their life looked anything like mine. Both mistakes kept me spinning my wheels for years.In this episode, I break down the two advice mistakes that quietly stall careers, and the exact process I now use to find people who can actually help.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy asking for help gets harder the higher you climb, and what it's actually costing youThe difference between getting bad advice and getting no advice at all (and why bad advice can set you back further)How to spot when you're asking someone who simply doesn't share your context, even if they're smart and successfulThe 3-step process I use to find the right people before I even need themWhat the research says about why women with strong peer networks are more likely to reach senior leadershipRESOURCES MENTIONEDFree Masterclass: morewomenpromoted.com/masterclass Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Weekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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Why You're Stuck at Director (It's Not What You Think)
I was stuck as a director for five years. And the whole time, I was already doing the VP job.Reporting to the CEO, running the function, on the senior leadership team, no VP above me. I kept waiting for the title to follow. It never did. If you're in that waiting place, here's what I wish someone had told me sooner: it's not because you're not good enough, not because you're not working hard enough, and not because you need another certification. It's a perception problem, not a talent problem. And the good news is that perception is fixable once you can see it. Want help spotting which gap is yours? I'm running a free masterclass on September 8th: morewomenpromoted.com/masterclassWHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy being stuck at director is almost always a perception problem, not a talent or qualifications oneThe most common gap I see: doing strategic work but only communicating execution, and how to flip itWhy flawless execution can quietly typecast you as "she handles things" instead of "she's our next VP"How VP promotions actually get decided, and why your manager's advocacy alone leaves you exposedThe stakeholder-mapping move that gets the right leaders talking about you in rooms you're not inRESOURCES MENTIONEDFree masterclass, September 8th: the 3 things keeping you stuck from VP and how to fix them - morewomenpromoted.com/masterclassMore Women Promoted Podcast S3 Ep2: Why Your Boss Can't Promote You (Even If They Want To)Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Weekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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What I Would Do Differently If I Were Starting My VP Push Today
My corporate career looks great on paper. VP, then EVP. But the road to get there was so much messier than it needed to be.Here's the part that still gets me. The skills were already there. My strategic thinking, my expertise, my talent, none of that changed when I finally broke through. What changed was how I was showing up. Today I'm not teaching a framework. I'm telling you the truth about the four things I'd do differently if I were starting my VP push today, knowing what I know now. And if you want help spotting which one is holding you back, I'm running a free masterclass on September 8: morewomenpromoted.com/masterclass WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy slowing down, as in doing less, is what actually accelerated my leadership careerThe simple weekly habit that turns your manager into your best advocate in the promotion roomHow the way you treat yourself as a human shows up in whether you're seen as VP-readyThe kind of value I left on the table for years by staying quiet in the room, and how to stopWhy the skills that keep you stuck at director are rarely the real problemRESOURCES MENTIONEDFree masterclass, September 8: the 3 things keeping you stuck from VP and how to fix them - morewomenpromoted.com/masterclass Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Weekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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Why Your Boss Can't Promote You (Even If They Want To)
Your boss loving your work is not enough to get you promoted. Not at the senior level.Most of us believe that if we impress our manager and make ourselves indispensable, the promotion will follow. But once you're being considered for director, VP, and beyond, your boss is rarely the only person deciding. Promotions at that level are made by committee. And if the leaders in that room don't know you, your boss is fighting an uphill battle on your behalf. Ready to get in the room? Get VP-ready in my free masterclass: morewomenpromoted.com/masterclass WHAT YOU'LL LEARNHow senior-level promotions actually get decided, and why it's almost never a one-person callWhy "my boss loves me" can be the exact thing keeping you stuck at directorThe three things that make it easy for your boss to win the room when your name comes upHow to build real visibility with leaders outside your function without feeling braggy or politicalThe single mindset shift that separates the women who get promoted from the ones who stay stuckRESOURCES MENTIONEDGet VP-ready: free masterclass - morewomenpromoted.com/masterclass Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Weekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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3 Entrepreneur Lessons That Would Have Made Me a Better Executive
If you're waiting for your company to invest in your growth, send you to leadership training, or map out your path to VP, you're going to be waiting a long time. The lessons I've learned in four years of entrepreneurship would have made me a better executive a decade ago, and you can use them without leaving your job.Since becoming an entrepreneur, I've grown more in four years than I did in the previous fifteen. And what's wild is realizing how many of the things that have helped me build a successful business are the exact same things that would have helped me get promoted faster, lead better, and be way less stressed in my corporate roles.The best part is you don't need to start a business to use them. They're available to you right now, wherever you are in your career. I just gave you the cheat code.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy being intentional about your career is the same skill as running a business, and how to start treating yourself as the CEO of your own pathThe investment in yourself I avoided for years (and the actual number I now spend annually because the ROI is undeniable)What "find your people" really means at the senior leadership level, and the kind of room that gave me permission to take bigger swingsThe mindset shift that costs nothing and changes everything, plus how to tell when your brain is lying to you about whether you belong at the tableThe flywheel: how intentionality, the right people, and mindset reinforce each other to change the trajectory of your careerRESOURCES MENTIONEDConnect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4aWeekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletterCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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Treat Your Job Search Like a $7M Business Deal with Anna Belyaeva
The strategies that got you your last few roles will not get you your next one if it's at the VP level. Career strategist Anna Belyaeva joins me to reframe senior job search as closing a seven-figure deal, not submitting an application. Sign up for my newsletter to keep getting weekly insights like this: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Have you been told the job market is brutal? That you should just keep applying and shoot more shots? Today's guest is going to flip that script.Anna Belyaeva is a career strategist and founder of The Career Diet. She works with high-achieving mid-to-senior professionals landing $150K to $300K+ roles. She's been on every side of the table: navigating senior job search herself, pivoting industries, and leading recruitment for some of the top employers in Canada. We've been in the same mastermind for years, and I trust her insight on this market completely.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy your senior job search should be treated like closing a seven-figure deal, not customizing a PDFThe "target company" framework that builds your pipeline 6 months before the role is postedHow to send a cold LinkedIn message at the VP level that actually books the meetingWhy "fake jobs" aren't actually fake (they're posted because of policy, but the candidate is already chosen) and what that means for your strategyThe two non-negotiable priorities that should be on your calendar every week if you're job searching, with Anna's recurring time block ruleRESOURCES MENTIONEDAnna Belyaeva on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annabelyaevaAnna on Instagram: @thecareerdietThe Career Diet Podcast: Episode 54 - How much time should you really dedicate to interview prep | Listen on Spotify or Apple PodcastsNever Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4aWeekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletterMOST LOVED EPISODES S1 E1: Why 'Working Harder' Is Keeping You Stuck in Middle Management | Apple | SpotifyS1 E5: My Morning Routine (And Why It Changed Everything) | Apple | SpotifyS1 E6: Should You Stay or Should You Go? 3 Signs It's Time to Leave Your Job | Apple | SpotifyS1 E8: How to Ask for More Money: The Negotiation Episode Every Woman Needs to Hear | Apple | SpotifyS1 E9: How to Be Assertive Without Being Labeled "Aggressive" | Apple | SpotifyS1 E10: Ask Like an Executive: The 3 Cs Framework for Business Requests That Get Approved | Apple | SpotifyS2 E25: Stop Worrying About Your Non Traditional Background - Here's How to Frame It | Apple | SpotifyS2 E28: What Your Boss' Feedback Really Means | Apple | SpotifyS2 E29: Are You Actually VP Ready? | Apple | SpotifyS2 E30: You're Visible, But for the Wrong Things! | Apple | SpotifyCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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When You're Growing and the People Around You Aren't
You're growing and feeling distance from the people around you - friends, your partner, your family. The advice online says cut them off. The real answer is more nuanced. Join me on June 23rd for my Visibility & Recognition Workshop morewomenpromoted.com/workshop. Have you been told to "level up and leave them behind"? Or to "find your tribe" and let the rest go? That advice is everywhere online, and it's a little too black-and-white for me. I share the three truths to hold at once when you're changing faster than the people you love.Here's the truth most growth content gets wrong: when you're growing faster than the people around you, the answer isn't "cut them off" or "pretend nothing has changed." It's three things at once, and they're easier to hold than you'd think.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy expecting one person (especially your partner) to serve every purpose in your life is the recipe for resentment nobody warns you aboutThe reframe that turns frustration with your partner's lack of growth into deep gratitude (and how this changed how I think about my marriage)Why the friendships with the deepest roots are worth protecting even when they can't relate to every part of your current lifeHow to know when a friendship is actually pulling you backward (and the Mel Robbins quote that gave me permission to let one go)Where to actively find women on the same growth path as you, and why proximity is the keyRESOURCES MENTIONEDConnect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4aWeekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletterCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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You're Visible, But for the Wrong Things!
Being visible isn't the same as being visible for the right things. If your name comes up but you're known as "so reliable" or "the fixer," you have a visibility problem. Join my strategic visibility workshop on June 23: morewomenpromoted.com/workshopHave you been told you're "so reliable"? Or that "we couldn't do this without you"? Those compliments feel great, but they may be exactly what's keeping you stuck at director.Here's the truth about visibility most leaders won't tell you: you can be very visible and still not get promoted. The leadership team can know your name, your kids' names, your hobbies, and still not picture you at the next level. Because visibility without strategic positioning just means they know you as a person. It doesn't mean they're thinking of you for what's next.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNThe 3 visibility traps that quietly keep smart, high-performing women stuck at director levelWhy being the most reliable executor on the team is a ceiling, not a ladderWhat strategic visibility actually looks like, and the 4 specific moves to start making this monthHow to shift your visibility from being known for your doing to being known for your thinkingThe reframe that takes you from "great team manager" to "business leader" in how leadership perceives youRESOURCES MENTIONEDVisibility Workshop, June 23: morewomenpromoted.com/workshopConnect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4aWeekly newsletter: insightstoactioncc.com/newsletter Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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Are You Actually VP Ready?
Being VP-ready and being seen as VP-ready are two very different things, and the gap is rarely what you think it is. Take my free quiz to find out exactly where you stand: morewomenpromoted.com/quizHave you ever been told you need to be "more strategic"? Or that you need to "demonstrate more readiness" before that next promotion? Vague feedback like this is exactly what kept me stuck for years as a director.Here's the truth most leaders won't tell you: VP readiness has almost nothing to do with how well you're doing your current job. The skills that got you to director are table stakes at the next level. What gets you the role is a completely different set of skills that nobody has explicitly taught you.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy being VP-ready and being seen as VP-ready are two completely different things (and which one is actually keeping you stuck)The four specific areas leadership uses to evaluate whether you're ready, broken down with concrete examplesThe most common ways high-performing women unintentionally signal "not ready" without realizing itWhat strategic thinking actually looks like at the VP level (and why getting more certifications won't get you there)Where to start if you've been investing in the wrong skills and didn't know itRESOURCES MENTIONEDAre You VP Ready? - free quiz: morewomenpromoted.com/quizConnect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4aWeekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletterCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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What Your Boss’ Feedback Really Means
You've been told to "be more strategic" but no one ever explains what that means. In this episode, I decode three of the most common pieces of vague promotion feedback and tell you what your boss is really saying. Newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhat your boss really means when they tell you to "be more strategic" and the three specific shifts that close the gap fastThe three drivers of executive presence you can actually control, no matter how vague the feedback feelsWhy "keep doing what you're doing" with no promotion conversation might be the most dangerous feedback you can getHow being the indispensable "go-to person" is quietly making you unpromotable, and what to do about itWhy this is a perception problem, not a talent problem, and what that means for your next moveRESOURCES MENTIONEDWeekly newsletter from Katy: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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Why Being "Too Much" Could Be Your Biggest Career Asset with Jenny Wood
If you've been told you're too much, too direct, or too ambitious, this episode is for you. I sit down with bestselling author Jenny Wood to flip three labels women have been taught to avoid and show how they actually get you promoted. Newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNThe three fears keeping ambitious women small at work, and the "spotlight effect" that fuels every one of themHow to reframe "manipulative" as building influence through empathy, plus the Monday Manifesto Jenny swears byWhy being "brutal" with your time, your words, and your priorities is the skill senior leaders are looking for in their next promotionThe GRAB framework for getting what you want in the first 90 seconds of any high-stakes meetingHow to push past imposter syndrome and stop "toning yourself down" at workCONNECT WITH JENNYJenny Wood is a New York Times bestselling author, former Google executive, and sought-after keynote speaker. Over 18 years at Google, she rose from entry-level to COO roles, led teams that drove billions in revenue, and founded Own Your Career, a program that reached 56,000 employees across 100 countries. She's been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and CNBC, and now helps leaders and teams thrive under pressure with courage, influence, and impact.RESOURCES MENTIONEDJenny Wood's book: Wild CourageJenny's free Say No guide: https://itsjennywood.com/sayno Jenny's free Get Promoted guide: https://itsjennywood.com/getpromoted Jenny's free Negotiations guide: https://itsjennywood.com/negotiations Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyilles/ Weekly newsletter from Katy: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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54
Why You Need to Leave Your Home Office and Get In the Room (With the Right People)
You've taken the courses, read the books, listened to all the podcasts, and you still feel stuck. I share why getting in the room with the right people might be the highest-ROI career move you can make, and invite you to Own the Room Summit on October 23rd: owntheroomsummit.com.In this episode, I share why proximity to the right people might be the most valuable career investment you can make right now, and how isolation could be keeping you stuck without you even realizing it. I'm also opening the doors to Own the Room Summit on October 23rd in Ottawa, a one-day leadership event built for directors and senior directors who are ready to stop being almost there. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy leadership is a practice problem, not a knowledge problem, and what that means for how you actually growThe three specific ways isolation is keeping you stuck without you even realizing itHow the right room shifts your identity, not just your skills, and why that matters more than another courseThe three things to look for when evaluating whether an event or program is actually worth your time and moneyWhy I personally invest five figures every year to be in a room with women on the other sideRESOURCES MENTIONEDOwn the Room Summit, October 23rd in Ottawa: owntheroomsummit.com Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Weekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletterCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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53
Stop Worrying About Your Non Traditional Background - Here's How to Frame It
If you've ever thought "I don't have the right background," this one's for you. I'm busting the myth of the traditional career path and showing you how to position your experience as your edge as you aim for executive roles.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why the "traditional background" for executives is mostly a mythHow a non-linear or non-traditional path can actually be a competitive advantageThe 4 shifts that help you reframe and communicate your experience with confidenceHow to connect your background to business impact so decision-makers can't ignore youA simple reframe exercise you can do right now to start seeing your experience differentlyRESOURCES MENTIONED:Want more weekly insights on getting to the executive level? Sign up for my free newsletter at morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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Why You Need a Personal Board of Directors
The higher you rise, the lonelier it gets. I'm sharing why every senior leader needs a personal board of directors and exactly how to build one. Want to talk about your options? Send me a message on Linkedin. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why strong peer networks lead to better decisions and faster growthWho should (and absolutely should not) be on your personal board of directorsWhat a peer group actually looks like in practice and how to run one that sticksHow to find or build the right group even if you're starting from scratchWhy this becomes more critical the more senior you getThe research backs this up too. Senior leaders report higher levels of isolation than anyone else in an organization. And when I ran a LinkedIn poll asking VP and C-suite women to describe their networks, the most common answer was: "I'm on an island here." That's not okay. And it's fixable.If you've been navigating the hard stuff alone, this episode is for you.RESOURCES MENTIONEDConnect with me, Katy McFee, on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a Get weekly insights from me with my newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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51
What No One Tells High Performers About Getting Promoted with Kendall Berg
If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still not moving up, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Kendall Berg, known as That Career Coach, to pull back the curtain on the unspoken rules that actually determine who gets ahead in corporate. Want more insights like this to get ahead in your career? Sign up for my weekly newsletter at morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Why your performance is only half the equation and what the other half is that most people completely missThe real reason your boss has less power over your promotion than you thinkHow "the swoop and save" is quietly working against your career advancementWhy complaining to your boss tanks your perceived potential and what to say insteadThe mindset shift that helps you stop tying your worth to your outputCONNECT WITH KENDALLKendall Berg is a career strategist, coach, and founder of That Career Coach, where she helps ambitious professionals build influence, elevate their personal brand, and position themselves for bigger opportunities at work. Through her coaching, content, and speaking, she teaches practical strategies for career growth, leadership, and navigating the corporate world with confidence. Kendall is passionate about helping people stop playing small and start creating careers they’re truly proud of.Website: thatcareercoach.net Instagram: @ThatCareerCoach_ on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTubeLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-berg-347b5a40/ Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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Should You Move to a Smaller Company to Get a Bigger Title? 3 Questions to Ask First
Not all VP titles are created equal. Before you make a move, here's how to think through whether going to a smaller company will actually accelerate your career or hold you back. Sign up for weekly career tips at morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy titles vary wildly across company size and what that means for your career trajectoryThe three conditions where moving to a smaller company for a bigger title is a smart moveHow to tell if you're avoiding the real problem instead of solving itWhat company stage you actually thrive in and why it matters as much as the title itselfHow to think about scope, not just title, when evaluating your next career moveRESOURCES MENTIONEDWeekly newsletter: morewomenpromoted.com/newsletterConnect with Katy on LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4aCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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You're Not Thoughtful. You're Indecisive. Here's the Fix.
Do you think you're being thorough but your boss sees hesitation? In this episode I break down the subtle ways indecision shows up at the director level and exactly how to fix it. DM me on LinkedIn to work together.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy the analytical strengths that got me to director level can work against you at VPThe four subtle ways indecision shows up in your daily behavior without you realizing itHow to make confident recommendations even when you don't have all the informationThe 10-10-10 framework for knowing how much time any decision actually deservesWhat ownership really looks like at the VP level and how to start demonstrating it nowRESOURCES Sign up for weekly career tips at morewomenpromoted.com/newsletter.Connect with me on LinkedIn and reach out to learn about working togetherCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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48
You Don't Have a Skill Problem. You Have a Perception Problem.
Learn the 3 most common pitfalls keeping ambitious women stuck at the director level and what to do about it. Join me at my free masterclass to get coaching and continue the conversation morewomenpromoted.com/masterclassWHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy being a high-performing executor can actually work against your promotionHow people-pleasing signals to leadership that you don't know what your priorities areWhy non-delegators accidentally communicate they're not ready for the next levelThe mindset reframe that makes it easier to let go, say no, and think biggerTangible next steps to shift how leadership perceives you starting todayRESOURCES MENTIONEDFree Live Masterclass: morewomenpromoted.com/masterclassCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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47
You're Not Broken: Why High-Achieving Women Struggle with Weight and Health with Laura Conley
Your health and your leadership are not separate things. In this episode, I sit down with weight loss coach Laura Conley to talk about why high-achieving women keep struggling with their health and what actually works. WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy knowing better doesn't mean you'll do better and the real skill most high achievers are missingThe "Chad lens" concept and how borrowing from it can help you stop asking for permission to take care of yourselfThe 3 most common health mistakes women make (and why quitting when things aren't perfect is the biggest one)Why the 80/20 rule probably isn't working for you, and what ratio actually doesHow to use "delicious dopamine" to stop stress eating and actually fill your cupRESOURCES MENTIONEDLaura Conley on Instagram: @lauraconleycoachingLaura's podcast: Free the MomsLaura's free Perfect Weight Loss Plan Playbook: lauraconley.com/plan Free health audit from Laura: DM "free" to @lauraconleycoaching on InstagramCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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46
The Interview Before the Interview: How VP Promotions Actually Happen
Most people only start preparing for a VP role once the job opens. That's too late. In this episode, I'm sharing the three things you need to do before the interview even exists so that your promotion feels like the obvious next step. Sign up for my weekly newsletter at https://insightstoactioncc.com/newsletter for more tips like this every week.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Why VP promotions are built on organizational confidence, not interview performanceHow to map and build relationships with the leaders who influence your promotionWhat it looks like to demonstrate strategic, enterprise-level thinking before you have the titleHow to shift your identity from director to VP and why it matters more than your resumeRESOURCES MENTIONEDWeekly Newsletter: https://insightstoactioncc.com/newsletterCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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45
Strategic Vulnerability: How to Build Trust Without Oversharing
How vulnerable should you actually be at work? In this episode, I'm breaking down the difference between strategic vulnerability and oversharing, so you can build trust with your team without putting your leadership brand at risk. Grab my free guide, Speak Like a VP: 10 Powerful Language Reframes, at morewomenpromoted.com/language.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:The concept of "sharing from your scars, not your open wounds" and why it changes everythingWhen sharing your feelings at work helps you, and when it actually works against youWhy leading with feelings in a business conversation can undermine your goalsHow to know who is and isn't the right person to be fully vulnerable withWhy having a trusted group outside of work is one of the most underrated leadership toolsRESOURCES MENTIONED Speak Like a VP: 10 Powerful Language Reframes: morewomenpromoted.com/language Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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44
The Exact Words to Use When Asking for Your Promotion
Waiting on a promotion that isn't happening? In this episode, I walk you through exactly what to say in two common scenarios so you can finally get the clarity and the title you've earned. Grab my free negotiation guide at morewomenpromoted.com/negotiate/ Have you been waiting on a promotion that just keeps getting delayed - or worse, was promised to you and then quietly forgotten?You're not imagining it. And you're not alone. The problem usually isn't your performance. It's that no one is having the right conversation, and that someone needs to be you.In this episode, I walk you through the exact words and strategy to use in two of the most common promotion scenarios women face: when your scope has grown but your title hasn't, and when a promotion was promised but nothing has happened.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:Why taking on increased scope is almost always the right move, and how to use it as leverage for your title bumpHow to build a side-by-side business case that makes it obvious you deserve the next levelThe exact questions to ask when a promised promotion has stalledWhy framing it as "I don't feel valued" backfires, and what to say insteadHow to create follow-up accountability so this conversation actually leads somewhereDon't leave this conversation to chance. Grab my free step-by-step negotiation guide at morewomenpromoted.com/negotiate/ and walk in prepared.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Step-by-Step Guide for Negotiating Your Next Raise - morewomenpromoted.com/negotiate/ Speak Like a VP: 10 Powerful Language Reframes - morewomenpromoted.com/language/ Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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43
The Good Girl Syndrome That's Keeping You Stuck with Lucy Gernon
If you've ever stayed late, said yes to everything, and still wondered why you're not moving up, this episode is for you. I'm sitting down with Irish executive coach and founder of 360 Leadership, Lucy Gernon, to talk about what's actually holding high-achieving women back. Spoiler: it's not your skills or your work ethic. If you're doing the work and not getting the credit, join me on March 9th for my workshop, From Invisible to Influential to learn how to create the right visibility with the right people for just $27. Register at morewomenpromoted.com/workshop/ BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Why people pleasing isn't just a personality trait. It's a childhood survival strategy that's quietly running your career decisionsHow to redefine balance as a feeling rather than a schedule, and why that shift changes everythingThe confidence move that helped one of Lucy's clients save her company $2.8 million and land a seat in strategic meetingsWhy women wait for proof before speaking up and how to start sharing your ideas with conviction before you feel readyHow to identify the non-promotable work you're doing and start saying no without guiltRESOURCES MENTIONEDFree Task Audit: morewomenpromoted.com/audit/Connect with Lucy Gernon: 360 Leadership PodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucygernon/ Website: https://www.lucygernon.com/ Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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42
Stop Waiting to Be Noticed: The 3 Types of Visibility and Why Only One Gets You Promoted
Are you working hard but still being overlooked? The problem might not be your performance; it's that no one in leadership knows the impact you're actually having. Learn how to start getting recognized at work at morewomenpromoted.com/workshop.If you're the person who works hard with your head down and waits for the right people to notice, this episode is going to hit close to home. I'm breaking down the three types of visibility that women in corporate tend to fall into, why two of them are quietly stalling your career, and what strategic visibility actually looks like in practice.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Why reactive visibility (waiting to be asked) signals that you're a great executor but not an executive-ready leaderWhy performative visibility (speaking up constantly) can actually create doubt instead of confidence in your leadershipWhat strategic visibility looks like and the specific behaviors that shift how leadership perceives youHow to influence decisions before you ever walk into the roomWhy it's not about how much you say, but whether you're shaping how your organization thinksRESOURCES MENTIONED:Recognition & Visibility Workshop on March 9: morewomenpromoted.com/workshop Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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41
3 Unconventional Rules I Used To Become A Successful Exec With ADHD
If you have ADHD or suspect you might, this episode is for you. I was diagnosed with ADHD in my 40s, after my entire corporate career. Here are the three shifts that helped me thrive as an executive with ADHD. Register for my delegation workshop at morewomenpromoted.com/delegateI spent years believing my ADHD behaviors meant I didn't belong at the table. I was always late to meetings, struggled with detailed strategy documents, and watched my neurotypical peers seem to breeze through tasks that felt impossible for me. But here's what I learned: people with ADHD often make exceptional executives.In this episode, I share my journey of getting diagnosed with ADHD at 43, why middle management is actually the hardest stage for people with ADHD, and the three specific shifts that allowed me to not just survive but thrive in executive roles.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Why people with ADHD make great executives The one weakness-focused strategy that kept me stuck and what I did instead to finally break through to VPWhy "eat the frog first" advice doesn't work for ADHD brains and what to do insteadHow to design your role and team to leverage your ADHD superpowers while delegating your weak spotsWhy middle management might be harder for you than senior leadership (and why that's actually good news)Whether you have ADHD, suspect you might, or just feel like conventional productivity advice isn't working for you, this episode will give you practical strategies to thrive in leadership.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Delegation Workshop: morewomenpromoted.com/delegateEpisode on Morning Routines - Apple | SpotifyEpisode on Delegation - Apple | SpotifyCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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40
My Perimenopause Morning Routine: Simple Changes for More Energy and Strength
I'm a big believer in human first. When you invest in the kind of human you want to be and your wellness, you also show up as a better leader. That's why I'm sharing my updated morning routine and the lifestyle changes I made to manage perimenopause symptoms naturally.If you're navigating perimenopause and feeling fatigued, noticing body composition changes, or struggling with night sweats, this episode is for you. I'm pulling back the curtain on my entire daily routine and the four key areas where I made changes to feel stronger and more energized.What You'll Learn:The specific training changes I made to build strength and improve my cardiovascular health (hint: it's not just about running more)Which adaptogens and supplements I added to reduce night sweats and manage stress naturallyMy exact morning routine including what I eat before and after workouts to support recovery and energyThe diet changes that improved my resting heart rate and heart rate variability in just one monthWhy I stopped doing certain wellness practices and what I'm focusing on instead for longevityWhether you're in perimenopause or simply looking to optimize your health in your 40s, you'll walk away with actionable strategies you can start implementing today.Resources Mentioned:Get my free weekly newsletter filled with leadership coaching and advice for women pursuing executive leadership.Have a question or want to hear more episodes like this? Let's connect on Linkedin.Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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39
3 Delegation Mistakes Keeping You From Exec Leadership (And How to Fix Them Today)
Delegation isn't a productivity hack. It's the difference between being seen as a great executor and being seen as a leader. In this episode, I break down the three lies keeping you stuck as a doer and how to shift your mindset today. Join my live workshop at morewomenpromoted.com/delegate to put this into practice.If you're still doing too much at work—even though you have a team—this episode is for you.I walk through the three lies high-performing women tell themselves about delegation, why these beliefs keep you indispensable but not promotable, and how to reframe delegation as leadership development (not dumping work). You'll also hear why men delegate more than women despite equal intentions, and what research tells us about the guilt and conditioning that holds us back.What You'll LearnThe three lies you're telling yourself about delegation (and why they're keeping you stuck as a doer)Why "it's faster if I just do it myself" is costing you your next promotionHow to stop assuming your team won't like tasks you don't like—and why that's holding them back tooThe difference between being indispensable and being promotableWhy senior leaders are judged on decisions and team performance, not executionResources MentionedJoin the From Doer to Leader: Executive Delegation System workshop to work through your task audit and learn my 3-part delegation framework 👉 https://morewomenpromoted.com/delegateListen to the previous episode: How to Choose Promotable Work to identify what you should be delegating in the first place on Apple or Spotify.Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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38
Mastering Your Leadership Mindset with Amber Deibert
Imposter syndrome isn't a flaw you need to fix. It's proof you're growing. Performance coach Amber Diebert joins me to share practical tools to rewire your thoughts, stop the mental noise, and lead with confidence.What You'll LearnWhy imposter syndrome is actually a sign of growth, not failure (and why the opposite is complacency)How to rewire negative thought patterns using neural pathways and visual remindersThe exact thought-to-result cycle that's creating your outcomes (and how to interrupt it)Why affirmations and post-it notes actually work, backed by scienceOne simple practice to start shifting your mindset tomorrowAmber walks through the science behind our thoughts and why those negative patterns feel so automatic. The good news? You can rewire them. If you've been swimming through your career with ski gear on, this episode will show you how to take it off.Here's Where You Can Find Amber DiebertThe Achievers Podcast on Apple and on SpotifyFollow Amber on LinkedInJoin her newsletter at mentalmastery.com/newsletterCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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37
How to Choose Promotable Work (and Stop Getting Stuck in Busy Work)
Being helpful won’t get you promoted. Strategic work will. In this episode, I break down how to identify promotable tasks, stop saying yes to busy work, and start making VP-level decisions. Download my free Task Audit at morewomenpromoted.com/audit.If you’re saying yes to everything at work, that might be the exact reason you’re not getting promoted.In this episode, I walk through how to identify promotable vs non-promotable work, why being the most helpful person on the team often leads to invisible effort, and how to start demonstrating VP-level judgment before you ever have the title. You’re not being selfish. You’re being strategic.What You’ll LearnWhy being the most helpful person on the team is not what gets you promotedHow I identify promotable vs non-promotable tasks in my own work and with clientsThe signals busy work sends about your leadership readinessHow to push back on low-value requests without hurting relationshipsWhy you need to make VP-level decisions before you’re ever a VPResources MentionedDownload my free Task Audit Template to see exactly where your time is going and which tasks are helping or hurting your promotion 👉 https://morewomenpromoted.com/auditCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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36
3 Things You Can Do Today to Get Noticed and Get Promoted
Visibility is often the missing link between hard work and promotion. In this episode, I share three concrete ways to get noticed and move closer to promotion. Get my free 30-Day Manager Check-In Template to start creating visibility today.If you’ve ever watched others get promoted while your hard work goes unnoticed, this episode is for you. Visibility isn’t about bragging or politics. It’s a skill you can build. I break down the most common visibility mistakes and the actions that close the gap between effort and recognition.Get the free 30-Day Manager Check-In Template here: https://morewomenpromoted.com/templateJoin the waitlist for my upcoming Visibility workshop: https://morewomenpromoted.com/workshop/What you'll learn:Why being great at your job isn’t enough to get promotedThe three visibility mistakes that keep high performers overlookedHow to share your wins without feeling awkward or braggyTwo simple habits that build recognition consistentlyHow to expand visibility beyond your manager to support promotionCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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35
Why I’m Still Hopeful About Women Getting Promoted in This Job Market
The job market feels uncertain, but promotions aren’t off the table. In this episode, I’m sharing why I’m still hopeful about women getting promoted, what I’m seeing behind the scenes, and how to think differently about your next move right now.Download my free guide 5 Simple Shifts for Strategic Thinking to start positioning yourself for senior leadership: https://morewomenpromoted.com/shifts/In this first episode of Season 2, I’m sharing a mix of personal updates, what’s coming next for the podcast, and why I’m genuinely hopeful about career growth for women — even in today’s job market.We’ll talk honestly about layoffs, AI, and uncertainty, and I’ll walk you through what I’m actually seeing happen for women who are positioning themselves intentionally for senior leadership.What You’ll LearnWhy senior leadership roles aren’t disappearing even in a volatile marketWhy blind online applications are no longer enough (and what works better)What recent promotion stories reveal about standing out right nowCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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34
How to Use Storytelling to Get Buy-In from Senior Leaders
You're smart, strategic, and full of ideas… so why aren’t they landing? In this episode, I share why storytelling is the missing leadership skill that elevates your influence and builds real trust.What you'll learn from this episode:How storytelling creates instant credibility and connectionWhy you don’t need “big stories” to be compelling and what to use insteadThe four keys to telling stories that make your message stickCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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33
Don’t Know the Answer? Here’s How to Sound Like a Leader
Have you ever been put on the spot in a meeting and asked for a decision you were not prepared to make? In this Encore episode, I walk you through why these moments can feel so uncomfortable and the exact language you can use to stay confident and credible even when you need more time to think.You will learn how to buy yourself time without losing authority, how to make a strong recommendation with incomplete information, and how to strengthen the decisiveness that senior leaders are known for.If you want support applying this in your own role, send me a DM and we can talk about what it could look like to work together.What You’ll LearnThe three reasons we struggle with on the spot decisions and how to identify your own patternWhy the leaders who seem great at thinking on their feet have actually prepared in advancePhrases you can use to sound confident while asking for more time or making a preliminary recommendationIf this episode resonated with you, share it with another woman who would benefit from these tools. The more we support each other, the more women we get into senior leadership.Remember, there is room for everyone at the table.Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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32
How to Be Heard, Get Promoted, and Stay Strategic - Even Without a Team
If you've ever wondered what coaching actually looks like behind the scenes, this episode is for you. I'm answering real questions from women in my community about annual reviews, credit-stealing coworkers, and how to think strategically when you have zero support. Have a question for me? Send me a note on Linkedin - I love hearing from you.Episode SummaryIn this Ask Katy episode, I pull back the curtain on three common career challenges I see over and over again in my coaching program and community. You'll hear how I coach women through frustrating annual reviews, peers and managers who seem to take credit for their work, and the pressure to be strategic when you're still doing everything yourself.I walk you through the exact questions to ask your manager so your next annual review reflects your true impact, how to protect your strategic ideas without damaging relationships, and how to balance high-level thinking with the tactical work on your plate. If you're a senior manager or director on the path to VP, this is a powerful window into the kind of support that helps you move faster and feel less alone.What You'll LearnThe specific questions to ask now so your annual review is clear, fair, and aligned with your goalsHow to handle coworkers or managers who seem to be taking credit for your ideas while still protecting your leadership brandPractical ways to create visibility for your work so people actually see your impactHow to act like a strategic leader even when you don't have a team yet, including how to use time blocking to protect your deep workWhy so many high-performing women feel isolated in their roles and how the right community can change thatIf this episode resonates, please share it with another woman in leadership who's working toward her next promotion. The more we support each other, the more women we'll see in VP and executive roles.Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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31
Why Relying on Your Company for Growth Is Holding You Back
Want to get paid what you're worth? Download my free guide 7 Steps to Negotiate Your Next Raise to learn the exact framework I teach women to advocate for themselves with clarity and confidence: https://morewomenpromoted.com/negotiate/Episode SummaryIf you have been waiting for your company to invest in you, this is your reminder that your development is your responsibility and your biggest competitive advantage. In this encore episode, I revisit a listener favorite that explores why relying on corporate training often slows your growth, and how taking ownership of your development is the fastest way to become VP ready. I share what high performing women do differently to move into senior leadership and why choosing to invest in yourself often unlocks the visibility, confidence, and momentum you need to advance.What You'll LearnWhy an MBA or formal program might not be the path you actually needThe difference between what companies typically offer and what truly moves your career forwardHow learning inside a community can accelerate your leadership growthThe mindset shifts that help you show up as a strategic, influential leader long before you have the titleIf this episode resonates, please share it with another woman working toward her next promotion. The more we support each other, the more women we will see in VP and executive roles.Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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30
3 Hidden Traps That Keep Smart Women From Becoming VPs
You’re delivering results but still questioning if you’re really ready for executive leadership. In this encore episode, I’ll show you why you already belong at the table and what it takes to finally believe it.You’re great at what you do. But when you look at the people at the executive table, it still feels out of reach. If you keep telling yourself “I’m just not ready yet,” this episode will show you why that story feels so real and what to do about it.In this encore episode, I break down the three hidden traps that keep smart women from going after the VP seat, the belief shift that changed everything for me, and why you don’t need more certifications or an MBA to be seen as leadership material.If you want to be seen as more strategic, grab my free guide 5 Simple Shifts for Strategic Thinking here. https://morewomenpromoted.com/shifts/What You’ll LearnWhy seeing yourself as a senior leader is often harder than doing the jobThe three traps that fuel the “I’m not ready” storyHow to separate valid feedback from biasThe belief shift that helped me finally see myself as VP materialCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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29
Stop Working Harder: The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Promoted
When you're already burning out as a director, the thought of pursuing VP can feel completely overwhelming…yet staying stuck is equally unsatisfying. If you want to make the shift without working harder, grab my free guide 5 Simple Shifts for Strategic Thinking here. In this encore episode, I’m sharing the three pivotal mindset shifts that helped me go from an exhausted, overlooked director to a confident executive so you can start leading at the level you’re aiming for.What You’ll LearnWhy being the go-to person who gets things done might actually be holding you backThe three areas you must focus on to be seen as executive materialThe weekly habit every aspiring executive needs to adoptGet my guide 5 Simple Shifts for Strategic Thinking at https://morewomenpromoted.com/shiftsCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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28
Why Access Matters: How We’re Creating More Seats at the Table for Women Leaders
Season One has been packed with practical, no-fluff tips to help women land – and thrive in – VP roles. In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest takeaways from the season, why I’m so excited about what’s coming next, and two upcoming opportunities that could transform your leadership journey: my first-ever live summit Own the Room and my year-long group program, Own Your Seat at the Table.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:The most in-demand skills women leaders are being told to build right nowHow to increase your influence and executive presence so people listen and remember youWhat’s inside the upcoming summit and how it’s designed to level up your career fastCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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27
Why Being “Too Nice” at Work Is Hurting Your Career
Being kind isn't the problem, but being too nice at work is. Learn how to use "kind candour" to grow your influence and credibility. If this feels familiar, book a call with my team and learn how I can support your leadership development.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why over-functioning and saying yes to everything keeps you stuck in support rolesThe "kind candour" framework for giving feedback that lands without damaging relationshipsHow to set boundaries and push back professionally while still being seen as collaborativeWhy avoiding difficult conversations actually hurts your leadership credibilityPractical scripts for challenging ideas and giving constructive feedbackCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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26
Want to Be Seen as Strategic? Start Doing This
Tired of being told you're "not strategic enough" without any guidance? In this episode, I walk you through the four-part model that finally breaks it down, plus a cheat sheet to help you apply it fast.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:Why “you’re not strategic enough” isn’t real feedback—and what to do insteadThe 4-part Strategic Leadership Model to start using tomorrowExactly how to bring strategic insights to the tableHow to frame your ideas so people listen and actThe one habit every aspiring VP needs to protect their timeCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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25
How to Position Yourself as VP Even If You’ve Never Been One
Want the VP title? Here’s how to position yourself as the obvious choice—whether you're interviewing or aiming for an internal promotion. Plus, take my new “Are You VP Ready?” quiz to uncover your gaps and next steps.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:The three biggest mistakes keeping women from getting VP-level offers (and how to avoid them)What hiring leaders really want to hear in your interviews and what to skipThe communication framework that helps you sound like you already have the titleA visibility system that builds trust and influence across your companyHow to speak in outcomes, not activities, to stand out at the next levelCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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24
Does It Really Matter What You Wear? The Truth About Presence at Work
Whether you're remote or in the office, your presence still speaks volumes. In this episode, I’m diving into the real impact of how you dress—and how small visual cues can shape energy, perception, and leadership presence.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why appearance still influences how you're seen, even on ZoomHow to use clothing as a confidence-boosting ritual, not a routineTiny tweaks that help you show up as the leader you want to beCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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23
You Are Worthy of Nice Things (And You Don't Need to Justify It)
Ever feel guilty spending money on yourself while freely investing in everyone else? You're not alone, and this guilt isn't protecting you—it's keeping you stuck and costing you more than you realize.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Why women are socially conditioned to put everyone else's needs first (and the surprising research behind it)The hidden costs of not investing in yourself—time, confidence, opportunities, and emotional drainHow to reframe self-investment from "selfish indulgence" to essential growth strategyThe difference between looking at cost versus value when making decisions about yourselfA simple challenge to help you take the first step toward saying yes to what you wantCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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22
The Real Reason You Keep Slipping Back Into Old Habits
You don’t need more willpower. You need better systems. In this episode, I share the 3 pillars that helped me go from overwhelmed and burned out to energized and thriving so you can make change that actually sticks.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why motivation isn't the problem and what to focus on insteadThe sneaky mindset traps sabotaging your successHow to build habits that actually align with your goalsWhat goals are you working towards? What systems have you created to help you in your day to day? Let me know - I love hearing from you!Curious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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21
How to Be Strategic Without a Team (Plus Annual Review Tips)
Today I’m answering your real-life coaching questions – from annual reviews to credit-stealing coworkers to strategic thinking with no team. If you’re craving support from people who actually get it, let’s talk about what it looks like to work together.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNThe exact questions to ask so your next annual review actually reflects your impactHow to protect your strategic ideas without losing credibilityWhat to do when you're expected to be strategic but have zero supportCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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20
The #1 Way to Build Unshakeable Confidence
Confidence isn't something you're born with - it's something you build, project, and protect. Discover why confidence matters as much as competence for career advancement and learn the proven strategies to feel confident and project it authentically.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:Why people use confidence as a proxy for competence and how this impacts promotionsThe three-step framework to build, project, and protect your confidenceHow to shift from undermining language to powerful, assertive communicationWhy the confidence gap closes over time and what this means for your careerPractical strategies to intentionally build confidence through challenging yourselfCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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19
3 Reasons You Think You're Not Executive Material (And Why You're Wrong)
Think you’re not ready for the VP seat? Think again. In this episode, I’ll help you start seeing yourself as the leader you already are.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:Why seeing yourself as a leader is often harder than being oneThe 3 most common traps that keep smart women from going after the VP seatThe belief shift and two conversations that changed everything for meCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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18
You’re Brilliant So Why Aren’t They Listening? The Missing Skill
You're smart, strategic, and full of ideas…So why aren’t they landing? In this episode, I share why storytelling is the missing skill that elevates your influence and builds real trust in leadership.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How storytelling builds instant credibility and connectionWhy “big stories” aren’t necessary—and what to use insteadThe 4 keys to storytelling that makes your message stickCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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17
Ask Katy: Demotions After Leave, LinkedIn Strategy for Beginners, and Monthly Momentum
Considering a step down after time off? Not sure where to start on LinkedIn? Feeling pulled in every direction? In this Ask Katy episode, I tackle career reentry, beginner-friendly visibility tips, and how to make real progress—one month at a time. WHAT YOU’LL LEARNHow to evaluate a lower-level role after a layoff, maternity leave, or time awayPractical, no-pressure ways to start building your presence and network on LinkedInThe “one-category” monthly method for gaining momentum without burnoutCurious what it’s like to work together? Send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram (Katy McFee) and tell me what you are working toward, and we can take it from there.Join me live in Ottawa, Canada, on October 23rd. Save your seat at owntheroomsummit.com.Not sure if you're ready for VP? Take the free assessment and find out at morewomenpromoted.com/quizRemember, there's room for all of us at the table.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Are you an ambitious woman who's been stuck at the sr. manager or director level, watching peers advance despite your consistently stellar performance? Do you find yourself drowning in back-to-back meetings, unable to carve out time for lunch, much less time for professional development? You are not alone. Breaking through to the executive level isn't about working harder—it's about transforming how others perceive your leadership.Join Katy McFee, a former tech executive and Forty under 40 winner turned leadership coach. Through her leadership programs, Forbes.com writing and keynote speaking, she's empowered hundreds of women to secure promotions and thrive in their roles. When she's not helping over 100,000 women on social media crush their career goals, she's raising 3 kids and running ultramarathons—proving that resilience isn't just a buzzword, it's a lifestyle.Each week on More Women Promoted, dive into practical strategies
HOSTED BY
Katy McFee
CATEGORIES
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