The Hidden Tax of Success
Why Your Corporate Climb Is Costing You More Than You Think I’ve met leaders who can negotiate multi-million-dollar deals, deliver quarterly wins under pressure, and command boardroom attention with ease… But when it comes to their own financial wellness? They’re drowning. And when you ask why they’re carrying so much weight? They say the same […]
The Loyalty Trap: When Being a Team Player Costs You the Promotion
Let’s talk about a hard truth no one wants to admit: Being loyal can cost you. Not because loyalty is bad.Not because your team doesn’t appreciate you.But because sometimes, loyalty becomes a trap—one that keeps high-performing leaders stuck, overlooked, and under-leveraged. If you’ve ever heard, “We just can’t afford to lose you in this role right now,”—this […]
Why Smart Leaders Get Stuck: The 5 Success Behaviors That Hold You Back
I’ve seen it happen dozens of times. A high-potential leader—smart, driven, capable—is praised at every performance review. They’re told they’re “on track,” “full of promise,” “a future star.” And then… nothing. No promotion. No big leap. No table-shifting opportunity. Why? Because it’s not always obvious what’s holding leaders back. Sometimes, it’s not a lack of talent or […]
From Presence to Power: How Senior Leaders Can Evolve from Commanding the Room to Owning the Table
I’ve seen leaders walk into a room and own it. Sharp words. Strong presence. Heads turn. People listen. But then… nothing changes. No decisions get made. No direction is shifted. No trust is deepened. Why? Because commanding the room and owning the table are not the same. Commanding the room gets attention.Owning the table drives outcomes. If you’re a senior leader […]
Why Excellence Isn’t Always Rewarded—And What to Do About It
I’ve watched brilliant leaders—strategic thinkers, change agents, team builders—deliver extraordinary results year after year… Only to get passed over. Meanwhile, someone with less impact but more visibility walks away with the promotion. Why does this keep happening? Because in executive leadership, excellence alone doesn’t guarantee elevation. And until you understand why—and how to navigate it—you […]
The Leadership Trap: When “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough
I once had a colleague who led a team through a brutal year—budget cuts, layoffs, and back-to-back crises. He kept morale up.He hit his numbers.He delivered results that most leaders would call a win. And yet, in his performance review, his CEO said: “You’re doing good work. But I just expected…more.” More? That vague, impossible […]
Leadership Legacy Over Titles: How to Lead With Lasting Impact
I once met a man who had three degrees, five promotions, and a corner office. But when he left the organization, no one talked about his leadership. They talked about how relieved they were. It hit me like a brick: Titles don’t equal legacy.Impact does. You can climb the ladder and still leave nothing behind. Or […]
The Real Reason Leaders Rise or Stall: How Strategic Sponsorship Will Change Your Career
I’ve seen two people walk into an organization at the same time with the same talent, the same work ethic, and the same hunger to lead. Five years later?One is on the executive track.The other is frustrated, underpaid, and invisible.What made the difference? It wasn’t just hard work. It wasn’t more degrees, longer hours, or nicer […]
Executive Presence Without Compromise: How to Lead Authentically and Powerfully
I remember the first time I was told I needed to “check” my executive presence. I was the only Black man in the room. I was leading well, driving outcomes, and getting results. But after a high-stakes meeting, a senior executive pulled me aside and said, “You’re doing great, but… you could work on your […]
The Legacy Conversation: Why Today’s Decisions Define Tomorrow’s Reputation
A few weeks ago, I met with a senior executive in the healthcare industry. She was dealing with a high-stakes decision—one that would impact staffing, budgets, and patient care. She looked me in the eye and asked:“What’s the right move?” I told her what I tell every leader I coach: The right move is the […]