This will cost you your promotion
Sam was exceptional at her job.
She delivered results, met every deadline, and was the go-to person for solving complex problems.
But when an exciting leadership opportunity opened up, she wasn’t even considered.
“It’s not FAIR!”
Her resentment, frustration, and anger built as she watched as a colleague—less experienced but well-connected—secure the role.
What Sam didn’t understand was that
Why Hard Work Alone Isn’t Enough
Sam had spent years believing that success was a simple equation:
Work hard.
Deliver results.
Get rewarded.
But the workplace doesn’t operate on logic alone.
Decisions are made by people.
And people promote, support, and advocate for those they know, trust, and have strong relationships with.
Sam had unknowingly isolated herself.
She kept her head down, avoided office politics, and focused solely on performance—assuming that results would speak for themselves.
But in the moments that mattered—when leadership discussed promotions, when big projects were assigned—her name wasn’t in the room.
How she turned it around
When Sam recognized this, she made a shift.
She didn’t become someone she wasn’t.
She didn’t play office politics.
Instead, she started intentionally building relationships.
→ She connected with colleagues beyond work transactions.
→ She contributed to discussions, even when they weren’t directly related to her role.
→ She built trust with decision-makers—not by seeking favors, but by being present and engaged.
Over time, things changed.
Her work was no longer just seen—it was valued.
She was included in key conversations.
She was no longer invisible.
And when the next big opportunity came, she wasn’t overlooked.
She was chosen.
Are Weak Relationships Holding You Back?
Take a moment to ask yourself:
→ Do decision-makers truly know and trust you?
→ Are you actively building relationships, or just executing tasks?
→ Who in your organization is advocating for your success?
Talent and hard work matter.
But relationships determine how far that talent will take you.
Success isn’t just about what you do.
It’s about who knows you, trusts you, and supports your growth.
If you’ve been neglecting relationships, now is the time to change that.
Because in the end, careers aren’t built in isolation.
They’re built through connections.
Are you ready to start building yours?
-Natalie
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝟮 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲:
1. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 : Our next cohort is tentatively scheduled for July 2025. If you’re interested to get the guidance, insight, clarity, accountability and support to be in the driver's seat of your life, DM me.
2. 𝟭:𝟭 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: I work with a highly select group of senior leaders to help them create the success and happiness they want in their careers and personal lives. This program is currently full, DM me if you’re interested to take one of our last 2 openings for May.
👋🏻 Say hello and connect
