The Key To Career Growth In 2025

Look alive in 2025. Thrive in 2025. Pick your own rhyme! Whatever you choose, it’s time to make this year your most successful yet.

Many of us are stepping into the new year feeling a mix of excitement and pressure. January—what feels like the longest month of the year—can be overwhelming. You may have returned from a holiday break only to be met with a flood of emails, project deadlines, and performance reviews. Perhaps you're eyeing a new opportunity, but uncertainty is holding you back.

No matter where you stand, one thing is clear: career growth doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when you take intentional steps. This month, we’re tackling how to position yourself for career success—from internal promotions to external job opportunities, and the mindset shifts you need to make it happen.

We tackled this in our live session that was well attended and lots of interaction

Here's the replay if you'd rather watch it.

LinkedIn live

Rethinking Career Progression

Many of us have been conditioned to think of career advancement as climbing a ladder—one step at a time, always upwards. But in today’s world, that model is outdated. Instead, consider the career lattice—an interconnected web of opportunities that includes lateral moves, skill-building, and strategic positioning to make you a more valuable asset in the long run.

If you’re feeling stuck because there’s no immediate upward movement in your company, think about:

? Lateral moves that expand your skill set

? Cross-department collaborations that build visibility

? Regional opportunities that broaden your network

You are not limited to one path. Expand your view, and new opportunities will emerge.

Positioning Yourself for Growth Inside Your Organization

Whether you’re looking for a promotion or simply want to set yourself up for future opportunities, visibility is key.

How to Work More Visibly & Strategically:

?? Create a Career File – Track your accomplishments, key contributions, and the stakeholders who matter in your company.

?? Identify Your Advocates – Build relationships beyond your direct manager. Get to know talent leads, learning and development teams, and senior leaders.

?? Take Initiative – Speak up in meetings, volunteer for projects, and be the person who raises their hand for leadership opportunities.

?? Don’t Wait Until You’re “100% Ready” – Studies show that men apply for jobs when they meet 60% of the criteria, while women wait until they meet 100%. Put yourself forward before you think you're ready.

Your work alone will not always "speak for itself." People must know you and see your contributions in action.

What If There’s No Room to Grow?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, there’s no immediate next step available in your current company. Maybe the person ahead of you isn’t leaving anytime soon, or leadership isn’t recognizing your efforts. What can you do?

? Expand Laterally – Gain new experiences in a different department or region.

? Pursue External Growth – Sometimes, leaving a company is the best way to advance. Explore new roles while keeping strong relationships intact for future opportunities.

? Keep Building Your Network – Your next opportunity may come from a referral, so cultivate relationships before you need them.

As I always say: Know them before you need them.

Applying for External Roles? Here's What You Need to Know

If you're looking for opportunities outside your company, strategic preparation is essential.

Before You Apply:

?? Optimize Your Resume – Use ChatGPT or AI tools to refine your wording and ensure you're hitting key job description criteria.

?? Research the Organization & Hiring Team – Follow key people on LinkedIn, read about the company culture, and reference their successes in interviews.

?? Leverage Referrals – A personal introduction vastly increases your chances of getting an interview.

During the Interview:

?? Control the Narrative – Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs; it’s a story of your value, adaptability, and leadership potential.

?? Show Personality – Hiring managers are looking for a person, not just a skillset. Share insights, enthusiasm, and your unique perspective.

?? Prepare, Prepare, Prepare – Research the company’s latest achievements, industry trends, and potential challenges to stand out.

The Role of Confidence & Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs

One of the biggest career roadblocks isn’t a lack of skills—it’s self-limiting beliefs.

?? “I don’t have enough experience.” ?? “The person ahead of me isn’t leaving, so I’m stuck.” ?? “I’m too late to make a change.”

Wrong! The opportunities are there—but you must believe in yourself first.

If you’ve been passed over for a promotion or feel stuck, ask yourself:

? What additional skills or experiences do I need?

? Am I networking with the right people?

? Have I expressed my career ambitions clearly to leadership?

No one is going to tap you on the shoulder and hand you success. You must take the steps to create it.

Final Thought: Take Charge of Your Career in 2025

Your career is like a boat on a river. You can either: Steer it with purpose, making strategic choices that guide you to success. Or let the tide carry you aimlessly, hoping for the best.

Which will you choose?

This year, take control. Network, build visibility, develop new skills, and don’t wait until you feel 100% ready.

Your future is yours to shape. ??

Join the Conversation

What’s your biggest career goal for 2025? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss how you can make it happen!

?? Want More Leadership & Career Insights? ?? Make sure to follow me for regular tips on confidence, leadership, and career advancement.

?? Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and success! ??