Why You Aren't at the Top of the Corporate Ladder

Have you ever applied for a position you were perfectly qualified for, only to hear nothing back? Have you invested months interviewing for a senior executive role, only to not receive an offer? Or have you been so close to a promotion, only to start over with one organizational change or a key sponsor leaving?

If so, you may doubt. Maybe it's the downturn in the industry, company performance, or perhaps it's your educational background, age, gender, where you are from, or how you speak English. Maybe it's your current location, or simply bad luck and timing.

The question isn't whether these circumstances hold truth—maybe they do—but rather, what do we do about it?

How do we confront the other possibility that we might not be good enough, not ready or not qualified?

I often hear people say, "I've had three director roles, and consistently exceeded expectations in performance reviews, but I'm not promoted because of ...

changes in management,

a hiring freeze,

our D&I target prioritizing women for top roles.

..."

"I've tried applying externally, but ...

executive openings aren't posted,

LinkedIn applications go unanswered,

the HR system is dysfunctional.

Even when senior roles are open, they choose internal candidates.

I feel stuck."

In these moments, the thought crosses my mind: "What if you are simply not good enough?"

This topic is so important to me because this was me before, these were my words.

And now I've witnessed many directors and managers trapped by this victim mentality, which harms more than it helps.

In this video, I addressed this issue and how I overcame it and the principle applies to employees, managers, and especially leaders.

Maybe it's not about gender, age, the way you look, sound. It might not even be about economic conditions, company dynamics, or managerial biases.

It could just be that we're not meeting the mark.

Even if biases exist, and external conditions like economic downturns or corporate changes are real— these things we can't control— so wishing for a perfect world or ideal conditions so you can reach our goal, won't serve us.

Waiting and hoping under such conditions could leave us waiting indefinitely.

Throughout my career in the construction and transportation industries, I've often found myself in situations where I'm the only woman and Asian among older, much taller, white male colleagues. During group travels, it's not uncommon for people to mistake me for the assistant of our management team. The taxi driver, hotel staff, our customers, or distributors assume I am the team assistant because they do not know who is who.

This assumption just shows, yes, biases exist in the world.

I choose to see this situation as an advantage, even a privilege.

Regardless of gender, skin color, or background, everyone faces both advantages and disadvantages.

For instance, in the construction industry, where most of my colleagues are seasoned mechanical engineers with over 20 years of experience, I've been fortunate. They've generously shared their insights about business, products, competitors, dealers, customers, partners, and stakeholders—insights they perhaps wouldn't share as freely with colleagues who are just like them.

One reason for their openness could be that they don't see me as a threat and genuinely want to help me succeed.

Instead of being upset about not being promoted because I look too young or too old, not being hired for not being American or French, focus on what you can control.

Even if you now conduct a deep-dive analytics, and with facts and figures, you can confirm that you have disadvantages, now what? what's next?

Simply proving obstacles won't change them.

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6 Steps to Advance to a Senior Leadership Role for Higher Impact and Income (Even If There Is No Opportunity)

One member of my coaching program, a French leader in his 40s living in Sweden, faced setbacks in his career for years. After joining the program, he focused on his development and things he could change, just within five months, he secured a top leadership position in a prestigious Swedish organization, transitioning from an individual contributor to leading a team of hundreds.

Here's the thing: he never blamed not speaking Swedish for not getting hired. He didn't make it about his age or setbacks in his career. Despite his organization's challenges—sponsors leaving and limited job openings, even rejections —he never let these reasons slow him down.

Consistently attending coaching sessions, he asked questions, took action, and each week delved deeper, learning from wins and mistakes. Five months later, he turned things around and reached his career goal. His success wasn't about luck, timing, age, or the economy—it was inevitable because he mastered his skills to an undeniable level.

Watch his full story here

In every situation, we have choices. We can blame external factors and stay stagnant, right about why we're not successful. Or, we can choose to succeed regardless.

So, was the economy in his favor? No. Did being French help him get an executive position in Sweden? Not really. Did he regret past career choices that couldn't be changed? Yes. Did he face rejections? Absolutely.

But did he achieve what he set out to do anyway? Absolutely.

If you find yourself feeling disadvantaged or facing biases, start with these questions. What would it take for me to become so outstanding that senior leaders are willing to invest in me? What would it take to become a Vice President? How could I be so good that I am worth a 55% pay raise? How do I consistently become the top choice for a CIO position?

Instead of asking "Why me?", ask yourself "What would it take?"

No one benefits from making excuses. Accepting excuses only holds you back, whether it's blaming bias, downturns, or circumstances beyond your control like your gender, age, nationality, or location for your lack of success.

How empowering it is to realize there are actions you can take to change your situation!

Focus on improving yourself—whether it's strengthening your personal branding, enhancing your networking skills, or crafting compelling narratives that showcase your leadership potential.

I am not saying biases and external challenges like timing and luck is not important—they exist.

Choose to succeed despite these challenges.

At the end of the day, your success is 100% dependent on who you become and the actions you take.

Wishing that all the conditions are right so you can be successful won't help you achieve your goals.

Instead, ask yourself, "What would it take? Who do I need to become?" Take control of what you can change—yourself.

The world is unfair, but focusing on self-improvement in communication, influence, branding, and stakeholder engagement is within your power.

There are countless examples of leaders who have achieved success despite significant disadvantages. Take Leena Nair, CEO of Chanel, for instance—she broke barriers in the luxury industry despite her unconventional background. Many of my former colleagues also serve as role models, succeeding despite challenging circumstances.

Yes, achieving success requires more of you when you face hurdles like language barriers or gender biases.

It's not impossible— just the bar is higher.

Reflecting on my own journey as a Vice President in Sweden's top companies, I know my accomplishments haven't always received the recognition they deserve.

If my circumstances were different—gender, ethnicity, education, or language —I might have had an easier path. But I didn't let that stop me or even slow me down.

It's easier to blame external factors like family responsibilities or industry challenges for stagnation.

Instead, challenge yourself with questions like, "What would it take for me to become so outstanding that promotion becomes inevitable?"

If you are serious about advancing your career to the senior executive level and want to ensure that your next move is fulfilling, submit your application to the 1% Academy program.

Once your application is accepted, you will have a free strategy call with either me or one of my team members.

On the call, you can learn how to:

• Identify and understand what's not working for you
• Get personalized advice from someone who has achieved what you want to do.
• Learn what it takes to reach your career goals by the end of the year.

Book a free strategy call.