How I Bombed My First Promotion (And What It Taught Me)

Don't wait- Write your own story

Two clients got promoted this week, which reminded me of my spectacularly awkward journey to management.

Picture this: A year out of business school, I happened upon my resume from my first job with the hiring executive's feedback scrawled across the top: "Smart and Cheap." Nothing says "executive potential" quite like being someone's budget hire at under $40K, right?

But hey, I was learning! Unfortunately, I was also developing some career-limiting habits that would bite me later.

Lesson 1: Write Your Own Damn Promotion Story

My first Google promotion came with a backhanded compliment that still makes me cringe: "Congratulations! Just so you know, I had to completely rewrite your promotion package."

For years, I'd put my head down and worked hard while layers of management piled up above me. Instead of fighting for a seat at the table, I waited to be "chosen" like some corporate Cinderella.

My boss saved me, but I'd made her do all the heavy lifting. Not cool.

The fix: Performance reviews aren't about bragging—they're about making your manager's job easier when they have to defend you in calibration meetings.

Pro tip: Start with a killer one-liner that captures your impact. Think tagline, not novel. "The person who turned our mess of a launch into our biggest revenue driver" beats "I worked really hard on several projects."

Lesson 2: People Aren't Mind Readers

My second leadership move went completely differently. I worked with a coach to get crystal clear on what I wanted, which made networking useful and productive me and the other person.

By the time the perfect internal role was posted, three people reached out to tell me about "my job." Night and day difference from hoping someone would notice me.

The fix: People want to help, but you need to give them something specific to work with.

Pro tip: Create a simple networking script:

• Who you are (brief!)

• What you're excellent at

• What you want next

• Your specific ask (advice, introductions, feedback)

Lesson 3: The Employee Who Schooled Me

As a new manager, I had a high performer who completely changed my perspective. During a 1:1, they looked me dead in the eye and said, "I'm motivated by status and money."

My first thought: Who says that out loud?!

My second thought: This person is brilliant.

Honestly, they were kind and hard working so this wasn't abrasive, it was bold. Their honesty made my job so much easier. High-visibility projects + finding extra compensation wherever possible = one happy, productive employee.

The fix: Your manager can't guess what drives you. Be clear about your motivators.

Pro tip: Schedule a career conversation outside performance review season. Even if you're not 100% sure what you want, having a rough plan beats having no plan.

Stop Waiting for Your Fairy Godmother

Your manager isn't sitting around trying to decode your career dreams. They have their own job to do.

Stop waiting for people to hand you gold stars. Find your voice, advocate for yourself, and remember: you are your own fairy godmother.

✨Now go make some magic happen.