How To Master The Art Of Self-Promotion

Today, we’re diving deeper into one of the most misunderstood and avoided steps: self-promotion.

If the thought of self-promotion makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Many ambitious leaders resist it because they fear being seen as pushy. Instead, they stick to the familiar: working harder and hoping someone notices.

But here’s the reality:

Invisible people don’t get promoted

Most of us have been conditioned to think our work should speak for itself. You’ve been told: “Stay humble, and good things will come.”

But how many times have you delivered stellar results, only to watch someone else get the opportunity you deserved?

Here’s why:

1. The Wrong Assumptions

   You assume people know how much value you bring. But the truth is, most stakeholders don’t see what happens behind the scenes. In fact my rule of thumb is to assume: “If I didn’t share it, they don’t know”. If you’re not consistently making your contributions visible, they’ll never connect your results to your leadership potential.

   
   

2. Fear of Being Labeled

   You’re afraid of being seen as arrogant or self-serving. But effective self-promotion isn’t about bragging—it’s about storytelling. It’s about connecting your work to the company’s bigger goals and showing how you’re the solution.

   
   

3. No Systematic Approach

   Self-promotion feels awkward because most people do it sporadically and reactively, rather than building it into their routine. The best executives turn self-promotion into a skill—a consistent, comfortable part of their daily leadership.

The truth about self-promotion

You don’t have to act like a creepy car salesman to sell yourself.

In fact, the most successful executives make self-promotion feel natural and impactful. The key? Do it strategically and intentionally.

1. Show Value, Not Just Actions

Too often, I see professionals list achievements like a résumé—“I did this, I completed that.” But stakeholders don’t just care about what you did; they care about the value behind it.

If you don’t connect the dots, decision-makers won’t either.

Why this works: By framing your contributions in terms of business impact, you’re not just sharing what you did—you’re showing why it mattered.

Action step: Before your next presentation or interaction ask yourself - "so what?" Why does it matter to them? And share your ideas taking into account their perspective.

2. Create “Mini Promotion” Moments

Self-promotion isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. Waiting for formal reviews or big presentations means missing countless opportunities to reinforce your leadership.

Every interaction—meetings, emails, casual conversations—is a chance for you to highlight progress, share insights, and position yourself as a strategic leader.

If you can consistently articulate your impact, you’ll stay top of mind for promotions and high-level opportunities.

Why this works: It removes the pressure of “big moments” and normalizes self-promotion as part of your leadership style. Think of “mini promotions” every day.

Action step: Start your one-on-ones with a win to make sure your manager sees your success. Plus, use meeting introductions as an opportunity to share a strategic success story.

3. Sell Your Future, Not Just Your Past

Great self-promotion is more than listing your past accomplishments. You become the obvious choice when you can sell your future potential.

When you position yourself as someone who can shape strategy, solve bigger problems, and create long-term impact, you move from being seen as a strong performer to a future leader.

Why this works: It shows your potential to create even more impact at the next level. Employers want to know you can handle bigger challenges.

Action step: Understand the company’s long term goals and align your future contribution with their long term vision.

Still not convinced self-promotion is a must? Here is a real truth bomb for you:

You my friend are selling yourself every day with your behavior, your actions and your words.

The real question is: Are you doing it well?

Action Steps

Take 10 minutes to reflect:

1. How often do you advocate for yourself, and with whom? (Can you list at least 3 times where you shared your success in the past month?)

2. What is really holding you back from self-promotion? Be honest—what comes to mind when you think about it?

Next week we’ll tackle Building Strategic Visibility: The Formula to Relationships That Get You Promoted.

This is where you’ll learn how to leverage the right connections and ensure you’re seen as the obvious choice for VP.

If you can use some support, reply "VP" and I’ll show you how to make self-advocacy a natural part of your day to day.

I believe in you, and I’m rooting for you

Maya ❤️

PS: Self-promotion is the bridge between where you are today and where you want to go. Let’s make it your superpower.