The Hidden Key to VP Promotions: Strategic Visibility

3 min read

Today, we’re tackling a topic that can feel intimidating for many ambitious leaders: building relationships with senior leaders and creating strategic visibility.

If networking feels uncomfortable or if you’ve ever hesitated to speak up in front of senior stakeholders, keep reading.

The Pitfall: Avoiding Networking and Senior Stakeholders

For many of us, networking feels awkward and forced, especially when it involves senior leaders.

You may feel intimidated speaking with executives who seem worlds ahead in their careers—or worry you’ll say the wrong thing.

So instead of leaning into these conversations, you:

Stick to people at your level where it feels safer.
Avoid networking because you “don’t know what to say.”
Hope your work will be enough to get noticed.

This is what's really happening: Your fear of discomfort is costing you opportunities.

The people who approve promotions need to know who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re ready for the next level. If they don’t, you’ll continue to be overlooked—no matter how hard you work.

Why Strategic Visibility Is a Game-Changer

I know it can feel intimidating to speak with senior leaders, but the reality is that at the executive level, you need social proof to get promoted.

The Center for Talent Innovation confirms that employees who have a sponsor are 23% more likely to advance in their careers compared to those without a sponsor.

Here’s why it matters:

1. It’s an Accelerator

Instead of doing all the hard work of selling yourself on your own, you enlist the help of others to advocate for you. When senior leaders champion your potential, doors open faster than you could ever push them alone.

2. It Compounds in Impact

Relationships aren’t just transactional—they’re long-term investments. A single relationship with the right leader can create opportunities that serve you for years, even across companies. This is one of the smartest ways to leverage your time.

3. It Gives You Social Proof

When a senior leader publicly vouches for you, it’s like getting a five-star review for your leadership. Social proof reassures decision-makers that promoting you is a smart, low-risk choice.

My favorite way of doing this is by gaining strategic visibility.

Targeting the right stakeholders, at the right time, with the right type of value.

How to Build Strategic Visibility

1. Map Your Power Network

Start by identifying the key decision-makers and influencers who have a say in promotions. This includes:

Your direct manager
Skip-level leaders
Cross-functional stakeholders

Visibility isn’t just about your boss liking you—it’s about ensuring the entire ecosystem of decision-makers sees your potential.

2. Show Up in the Right Spaces

Visibility isn’t just about being present—it’s about being present in the right places.

Are you contributing to high-profile projects that align with company priorities?
Are you visible in cross-functional meetings where senior leaders are watching?
Are you volunteering for opportunities that showcase your strategic thinking?

Every interaction is an opportunity to build your brand. Don’t wait for these opportunities, create them.

3. Build Genuine Relationships

Networking isn’t about schmoozing—it’s about creating authentic connections.

It starts by understanding how to add value.

Ask yourself: What do they care about? What are their goals, challenges, and priorities?

And then think about how to align your contributions with what they care about.

4. Reach Out and Secure Sponsors

To secure sponsors you’ll need to earn their trust by collaborating and delivering results that impact their priorities.

Once you’ve built rapport, keep them in the loop to make it easy for them to speak about your achievements.

Action Steps

Reflect: Do you have visibility with the decision-makers? Y/N
Evaluate your relationships. Think about your current sponsors or advocates. Who is actively championing you? If you don’t have any, start mapping out your power network today

Next week, we’ll dive into Developing Magnetic Executive Presence—how to command attention, inspire confidence, and become a trusted leader.

If you’re ready to level up your visibility and relationships today, reply VP and I’ll show you how.

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

Maya❤️

PS: The best leaders aren’t afraid to build connections. Let’s make sure your network works for you.