Mary had always been proud of her career. She’d progressed quickly up the corporate ladder, often through taps on the shoulder.

It had been ages since she’d had to apply for a role.

Work was busy, and she was achieving good results

But recently, she’d been feeling frustrated.

She wasn’t getting the same opportunities she once had.

It didn’t help that many of her old mentors were starting to retire and opt out of corporate life.

She desperately wanted to get the momentum back in her career.

Every day I speak to smart, talented and accomplished executives who tell me they are frustrated because their career has stalled.

One of the key reasons why this happens is because they haven’t taken charge of their careers.

They’ve also neglected their personal brand and networks, which means they have a limited online presence and industry profile.

Often it is fear and/or comfort that keeps you from building your brand and claiming your space as a leader.

But by remaining a hidden gem, you are unintentionally sabotaging your career.

You see, people get promoted to the top jobs not because they’re technically competent – that’s a given – but because they are considered leaders in their field.

As you show up and demonstrate your expertise consistently, you start to build your brand and visibility and increase your influence.

When you have influence at work and in your industry, you can make a bigger impact and get important things done more easily.

As a result, you get more recognition, get promoted, and are paid more.