Alison explains how "status" (how much others respect you) is more foundational than power for career success, and why it comes from demonstrating two qualities simultaneously: warmth and assertiveness. She shares the McKinsey moment that taught her self-promotion works even for the unqualified, her "add don't subtract" principle for showing both dimensions without changing who you are, and the "collecting no's" exercise that proves people say yes far more than we assume.

Why you should listen: If you've been told you lack "executive presence" or been called "too aggressive" when you finally spoke up, this conversation offers a research-backed framework for building genuine influence without performing someone else's version of leadership.

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