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Have you ever wondered why working hard and being excellent isn't always enough to get noticed at work, especially if you're aiming for a leadership role? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we explore why self-advocacy is the secret ingredient to career advancement—and how not speaking up can leave you overlooked, no matter your achievements.

In today's show, I’m joined by Rosie Zilinskas, a certified high performance coach, Colby consultant, and former Fortune 500 executive vice president. Rosie’s own journey through the corporate ranks brought her face to face with the reality so many mid-career women encounter: results and dedication alone don’t guarantee recognition or promotion. After enduring a difficult divorce and becoming the sole provider for her young children, Rosie doubled down on her work ethic—only to watch others move ahead while she waited to be noticed. The breakthrough came when a senior executive told her, “You never said anything,” and this sparked a powerful realization about the importance of communicating your ambitions.

This episode is packed with insights and stories about:

• Why excellence alone isn’t enough for career advancement
• The necessity of vocalizing your ambitions and goals at work
• Key strategies to self-advocate and communicate your value
• How generational and gender differences affect workplace perceptions
• Handling feedback: turning criticism into growth fuel
• The four main barriers women face when seeking promotion (worthiness, popularity, skills, visibility)
• Actionable preparation tips for meetings, interviews, and networking events
• Overcoming emotional inhibitors and reframing limiting beliefs
• The role of self-awareness in building confidence and driving your career forward

Rosie delivers practical advice for anyone wanting to take ownership of their professional development, push past self-imposed obstacles, and show up confidently—no matter where you are in your journey. If you’re ready to stop waiting to be chosen and start actively building a career you love, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need.

Tune in now and discover how speaking up for yourself truly changes your journey.

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