What if we reframed our dislike of office politics and saw it instead as a way to help our teams get the recognition they deserve?

In complex organizations, politics and strategic networking aren’t distractions. They’re often the hidden drivers of influence, credibility, and career growth.

In this episode of Let’s Talk, People, Emily sits down with Audrey Greenberg Venture Partner and Chair of Business Development at Mayo Clinic, to explore how leaders can navigate politics with integrity, build meaningful networks, and advocate for themselves and their teams.

Together, they unpack why sponsorship outpaces mentorship, how to “pre-wire the room” before decisions, and what it takes to balance transparency with influence when the stakes are high.

Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, championing a rising star, or working to break silos, this episode will reshape how you view politics at work and reveal why relationships may be your most powerful leadership tool.

Timestamps: 

• [00:08:03] Sponsors, mentors, and visibility – Audrey and Emily unpack why career growth requires mentors (guidance), sponsors (advocacy when you’re not in the room), and intentionally created visible moments so your work isn’t left to chance.
• [00:19:29] Negotiating from abundance, not scarcity – Practical negotiation guidance: lead with gratitude, present evidence/benchmarks, ask for shared-success outcomes, and consider levers beyond immediate cash (equity, review cadence, bonus).
• [00:23:05] Beyond salary: creative levers of recognition – A focused discussion on alternatives to immediate pay increases: equity, title changes, flexibility, PTO, and other levers that can retain and recognize people (and often cost less than cash).
• [00:31:07] You can be both human and high-performing – Audrey challenges the myth that you have to choose between being human or high-performing, showing how presence and performance actually fuel each other.

Access the episode transcript.

Join the Conversation: This year we’re taking audience questions! Send in your toughest people management and leadership challenges, and we’ll anonymize them and tackle them in an upcoming episode. Email Abigail on our Let’s Talk, People team with your situation as a written note or voice memo to [email protected].

Connect with Emily Frieze-Kemeny on LinkedIn and Instagram or explore her work through AROSE Group’s website.

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