In this episode, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern tackle one of the most persistent career myths women are given: “If you work hard, you’ll be noticed.”
Women consistently deliver results, solve complex problems, and carry disproportionate organisational load. Yet many stall because their contribution is not seen, understood, or attributed at decision-making tables.
This conversation reframes self-promotion as a leadership skill, not a personality trait. The focus is not on bravado, personal branding theatre, or talking louder. It’s about learning how to name your work, connect it to outcomes, and position your contribution in ways that support teams, stakeholders, and organisational goals.
What this episode covers
Why merit alone does not drive progression
How women are socialised to disappear behind the work
The difference between self-promotion and strategic positioning
How to talk about your contribution without centring ego
Ways to elevate team and stakeholder impact while building your own credibility
Who this episode is for
Women leaders whose work is relied on but rarely credited
Women moving into broader scope or senior roles
Leaders who want their contribution to be understood at the right level
Managers who want to build fairer visibility systems, not louder workplaces
If this episode was useful, there are three simple ways to go further:
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If this resonated, share it with a colleague, manager, or friend who might need it. Leadership is shaped by what we notice, name, and talk about.
