Bonnie Marcus started her corporate career at an entry-level position and worked her way up to the top of a national company by using her savvy promotion and relational skills. Her passion is now to help other women learn to be sensitive to the culture of their organization, embrace the politics, and actively and intentionally move their careers forward with a sound strategic plan. Bonnie is the author of two books, The Politics of Promotion, and her latest book, Not Done Yet!, which she dives into on this week’s episode!

Key takeaways:

• A little bit about Bonnie and how she got started in leadership coaching.
• Bonnie took on a job that she was underqualified for, but you know what, say yes and then learn as you go.
• So many women will not apply for a job they don’t think they’re qualified for. Just apply! What’s the worst that can happen?
• You not being an expert in something is actually okay! Someone’s got to start somewhere.
• What’s the difference between being “too much” vs. having executive presence?
• What made Bonnie want to leave corporate America?
• It’s absolutely doable to build your business on the side while working a career.
• How does Bonnie help women with their careers?
• Do your research about the company before you accept the job offer. Do they promote women?
• What are your expectations in terms of support from your employer?
• What’s the risk of asking for money? There isn’t. Just do it.
• Practice your negotiation skills with a friend or a coach!
• Do you have to quit your job in order to get the respect you need, especially if you were a “lower tier” worker in the very beginning?
• When Kathy had her career, she didn’t know how to advocate for herself.
• What’s Bonnie’s new book all about?
• Bonnie was SHOCKED to discover how so many women wake up worried their employer will find out their age. Ageism in the workplace is happening and women are being punished for their looks.
• Are you too old to get promoted?
• Be your badass self.
• Do women in the workplace have other women they can depend on?
• Kathy was so afraid to join a male-dominated mastermind group (they were all in their 30s), but she is so glad she did. She was embraced by different people from all walks of life that really encouraged her to succeed. It was herself putting judgments about her age onto herself, not them.
• Your limiting beliefs may be holding you back from playing all out.
• So many women think they’re “too old” to start over. You’re not!!!

Resources:

Bonniemarcusleadership.com

Bonnie on LinkedIn

Not Done Yet!: How Women Over 50 Regain Their Confidence and Claim Workplace Power, by Bonnie Marcus

Quotes:

“When doors open for you, don’t say no. It is possible to learn by doing.”

“Be your badass self. Connect with who you are, authentically, owning your story, what battles have you fought and won. You’re here now, look at all the wisdom you’ve had.”

“We’re really making strides and women supporting each other is what’s going to help us all get there.”