Executive Track with Faith Abiodun

There are biases and preceptions that we hold about other people that influence how we relate to them. In the corporate environment, these could have severe implications for our chances in hiring, promotions and appointments. How do you show up? What do people think about you? How could you compensate for those things that might not always work in your favour?

Many of us cringe at the prospect of self promotion, for various reasons: it feels wrong, boastful and arrogant. Maybe you just feel better about letting your work speak for itself. But there's a difference between shameless self promotion and purposeful self promotion; the difference between bragging and branding. In this podcast, I share tips for understanding the value of purposeful self promotion and how to do it.

Many employees freak out when they hear about managing up, or managing upwards. It sounds like one of those "kissing up" schemes or a silly attempt by someone to make you spend more unwanted time with your boss. Actually, the Wall Street Journal describes managing up as "an ability that can shape your career more than almost any other". The article goes on to say that many employees don't know how to do it, but I'll venture to say that many don't know why to do it. This podcast gets through the why and the how and provides some helpful questions to ask your manager during your next lunch break. Happy upward managing!

New entrants into the corporate environment are often advised to be more interested in the character of their boss than in the name of their company. They say that the right manager can accelerate your career path and the wrong manager can ruin you, but how many of us will ever be fortunate enough to choose our bosses? Is it possible to still get the best out of every job even if your manager is not the mentor from your dreams? How can you cultivate champions in the workplace and navigate the dreaded office politics? Luckily, I've been there and I'm here to share my insights.

In this first episode, I share about my first experience as a corporate employee, working as a reporter at The Guardian Newspapers in Lagos, Nigeria. Coming into the fast-paced world of professional journalism was a jolt of reality for someone hoping to have an impact on the world. I saw in my boss, Mr Paul Okunola, the picture of whom I would like to be as a manager - calm under pressure and always composed. Journalism toughened me up and I continue to practice some of the lessons that I learned in those early days.