Episode 265: Do you actually know the job you're pursuing?

Most people think they're stuck because the market is crowded or the timing is bad. But there's a more uncomfortable reason promotions keep slipping past otherwise strong leaders.   It has nothing to do with effort, ambition, or even qualifications. It's about a blind spot that shows up long before interviews start, and quietly disqualifies people without them realizing it.   Once you see it, you can't unsee it.   And it explains why the same roles keep going to the same types of candidates. I covered this in this 18-min episode.   P.S. If April 2026 is your target for a Sr Dir, VP, or C-Suite offer, this is the strategy session that makes it possible. This Masterclass is live-only, no replays. Register here → https://www.intelle.us/masterclass-registration   FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected]    

"Stella, should I have to do all this to land VP or C-Suite roles? I have never had to do this to land any other roles in my career. Also my current VP didn't have to deliver any record breaking results to land VP, so why should I?" In today's podcast, I address this concern for those interested in an internal promotion to a senior leadership role. FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected]

Most people think external promotions happen coincidentally ie, a lucky break, a well-timed connection, a boss who "just" reached out. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what actually happens behind every real skip-level leap.   If you've ever wondered, "Does it really take all that to land the role?", this conversation gives you the honest answer.   Click to listen FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected]

People ask me all the time: "Stella, what are your thoughts on AI?"   Until now, I've stayed quiet. And it's not because I didn't have an opinion (I have lots of opinions on lots of things I choose to stay quiet on ;-) )   It's because I don't speak on topics until I've done my own thinking first.   In my next message, I'm sharing my unfiltered answer about AI, leadership, and what it actually means for your career.   If you care about staying relevant, promotable, and impossible to overlook in the next decade, you'll want to listen to this.   FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected]

But did you know that investing 3-5 hours on some highly strategic activities could lead you to create a wildly disproportionately successful 2026? FInd out how top 1% execs close out their year for a high achievement 2026 ahead! FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected]

Interested in catching replays to the recently concluded Catapult Your Career Bootcamp? Click here to catch the sessions.   https://www.intelle.us/replay-registration-1   FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected]

We are approaching the end of the year. Is your career "catapulting"? What are you goals for your career in 2026 and why? How are you planning to get started to achieve your career goals in the next few months? Catch the first session of our recently concluded Catapult Your Career Bootcamp where we covered this.  FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected] Text: 949-519-4554

People are often surprised when they find out I rarely give book recommendations. It's not because I don't read or value learning. There's a deeper reason; one that might shift how you think about growth, readiness, and real progress.   Let's talk about it in today's episode. FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected] Text: 949-519-4554

A close friend, who is highly accomplished, said to me recently, "I just don't know if I still have the same fire I used to have."   We were remembering those early-career years; the long nights, the hustle, the drive.   Now, with families, aging parents, and full lives, that same fire feels harder to find.   But maybe it's not gone.   Maybe it just needs a different kind of fuel.   I recorded an entire podcast on it. If you have found it challenging to find that next gear to achieve your next level, be it VP or C-Suite, this one's for you!   FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected] Text: 949-519-4554

You're leading, achieving, showing up for everyone and running on fumes. In this episode, we unpack why being stretched thin isn't strength, it's depletion, and how redefining wellbeing as infrastructure changes everything. FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http://cycprogram.com) GET IN TOUCH Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellaodogwu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_intelle/ Email: [email protected] Text: 949-519-4554