The job market is more competitive than ever these days, and advocating for your career goals is essential for growth and success. We
asked experts to share one strategy they used to advocate for themselves and their career goals within an organization — and examples of when this helped them achieve a desired outcome. Learn how to effectively communicate and pursue your professional aspirations.
- Deliver Results Before Communicating Goals
- Frame Contributions as Impactful Narratives
- Align Personal Goals with Organizational Priorities
- Build a Personal Brand for Recognition
- Demonstrate Business Impact Through Growth Plans
- Initiate Regular Check-ins with Management
- Create a Business Supporting Life Goals
- Track and Share Tangible Impact
- Pair Aspirations with Proven Performance
- Back Innovative Ideas with Solid Structure
- Communicate Long-term Vision Proactively
- Take Initiative to Demonstrate Leadership Potential
- Present Data-backed Cases for Impact
- Ask Confidently and Back with Results
Deliver Results Before Communicating Goals
One strategy I’ve always relied on is clear, consistent visibility through results — not noise. I don’t believe in over-communicating my goals. Instead, I let my execution speak first, then I document and communicate the outcome clearly to the right people at the right time. In the early days of my business, when we were trying to secure critical partnerships with local hospitals, I took the initiative to build a pilot collaboration model that we hadn’t even been asked for. I knew it aligned with our mission and long-term vision.
I didn’t wait for permission — I just ensured it worked. Once we had data from that pilot showing reduced readmission rates and improved patient outcomes, I presented it. That single proactive move didn’t just open the door for formal partnerships — it also reinforced our value proposition and fast-tracked our position in the local recovery network.
If you want to advocate for yourself, show up with proof, not just potential. Lead with solutions, not requests. In any organization — even one you build from scratch — your ability to tie your goals to measurable impact is what earns respect and momentum.
Andy Danec
Owner, Ridgeline Recovery LLC
Frame Contributions as Impactful Narratives
I’ve found that strategic storytelling is my most powerful self-advocacy tool. Instead of just showcasing metrics, I frame my contributions as narratives that demonstrate both business impact and psychological insight.
When I transformed CC&A from a website design firm into a
full-service marketing agency in the early 2000s, I didn’t just pitch management on the potential revenue increase. I created a presentation showing how each new service addressed specific client pain points I’d personally observed, backed by behavioral psychology research. This approach not only secured buy-in but positioned me as the natural leader for our expanded offerings.
The key is connecting your individual contributions to larger organizational objectives through evidence-based storytelling. When speaking at an international delegation to Cuba, I prepared by identifying which of my specific marketing psychology insights would resonate with government officials focused on enhancing US consumer relations. This preparation earned me invitations to subsequent high-profile speaking engagements alongside industry leaders like Yahoo’s CMO.
My advice: document your wins in terms of organizational impact, not just personal achievement. Create a “success portfolio” with tangible examples showing how your unique approach solved problems others couldn’t. When opportunity knocks, you’ll have compelling evidence ready that makes your advancement feel like a natural next step for the organization, not just for you.
Steve Taormino
CEO, Stephen Taormino
Align Personal Goals with Organizational Priorities
Having spent years in human capital consulting and organizational behavior, I’ve observed both for myself and through my clients that career growth rarely happens passively. Self-advocacy is a critical skill, especially in today’s fast-moving organizations where visibility matters. One key strategy I use — and teach — is to align my career goals with organizational priorities and then communicate them consistently through both formal and informal channels.
The strategy is simple but powerful: connect the dots between what you want and what the business needs, and articulate that value at every opportunity. This means positioning your aspirations not as a personal wish list, but as a path to delivering greater impact for the company. Regularly updating leadership on your contributions, sharing your vision for where you can add more value, and proactively requesting projects that build toward your goals are key elements of this approach.
Early in my career, I aspired to lead cross-functional talent strategy projects — a role that didn’t formally exist at the time. Rather than waiting for permission, I began documenting how my existing initiatives were driving results across departments. I shared these insights during leadership meetings and asked for feedback on where I could contribute further. Over time, this positioned me as a natural choice when a cross-functional talent lead opportunity emerged — and I was tapped to create and lead that function.
Narrate Your Own Story
Similarly, I coach clients to narrate their career story internally — helping decision-makers understand their evolving strengths and aspirations in ways that align with company priorities.
According to a LinkedIn Learning report, professionals who engage in intentional career conversations with managers are 42% more likely to be considered for stretch assignments and promotions. Further, Harvard Business Review emphasizes that visibility and perceived impact are as important as performance itself when it comes to advancement — highlighting the need for proactive self-advocacy.
Self-advocacy isn’t about self-promotion — it’s about clarity, alignment, and consistent communication. By framing your career goals through the lens of business impact and by maintaining open dialogues with leadership, you increase your chances of being considered for opportunities that align with both your ambitions and your organization’s needs.
Miriam Groom
CEO, Mindful Career Inc., Mindful Career Coaching
Build a Personal Brand for Recognition
I stopped waiting for recognition and started building it through personal branding. With over 15 years of experience, case studies, and results behind me, I still found myself confined to a Project Manager role. I wasn’t lacking capability; I was lacking visibility.
So I made a decision to start investing in my personal brand. I built my own website, published a startup marketing book, showcased my thinking, shared results-backed insights, and positioned myself not just as an executor, but as a strategic growth partner.
I started attracting leads and clients who specifically wanted to work with me because they’d seen the kind of value I could deliver.
And that’s where the shift happened. Instead of asking for a bigger role, I brought revenue and relationships to the table. Clients trusted me before they even met the company, and no business wants to turn away trust that converts.
I went from managing tasks to owning outcomes. From being seen as a PM to being hired as a fractional CMO and elevated to Head of Marketing & Business Strategy within the organization.
I have come to realize that sometimes the best way to move up is to build outward. Your personal brand can become your loudest advocate because, when done right, it’s not about ego; it’s about equity.
Sanjay Bhattacharya
Head of Marketing & Business Strategy, Primotech
Demonstrate Business Impact Through Growth Plans
One strategy I consistently use to advocate for myself and my career goals is framing my ambitions through the lens of business impact. Rather than positioning advancement as something I deserve, I focus on how my growth aligns with and accelerates the organization’s strategic goals.
Earlier in my career, I was aiming to move into a broader leadership role beyond HR. I noticed that our executive team was struggling with cross-functional alignment during a period of rapid growth. Instead of simply asking for a promotion, I presented a plan to take on cross-departmental initiatives that would streamline decision-making and improve accountability across functions. I quantified the potential impact — faster hiring cycles, better retention, clearer OKRs — and tied it directly to our revenue and scale objectives.
That proposal not only led to my promotion into a more senior leadership role, but also sparked a broader conversation about organizational effectiveness at the C-level. The key was shifting the conversation from what I wanted to what the company needed — and how I could deliver it.
This strategy has shaped the work we do at my company as well. We coach leaders — especially women and underrepresented talent — on how to advocate for their goals in a way that resonates with decision-makers. The most powerful advocacy is rooted in value creation.
Jacqueline Hazan
CEO, Hazan Consulting
Initiate Regular Check-ins with Management
Clear communication has always been my go-to strategy for advocating for myself and my career goals within an organization. Early on, I learned that waiting for recognition rarely leads to new opportunities. Instead, I started using regular check-ins with my manager to express my interests and ask for guidance.
I remember a time when I was eager to transition into a role that involved more client interaction. During one of these meetings, I shared my goal and asked for advice on how to prepare. My manager recommended shadowing a senior colleague on a few client calls. That experience not only built my confidence but also demonstrated my initiative.
By voicing my ambitions and seeking specific feedback, I found that doors opened more often. This not only clarified my path but also encouraged others to support my growth. It’s a reminder that speaking up, even if it feels uncomfortable, can make all the difference in shaping your career.
Silvia Angeloro
Executive Coach, Resume Mentor
Create a Business Supporting Life Goals
As an entrepreneur, sometimes the only person you’re advocating for is yourself.
For me, the strategy was simple: get clear on what kind of life I wanted, then build a business that supported it — not the other way around.
I started growing my business while living and working remotely in South America. That flexibility wasn’t just a perk — it was the point. I wanted freedom from the corporate grind, and I knew others did too. That vision eventually led us to franchise the model, so other people could run location-independent businesses and build lives on their own terms.
The takeaway? Advocate for your goals by building toward them — consistently and unapologetically.
Your business should serve your life, not consume it.
Neel Parekh
Founder & CEO, MaidThis Cleaning
Track and Share Tangible Impact
When I was just starting out, I had to build visible proof of my results to advocate for my career progress. It’s about tracking the impact I know I made — metrics, wins, feedback, and improved processes; then sharing that evidence in the appropriate context, digging it out of the data and sharing it when we make time for check-ins, strategy discussions, and
performance reviews. When I relate my daily endeavors to business results, I’m not just showing up, I’m showing real value.
For example, after I revamped the content workflow for a big campaign, we slashed our turnaround time by around 25% and our internal revisions were noticeably reduced. I aggregated that data with strong before-and-after comparisons and presented it during a quarterly review. That single action resulted in an invitation to co-lead a cross-department effort to streamline a process. The takeaway here is that if we don’t make our contributions clear and know when to highlight them, they can definitely get lost in the pace of daily work. Building visible proof isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about ensuring the right people see how we move the needle.
John Pennypacker
VP of Marketing & Sales, Deep Cognition
Pair Aspirations with Proven Performance
One strategy that has helped me advocate for my career growth is what I call “evidence-based ambition.” It’s the art of pairing your aspirations with proof — so you’re not just asking for opportunity, you’re demonstrating why you’re already operating at that level.
When I wanted to move into a more strategic leadership role, I didn’t wait for a promotion or title change — I started behaving as if I already had the role. I volunteered to lead initiatives that crossed departments and made a habit of sharing post-project retrospectives with tangible outcomes. I asked thoughtful questions in leadership meetings — not to impress, but to contribute with real intent. Over time, I built a body of work that spoke for me, even when I wasn’t in the room.
When I finally sat down to discuss the next step in my role, the conversation wasn’t awkward or overly formal. I simply said, “Here’s the level I’ve been operating at. Here’s what it’s unlocked for the team and the business. I’d love to make that contribution official.” The answer? A quick yes, followed by a meaningful increase in responsibility and influence.
The key is to align your self-advocacy with value creation. Leaders aren’t looking for more people asking for a raise or a title — they’re looking for people who help solve problems, inspire others, and elevate the team. When you position your growth as a win for the organization, you’re not begging for a favor — you’re offering a strategic investment.
Self-advocacy isn’t just about speaking up. It’s about showing up, stepping in, and backing your voice with evidence. When you do that consistently, you don’t just ask for opportunity — you attract it.
John Mac
Serial Entrepreneur, UNIBATT
Back Innovative Ideas with Solid Structure
Early in my psychiatry residency, I often felt out of place. I was deeply passionate about integrative and emerging treatments — things like ketamine therapy, TMS, and mind-body medicine — but at the time, many in the field saw those as fringe, unproven, or even reckless. I wasn’t trying to be rebellious; I just believed that psychiatry needed to evolve to truly meet people where they are. But it was hard. I wasn’t always taken seriously, and at times I felt disconnected from the traditional pathways around me.
One strategy that helped me push forward was letting the vision speak for itself — but backing it with real structure. I learned to communicate not just why I was passionate, but how I would make it clinically sound, legally compliant, and patient-first. When you present something new, it’s not enough to be enthusiastic; you need to be clear, informed, and grounded.
That mindset eventually led me to start my business — a virtual psychiatry
platform built on both innovation and integrity. Today, I work with a new generation of providers — including PA students — who are drawn to these once “niche” modalities. I try to give them what I didn’t always have early on: mentorship that says, “It’s okay to think differently — just do it responsibly, ethically, and with heart.”
Staying true to your mission doesn’t mean rejecting the system; it means learning how to work within it while gently reshaping it.
Dr. Sam Zand
CEO/Founder, Anywhere Clinic
Communicate Long-term Vision Proactively
One strategy I’ve always relied on to advocate for myself is being clear and proactive about my long-term vision, communicating not just what I’m doing, but why I’m doing it. Early in my career, I made a point to share my passion for workers’ rights and my goal of building a practice that prioritized employee advocacy over high-volume case turnover. That clarity helped people understand what I stood for, and it shaped the kind of opportunities that came my way.
When I was considering launching my firm, I pitched the concept to a few trusted mentors and colleagues, not just as a business idea but as a mission. By articulating my goals with conviction, focusing on dignity, equity, and long-term client impact, I attracted the right support, referrals, and even early clients. That clarity of purpose gave others a reason to advocate with me, and it reinforced my own commitment to building something that aligned with my values.
Ed Hones
Attorney at Law, Hones Law Employment Lawyers PLLC
Take Initiative to Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Early in my career, I decided that I would use action to keep pace with my ambition. I would do whatever it took to demonstrate leadership and willingness to be a leader, regardless of my title. I didn’t wait to lead. Instead, I would find opportunities where I could step in, arrange, and make things happen.
One example was jumping in to lead a cross-functional initiative that had stalled. I collected input from every team, built a clear roadmap, and ran weekly checkpoints. The project not only recovered but our team came in ahead of the deadline.
The thing is, you don’t really need a title in order to lead; you just need initiative, clarity, and consistency. If you are new to the team, find a “neglected project” or volunteer to mentor new hires. These are small but strategic moves that demonstrate your leadership potential and show that you’re committed to the long game.
Matt Bowman
Founder, Thrive Local
Present Data-backed Cases for Impact
One strategy I consistently use to advocate for myself and my career goals is to present a data-backed case for the impact of my work during key decision-making moments — especially when proposing new initiatives or asking for expanded roles. Early in my career, I wanted to lead a high-profile branding campaign within a large law firm. I created a concise pitch deck that highlighted the results of my past campaigns, including media coverage, audience growth, and return on investment (ROI).
By showing measurable impact and aligning my goals with the firm’s strategic vision, I not only secured the opportunity but also increased my visibility within the organization. For founders and intrapreneurs alike, documenting your wins and aligning them with business goals is a powerful way to move the needle.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Ask Confidently and Back with Results
As a dentist, entrepreneur, and woman in a male-dominated profession, the most powerful strategy I’ve used to advocate for myself is simple — but often overlooked: I ask for what I want and back it up with results.
I immigrated from Egypt to Canada with a dream and eventually graduated from dental school with honors. After moving to the U.S., I began building a practice from the ground up in Princeton, NJ. But I quickly learned that hard work alone isn’t always enough — you have to be your own best advocate.
The strategy that helped me the most? Clearly communicating my goals, documenting my impact, and presenting my vision with confidence. When you position yourself with purpose and clarity, you change the way people see you — and the opportunities that follow.
One pivotal moment came while serving on the executive board of the Mercer Dental Society. Despite my deep involvement, I noticed leadership roles were often given to others with less experience. Instead of waiting for an invitation, I scheduled a meeting with the board president and arrived with a full outline of my accomplishments: CE programs I helped develop, community initiatives I led, and mentorship work with aspiring dentists. I expressed my desire to serve as president, articulated why I was ready, and laid out how it would benefit the organization.
Weeks later, I was unanimously elected as president.
My Experience
That experience reinforced my belief that advocating for yourself is not arrogance — it’s leadership. If you wait quietly to be noticed, you may be waiting forever.
Today, I own one of the most luxurious dental offices in the United States. I didn’t just start a practice — I rehabilitated a neglected building and transformed it into a state-of-the-art dental oasis with spa-like features, digital dentistry, and a nature-infused environment. That bold vision earned me a Congressional Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. Congress for empowering women to follow their dreams.
I’m also a national speaker for Dentsply Sirona, a podcast host (The Wonder Tooth), and an advocate for innovation and inclusion in dentistry.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to other
young entrepreneurs: Don’t wait to be noticed. Position yourself, speak up, and lead.
Your voice is your power. Use it.
Dr. Radwa Saad
Dentist, Founder, Dent Blanche Dental
