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Evolve beyond subject matter expertise to become a cross-functional, strategic executive with P&L awareness
By Laurie Robinson Haden – Inspired by It’s Time to Shine
Success in corporate spaces isn’t just about merit—it’s about strategy, perception, and the ability to influence.
Explore the concept of the best AI for legal work in this article.
In elite corporate and legal circles, technical excellence is expected, but likeability is what makes people want to work with you, protect you, and champion your ideas. It’s the unspoken differentiator that determines who is pulled into high-stakes conversations, tapped for leadership, or shielded during difficult decisions, such as layoffs. When you’re both respected and likeable, you’re not just in the room—you’re valued in it.
For Women of Color executives, reaching the C-suite is a remarkable achievement, but staying visible, influential, and included at the top comes with its challenges. Too often, women of color are granted the title but denied full access to the inner circles where influence is exchanged and decisions are made. Legacy networks, unwritten rules, and quiet exclusion can create a glass ceiling and other barriers within the boardroom itself.
Laurie Robinson Haden | Fall 2025
Excellence unseen is excellence unrewarded. Make sure your work enters the right orbit.
Why Elite Executives Track Wins in Real Time to Stay Ahead
At the senior level, technical excellence and experience are expected. What differentiates those who ascend from those who plateau is the ability to manage up with intention, strategic insight, and emotional intelligence.
