What’s really holding you back from climbing to that next career level? Is it a lack of skill, or is it something deeper—like visibility, perception, or even your own self-belief?
On this episode of Inspiring Possible, host Christy Pennison connects with powerhouse guest Katy McFee, leadership coach and champion for women’s advancement in the workplace. Together, they unpack the nuanced barriers that keep women (and men!) stuck on the management treadmill unable to break into senior leadership roles—even when they’re ready and eager for more.
Drawing on her own unfiltered leadership journey, Katy McFee reveals the truth about rising through the ranks: working harder isn’t always the answer. She shares a struggle with being seen as “not strategic enough.” They also discuss the realities of navigating workplace perceptions, and the courageous decision to seek out a new environment. Her insights come to life with actionable advice for making your ideas heard, challenging unhelpful feedback, and knowing when a bold leap might be the best next step.
The episode explores the transformative power of self-awareness, curiosity, and authentic communication. Discover how to break into top leadership and, more importantly, for aligning your career with your true strengths and passions.
In this episode, we dive into:
- Leadership Roadblocks: Why many get stuck at manager or director level and what it really takes to crack the leadership code
- Owning Your Value: The crucial role of visibility, feedback, and self-advocacy in career advancement
- Reframing Perceptions: When to work on shifting internal perceptions, and when to seek a new setting for your next chapter
- Courageous Career Moves: How to gracefully leave a role that no longer fits and step into an environment where you can thrive
- Self-Belief and Authenticity: The importance of letting go of perfectionism and embracing your unique leadership strengths
“Just because I’m not seen as a leader here, it doesn’t mean I can’t be one somewhere else.” —Katy McFee
Don’t miss this candid conversation packed with practical wisdom and real-life examples for anyone ready to break out of their comfort zone and reach the next level—whether within their organization or beyond.
About Katy McFee
Katy McFee is an executive coach and the founder of Insights to Action, where she helps high-performing women finally break through the Director-to-VP ceiling. With an 18-year career in biotech and tech, including senior roles where she drove nine-figure revenue growth, Katy knows firsthand what it takes to rise in male-dominated environments. Despite years of over-delivering, she was repeatedly passed over for promotion until she discovered the real barrier: perception, not performance. By shifting how she communicated and led, she landed her first VP role and was soon recruited as an EVP.
Now, Katy’s on a mission to help high-performing women stop spinning their wheels, crack the leadership code, and finally step into the executive roles they’ve earned. She teaches ambitious women how to master executive presence, communicate with authority, and build environments where their leadership thrives. Her mission is simple: empower women to own their value, lead with confidence, and get the promotions they’ve earned
Ready to take action? Download her free 30-day check-in template at morewomenpromoted.com/template.
You are good enough—right now, just as you are. The right environment will see that, and your next leap could be closer than you think.
Listen now and get ready to be inspired to make your own possibilities a reality!
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