Episode 003: Why Being Smart Isn’t Enough to Get Promoted
Release Date: 08/22/2025
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Dreams and Ladders
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Episode 003: Why Being Smart Isn’t Enough to Get Promoted
Dreams and Ladders
Episode 003: Why Being Smart Isn’t Enough to Get Promoted You’ve worked hard, gotten the right education, and built strong technical skills. But here’s the truth: being smart and doing your job well isn’t always what gets you promoted. In this episode, Lori shares why relying on performance alone can keep you stuck—and what skills you actually need to rise into leadership. Drawing from her own experiences in both policing and the military, Lori unpacks the critical difference between being seen as a high performer versus being recognized as high potential. She explains why technical...
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Episode 002: Are You Going to Paint Your Office Pink?
Dreams and Ladders
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Episode 001: Five Things I Wish I Knew
Dreams and Ladders
Show Notes: Dreams and Ladders – Episode 1 Host: Lori Kranenburg Episode Overview: In this debut episode, Lori shares her personal journey navigating male-dominated professions over 30+ years. She discusses the challenges women face in the workplace, from microaggressions to systemic barriers, and introduces the mission of Dreams and Ladders: empowering women to rise as leaders and close the gender gap. Key Topics Covered: Lori’s motivation for starting the podcast and her background The reality of entering the workforce as a woman in male-dominated fields The World Economic Forum’s...
info_outlineEpisode 003: Why Being Smart Isn’t Enough to Get Promoted
You’ve worked hard, gotten the right education, and built strong technical skills. But here’s the truth: being smart and doing your job well isn’t always what gets you promoted. In this episode, Lori shares why relying on performance alone can keep you stuck—and what skills you actually need to rise into leadership.
Drawing from her own experiences in both policing and the military, Lori unpacks the critical difference between being seen as a high performer versus being recognized as high potential. She explains why technical skills only take you so far and how developing leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience can set you apart.
You’ll learn:
- Why excelling at your job isn’t always enough to move up the ladder
- The difference between high performance and high potential—and why both matter
- The essential leadership and communication skills you need to demonstrate readiness for the next level
- How resilience and career-life harmony help you avoid burnout while still advancing
- Practical ways to start shifting your focus beyond technical skills
This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered why promotions pass you by or felt frustrated that “working harder” isn’t opening doors.
✨ Your challenge this week: Reflect on whether you’re operating as a high performer or demonstrating high potential—and what skills you could start building to show you’re ready for the next step.
👉 If you’re interested in leadership development assessments like the EQi 2.0 or the Strengths Development Inventory, visit www.dreamsandladders.com or https://calendly.com/dreamsandladders/consultation to book a free consultation.