What if I told you career progression is just like cooking a gourmet meal?
Some professionals throw random ingredients into a pot, hoping for success. Others carefully select high-quality ingredients, master techniques, and plate their work beautifully—ensuring it gets noticed.
If you’re not getting ahead, ask yourself: Are you cooking with intention or just hoping for the best?
A five-star chef wouldn’t expect a Michelin star by just working harder in the kitchen. They master flavor, technique, and presentation. Likewise, hard work alone won’t get you promoted—you need to make your contributions visible and position yourself for the right opportunities.
The Foundation: Performance is Your Key Ingredient
No gourmet dish succeeds without top-quality ingredients—and no career grows without strong performance.
Think about Carbonara—if you swap guanciale for bacon or Pecorino for Parmesan, it’s not the real thing. You can’t fake great work—just like a trained palate knows the difference, so do decision-makers.
- Deliver high-quality work that aligns with business goals.
- Take initiative—chefs don’t wait for ingredients; they source the best.
- Stay adaptable—great chefs adjust seasoning; professionals evolve with trends.
Action Step: Identify your unique strengths—what “flavor” do you bring to your team?
But performance alone isn’t enough. A dish can have the best ingredients, but if it’s not plated well, no one will notice it.
How to Get Noticed: Cooking Techniques Matter
Even the best ingredients need the right techniques. A premium Wagyu steak loses its magic if overcooked. The same goes for your career—if no one sees your contributions, they won’t help you advance.
Master Visibility Without Overpromoting
If your work isn’t seen, it’s like serving a five-star meal in a dark kitchen.
- Engage in key meetings—chefs present their dishes with confidence; do the same with your ideas.
- Own a project—signature dishes make chefs famous; signature projects make professionals stand out.
- Find internal advocates—great chefs rely on critics; you need decision-makers who champion your work.
Action Step: Identify one opportunity this month to increase your visibility.
Building Influence: Plating & Presentation Matter
A Michelin-starred dish isn’t just about taste—it’s about presentation and experience. Your professional brand works the same way.
Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Noticed
Your personal brand is the way others see, trust, and remember you—it’s the plating of your career.
Using Brand Archetype Coaching, you can define:
- What makes your professional style unique
- How to communicate your strengths clearly
- How to position yourself for leadership opportunities
Action Step: Book a coaching session to identify your career brand archetype and refine how you present yourself.
Positioning for Leadership: Why the Best Chefs Get the Best Kitchens
Influence isn’t just about visibility—it’s about being seen as a leader who drives results.
Learn to Influence Decision-Makers
The best chefs don’t just cook—they set trends. Likewise, top professionals don’t just work hard—they align with leadership priorities.
- Understand your company’s “menu”—what matters most to leadership?
- Speak the language of results—chefs talk flavor balance; professionals talk business impact.
- Develop an executive presence—chefs command attention in their kitchens; professionals should do the same in meetings.
Action Step: Book a coaching session to get clarity on your leadership potential and position. During the session, you will use Lumico set to support the reflection process.
How to Get Paid What You Deserve: Pricing Your Dish Right
Even Michelin-star chefs set their prices intentionally—they don’t wait for someone to tell them their worth.
Master Salary Negotiation with Confidence
If you want a promotion or a raise, you need a strategy.
- Know your value—chefs price their dishes intentionally; you should too.
- Track your wins—keep a “recipe book” of accomplishments.
- Practice negotiation conversations—chefs refine dishes before serving; rehearse before salary discussions.
Action Step: Before your next review, prepare a case for your promotion or raise.
Taking Control of Your Career: The Final Plating
A gourmet meal isn’t just about the recipe—it’s about constant refinement and growth.
If you want to:
- Define your personal brand and communicate your value confidently
- Gain clarity on your next career steps
- Learn how to position yourself for higher pay and leadership roles
…then career coaching can help refine your success.
Let’s Work on This Together
What would change in your career if you had a clear recipe for growth?
If this question resonates with you, let’s have a conversation. Feel free to reach out and book a free chemistry session to explore how coaching can help you accelerate your career progression.
