Career Growth Moves That Make You Impossible to Ignore | Career | Presented by MasterClass
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
This episode of Young and Profiting, sponsored by MasterClass, breaks down how to build workplace influence from every angle. Host Hala Taha compiles insights from top experts including Chris Voss, Kim Scott, Patrick Lencioni, Tori Dunlap, and Ken Coleman to reveal the strategies behind becoming indispensable at work. The episode covers everything from standing out on day one by thinking like an entrepreneur, to building confidence and likability, communicating like a leader, embracing feedback for growth, and knowing when to make strategic career moves. (00:46)
• Main theme: Building sustainable workplace influence through strategic thinking, authentic communication, and relationship building rather than being the loudest voice in the room.Speakers
Hala Taha
Host of Young and Profiting podcast and CEO of YAP Media. Hala is an award-winning podcaster and entrepreneur who helps ambitious professionals accelerate their careers through strategic networking and personal branding.
Chris Voss
Former FBI hostage negotiator and CEO of the Black Swan Group. Chris is a bestselling author and expert in high-stakes negotiations who teaches strategic communication techniques used in crisis situations.
Kim Scott
Bestselling author of "Radical Candor" and co-founder of the company by the same name. Former executive at Google and Apple, Kim specializes in leadership development and creating cultures of honest feedback.
Patrick Lencioni
Leadership expert and founder of The Table Group. Patrick is a bestselling author and consultant who helps organizations identify and leverage individual strengths for maximum impact.
Tori Dunlap
Founder of Her First 100K, a global movement focused on financial empowerment and personal confidence. Tori has built a multi-million dollar business teaching women about money and self-worth.
Ken Coleman
Career expert and host of The Ken Coleman Show. Ken specializes in helping professionals discover their purpose and navigate strategic career moves through his "Proximity Principle."
Key Takeaways
Think Like an Entrepreneur From Day One
Derek Kinney emphasizes that the most influential employees treat their jobs like a business, focusing on growing revenue, reducing friction, and solving problems. (02:07) This mindset shift immediately sets you apart as someone who adds value rather than just completing tasks. When you approach your role with an entrepreneurial mentality, asking "How can I help you grow this business?", you become indispensable because you're thinking beyond your job description to impact the company's bottom line.
Operate in Your Zone of Genius
Patrick Lencioni reveals that many high achievers fall into the trap of trying to master everything, including work that drains their energy. (04:33) The most successful people identify what truly energizes them and lean into those strengths rather than forcing themselves to excel at everything. This approach prevents burnout and allows you to contribute your highest value work, making you more effective and satisfied in your role.
Build Confidence Through Self-Worth
Tori Dunlap explains that true confidence comes from believing yourself worthy of every opportunity and piece of belonging. (06:32) When you walk into meetings wondering how others will see your value rather than worrying if they'll like you, you shift the entire dynamic. This mindset change affects how you show up in every professional interaction, from client meetings to salary negotiations.
Use "What" and "How" Questions for Influence
Chris Voss teaches that asking "what" and "how" questions gives people the illusion of control while actually guiding the conversation. (22:58) For example, "How am I supposed to do that?" is a powerful way to say no without making someone feel attacked. This technique helps you influence outcomes by making others think through the complexity of problems while feeling like they're in control of the solution.
Embrace and Solicit Feedback Strategically
Kim Scott outlines a process for receiving feedback that strengthens relationships with your boss: solicit it with genuine questions, listen to understand rather than respond, and reward candor by either fixing the problem or respectfully explaining your disagreement. (25:11) The key is not pretending to agree when you don't, as this creates wedge situations. Instead, find the 5-10% you can agree with and ask for time to process the rest, creating space for productive dialogue.
Statistics & Facts
No specific statistics were provided in this episode.
