Season 6 Episode 1 Allow me to reintroduce myself: This climb is personal.

If you are a woman of color who is excellent at your job but still not being promoted, this episode is for you. In this reopening episode of ‪@JoinTheClimb2024‬ host Felicia Smith breaks down one of the most misunderstood dynamics of career advancement: the difference between tactical excellence and strategic visibility. Many high-performing professionals believe that if they work hard, stay prepared, and consistently deliver results, someone will eventually recognize their potential. But the reality is different. Organizations often reward execution while promoting visibility, positioning, and influence. In this episode, Felicia shares the moment she realized the “tap on the shoulder” wasn’t coming — and the powerful lesson that changed how she understood leadership, power, and access. This conversation introduces the core mission of The Climb: helping women of color move from being excellent and invisible to strategic and visible. What You Will Learn • Why working hard alone does not guarantee promotion • The difference between tactical execution and strategic leadership • Why many high-performing women of color are overlooked for leadership roles • How positioning, visibility, and advocacy influence career advancement • Why women of color cannot afford to be excellent and invisible Chapters 00:00 – If You’re Excellent But Still Not Promoted 00:25 – Welcome to The Climb Podcast 01:10 – When the “Tap on the Shoulder” Never Came 02:40 – Tactical Excellence vs Strategic Visibility 04:00 – What Tactical Leadership Looks Like 05:05 – What Strategic Leadership Really Means 06:30 – The “Prize Pony” Career Trap 07:30 – Why Women of Color Aren’t Taught This Shift 08:25 – The Economic Reality: 81 Cents vs 64 Cents 09:30 – Why Positioning Matters More Than Credentials 10:40 – Leadership Is About Proximity and Advocacy 11:50 – Why You Cannot Afford to Be Excellent and Invisible 12:50 – What The Climb Is Really About 13:40 – Join the Conversation Connect with The Climb 🌐 Website https://the-climb.org 📺 YouTube    / @jointheclimb2024   📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JoinTheClimb1 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/97178217 Subscribe to The Climb Podcast and share this episode with a woman who needs the language for what she’s experiencing in her career. Because leadership is not just about talent. It’s about visibility, positioning, and access. And you don’t have to climb alone.