Build Your Board
Several years ago, I had to choose between two roles. One was with a bigger, more prestigious national team. The other was with people who already knew and championed my work.
I leaned toward the champions.
Here's why: Trust equals freedom. When people already believe in your capabilities, they give you autonomy to do your best work. When they don't know you yet, you spend months proving yourself instead of producing results.
This is your reminder to build your board of sponsors before you need them. Not networking contacts—actual advocates who know your work well enough to defend it in rooms you're not in.
Who can speak confidently about your contributions right now? If that list is short, start building it. Share your projects with senior colleagues. Ask for feedback. Let them see your thinking process, not just your final outputs.
The best career opportunities don't always go to the most qualified person. They go to the most qualified person someone powerful can vouch for.