THE CAREER CATAPULT
Episodes
Episode 278: 5 Office Politics Moves for Directors, VPs and SVPs
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At Director, VP, SVP, the work isn't actually the hard part. The functional know-how itself isn't the issue. It's everything around it - the people...
Episode 277: 5 Truths About Building Relationships With Your C-Suite
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are your relationships with senior leadership actually moving your career forward, or are they quietly holding you back? In this week's episode, I bre...
Episode 276: The Danger of Sloppy Thinking
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's a pattern I see over and over with high-performing leaders. A single comment. One conversation. That's all it takes. It starts small… almost...
Episode 275: How to engineer a thriving career at your new company
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why do some people get promoted within months of joining a company while others wait years? In this episode, we break down the hidden factor that driv...
Episode 274: How You Create Undue Risk in Your Corporate Career
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On paper, everything may look strong. Performance is solid. Reputation intact. But stability can hide structural exposure. In this week's podcast, I b...
Episode 273: Why your internal promotion to Sr Dir, VP or C-Suite will feel underwhelming
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever earned the internal promotion you worked for… and felt nothing? No adrenaline. No goosebumps. Saw the announcement go out and went ...
Episode 272: The real cost of Golden Handcuffs
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 271: Navigating high stakes situations with intention
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 270: Conversation with Utibe Bassey - Author of "Love as a KPI"
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Utibe Bassey is a VP of Customer Experience at Dominion Energy and author of Love as a KPI. 5 years ago, Utibe and I worked together in her corpor...
Episode 269: What "We Just Need the Right Role" Really Means
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 268: On courage, when you already know too much
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 267: One Big Mistake ONLY Senior Leaders Make
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 266: Is Your Networking actually working or are you wasting time with coffee chats?
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 265: Do you actually know the job you're pursuing?
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Most people think they're stuck because the market is crowded or the timing is bad. But there's a more uncomfortable reason promotions keep slipping p...
Episode 264: Does it really take all that to land the role? (Part 2 - INTERNAL PROMOTION)
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 263: Does it really take all that to land the role? Part 1 (EXTERNAL PROMOTION)
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most people think external promotions happen coincidentally ie, a lucky break, a well-timed connection, a boss who "just" reached out. In this episode...
Episode 262: "Will AI Replace you?"
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People ask me all the time: "Stella, what are your thoughts on AI?" Until now, I've stayed quiet. And it's not because I didn't have an opinion (I ...
Episode 261: Finish the Year Like an Executive: High-Impact Moves for Senior Leaders
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
But did you know that investing 3-5 hours on some highly strategic activities could lead you to create a wildly disproportionately successful 2026? FI...
Episode 260: Fear is a terrible financial advisor
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Interested in catching replays to the recently concluded Catapult Your Career Bootcamp? Click here to catch the sessions. https://c.intelle.us/repl...
Episode 259: Foundation of a "Catapulted" Career - Day 1 of Bootcamp
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are approaching the end of the year. Is your career "catapulting"? What are you goals for your career in 2026 and why? How are you planning to get ...
Episode 258: Why I Rarely Recommend Books
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People are often surprised when they find out I rarely give book recommendations. It's not because I don't read or value learning. There's a deeper re...
Episode 257: Are your best career wins (days) behind you?
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A close friend, who is highly accomplished, said to me recently, "I just don't know if I still have the same fire I used to have." We were remember...
Episode 256: Is it time to revamp your wellbeing infrastructure?
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You're leading, achieving, showing up for everyone and running on fumes. In this episode, we unpack why being stretched thin isn't strength, it's dep...
Episode 255: What Got You Hired Before, Will Get You "Runner Up" Today
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
She jumped industries, landed an SVP role, and doubled her comp, all within months. But what actually got her there weren't the usual tactics, it was ...
Episode 254: She onboarded her. Now, she reports to her.
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Two women. Same company. Same title. Same talent. But one stayed stuck while the other leapfrogged to VP in under a year. In this episode, we're break...
Episode 253: When Your Strength Becomes Your Ceiling
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Even the best leaders fall into default habits that limit their impact. In this week's episode, we reveal how to recognize when your go-to moves stop ...
Episode 252: From First Chair to Conductor: Transitioning into True Leadership
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Moving into VP leadership isn't about playing your part louder, it's about leading the whole orchestra. In this episode, I break down 5 shifts that si...
Episode 251: You may not actually want a promotion, and that's OK
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone says they want a promotion, but most don't know what that really means. In this episode, I reveal the hidden truths about moving up. Before y...
Episode 250: Stop Using Company Culture as an excuse
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Too many leaders sabotage themselves by blaming "culture" or "policy" for why they're not being promoted. In this week's episode, I break down why com...
Episode 249: The 5 Errors Stealing Your Decision-Making Power
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To listen to the full length session, click here: https://youtu.be/79-Nn_zu4yc FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http:/...
Episode 248: The Illusion of Passion
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think passion is the key to career success? Think again. In this episode, I unpack why discipline, rigor, and consistency, not constant excitement, a...
Episode 247: The Importance of Setting a Clear Vision in Life and Career
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 246: The hardest level in the Corporate ladder
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 245: 5 Costly Mistakes Senior Leaders Make When Negotiating Executive Compensation"
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Making it to VP doesn't mean you're negotiating like one. In this episode, I reveal the five mistakes that cost executives millions in compensation. L...
Episode 244: Signs You're Losing Altitude in the VP Seat and How to Avoid
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You landed the VP role, and six months later, something feels… off. No one's saying you've done anything wrong, but your influence is quietly slippi...
Episode 243: Your Values Are Showing (and They're Not What You Think!)
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If I followed you around for a week, ignored what you said you value, and only looked at how you spent your time, what story would it tell? In this ep...
Episode 242: 7 Mistakes Costing You Your Next Skip Level Role
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you were eliminated in the 9th round on an interview process for VP or C-suite, I can guarantee you it wasn't because of your resume or experience,...
Episode 241: How to Decide the Right Career Play as a VP
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've made it to VP-level, you've proven you can play the game but are you still playing to win? In this episode, Stella shares six strat...
Episode 240: "I Used to Succeed Without Trying too Hard. What Happened?"
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've done everything right. Hard work, credentials, solid results, but the next-level role still isn't landing. In this episode, we break down the r...
Episode 239: How a VP with under 20 years experience engineered her $1 million cash windfall, accelerating her retirement by years
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most people assume big career wins come down to luck or connections. But when two leaders with the same background get wildly different outcomes, the ...
Episode 238: How to REST as a High Achiever
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Even the most high-performing, fast-rising leaders often overlook one critical part of their success strategy: REST. In this week's podcast episode, w...
Episode 237: There Is No Perfect Company: Stop Running and Start Leading!
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been fantasizing about finding the perfect company with the perfect boss and the perfect culture… Let me break it to you. That utopi...
Episode 236: The Uncomfortable Conversation About Time - Part II (Solving the "Time" Dilemma)
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our previous conversation, we discussed all the ways we sabotage our goals by saying "I don't have time." In Part II of this conversation, let's...
Episode 235: The uncomfortable conversation about time - Part I
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"I don't have time" If I had a nickel for every time I heard this… Thing is, no one ever says this in the context of something unimportant. ...
Episode 234: When The Vision Gets Blurry
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You had a vision once - clear, compelling, maybe even a little wild. And for a while, you chased it. But somewhere along the way, things shifted. L...
Episode 233: The Discomfort of an Unmet Goal
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Serious question When you have a big goal that doesn't happen in your timeline... What do you do? Think back through your career and life. ...
Episode 232: Yes, You Can Be in Crisis and Still Reach Your Goals
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You don't need perfect circumstances to pursue the next big thing. Health crisis, family challenges, burnout, caregiving overload, career setbacks - w...
Episode 231: How Complacency can Cost you Big In Today's Highly Competitive Market
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Complacency in this context isn't laziness. It's subtle. It actually sounds like confidence. If you're navigating this market... whether employe...
Episode 230: Crafting the exact life you want as a Female VP, SVP or C-Suite Leader
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 15–20 years of climbing the ladder, many women reach a turning point: I'll keep going, but only if I can do it on my terms. No more sacrificin...
Episode 229: Fixing this Mindset Gap Can Change Everything!
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is the one mindset shift that separates high-performing women from those who leap into bold new titles, teams, and comp brackets? It's not tal...
Episode 228: "Could I even land this same role again today?!"
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt stuck in a role you once loved? Check out this week's episode where I discuss the story of a Director of IT who's been with the same comp...
Episode 227: A snippet of our recent bootcamp convo on Executive Presence
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you miss our recent Catapult Your Career Bootcamp? Click here to catch one of our sessions on maximizing executive presence especially in a virtua...
Episode 226: The ONLY way to land a skip level promotion to VP, SVP or C-Suite role internally or externally
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been trying to land your next role as Sr Director, VP, SVP or C-Suite? Tired of endless interviews with zero traction? It's not in your...
Episode 225: Avoiding The Great Burn down: How to Ignite Your Next Level Without Torching It All
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 224: The Disguised Lateral: An Illusion of Progress
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not all promotions are created equal. Sure, a 20% pay bump and a shinier title sound great—but is it real progress or just a lateral in disguise?...
Episode 223: The Tale of the Almost Exec: How High Performers Get Trapped on the Career Carousel
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've put in the work, had all the right conversations, and waited patiently—yet that VP (SVP or C-Suite) title remains just out of reach. Is it...
Episode 222: How Our Clients are landing Sr Director, VP, SVP and C-Suite roles in 60-90 days NOW!
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 221: The Power of the Right Room: How Your Environment Shapes Your Mindset, Growth, and Rapid Success
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who you surround yourself with can make or break your path to your next role. In this episode, we're breaking down how your environment shapes your su...
Episode 220: The Career Bottleneck You Didn't See Coming—And How to Break Through
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is it that keeps otherwise high-achieving, already successful and highly compensated women leaders stuck at a plateau? It's not competence, ex...
Episode 219: Creating Capacity: How to Expand Yourself for More as You Approach the C-Suite
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aspiring for the C-Suite? Capacity is the Key Most leaders focus on strategy, experience, and visibility—but the true game-changer? Capacity....
Episode 218: 3 Powerful Steps to Boost Your Total Comp to $1 Million and Beyond in Your Corporate career
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a goal to achieve $1 million + in your corporate career and aren't quite sure how to get there, click to listen to today's episode of the ...
Episode 217: Understanding various conversation styles during the interview process for Sr Director, VP or C-Suite
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you are interviewing right now for Sr Dir, VP, SVP or C-Suite, have you ever said this to someone else about an interview? "I had a great con...
Episode 216: How to deal with a "gut punch" / unforeseen crisis WITHOUT losing momentum in your career and life goals
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 215: The ONE reframe to maximize your income, impact and wellbeing this year
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if your boldest career goal isn't just possible—but possible for YOU? In this week's podcast, we'll reframe what's holding you back and explore...
Episode 214: Learn the Lessons of the Past and Approach 2025 Differently in Your Corporate Career
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! In our first podcast episode of 2025 we discuss the biggest lessons of 2024 and how to implement them for a more enriching and succ...
Episode 213: 8 Signs You Are Truly On Track For an Internal Promotion to Sr Director, VP, SVP Not Being Placated
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Stella, How do I know I can believe what my manager is telling me when he says I am on track for a promotion in the next 3-6 months?" This week's epi...
Episode 212: Why Your Internal Promotion to Sr Director, VP, SVP Has Been Stalled
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If your promotion internally to Sr Director, VP, SVP feels stalled, it likely is. But not for the reasons you may think. In this episode of The ...
Episode 211: Top of my pay band, significant unvested stock, no promotion
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the last full week, we have been tackling the most challenging and pressing career-related questions inside our Catapult Your Career Bootcamp. ...
Episode 210: "Nature Abhors a Vacuum": How to Maximize Opportunities on Your Path to the C-Suite
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In leadership, just like in nature, empty spaces don't stay empty for long. Opportunities arise when gaps appear—but if you don't step in, someon...
Episode 209: The reason your Big Ask is a"Big NO"
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are a newly onboarded VP or SVP, you likely have one big frustration in your new role. Getting people to say Yes. You may even be wond...
Episode 208: On Cliff Jumping: How Perfectionism Costs Successful Leaders Their Next Big Leap
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I share my thoughts on how perfectionism costs already successful leaders their next uplevel. Click to listen FREE TRAININ...
Episode 207: Have it all or ...
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can I have it all? The unasked question that lurks behind most unmet goals. In this 10 min episode, I share with you my thoughts on this. ...
Episode 206: Which should I pursue for VP - Internal OR external promotion?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Multiple choice question Which is easier: A. Landing internal promotions B. Landing external promotions My answer may not be what you expect ...
Episode 205: The Physics of Energy Management
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may think you have a time management challenge. I am willing to bet it's something else. Click here to catch this week's episode on Energy M...
Episode 204: 10 Mistakes you are making in your first 90 days on the job
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we discuss 10 mistakes most people make in their new role. If you have just landed a role as Sr Director, VP or SVP, give it a...
Episode 203: A snippet of our recent bootcamp convo on Mindset
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (http...
Episode 202: BHAG - The Secret to Crystal Clarity
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is one surefire way to gain 1000% clarity, and rid yourself of all your bad habits and leave it all on the table. It's not for everyone; cert...
Episode 201: VP or VP?
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No, this isnt a typo 🙂 "Can I really do this? Can I be present at home? Will I have to work till midnight every night? Is this what I want? ...
Episode 200: What happens after a big catapult?
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it that after a big promotion to VP, SVP or C-suite so many people report being unhappy? In this episode, I share with you 2 simple strategi...
Episode 199: "Does she have 2 heads?"
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I share a bit about my upbringing that has made a big impact on who I am today. Click to listen. FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Yo...
Episode 198: Why would a company pay anyone $500,000?
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Money is important. It is one of the 3 pillars of career success we focus on. Most people want to achieve at least $500,000 in compensation - fi...
Episode 197: 3 Hard Truths You Need To Go Beyond Director (to VP or SVP) in this Market
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In todays episode we dive into 3 Hard Truths You Need To Go from Director to VP or SVP in this Market FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your...
Episode 196: Do you understand the unspoken expectations around promotions in your org?
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know exactly what it takes to land a significant promotion at your company? most people unfortunately have no clear idea. In this episode...
Episode 195: The biggest mistakes costing you skip level promotion to Sr Dir, VP, C-Suite in this market
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are looking to land your next role externally and are Not being invited to interview Interviewing but no offers Getting offers but the role / ...
Episode 194: Dealing with Procrastination once and for all!
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I know you don't procrastinate 🙂 But in case you know anyone who does... Check out this week's episode on how to deal with procrastination o...
Episode 193: Navigating "Up or Out" Companies
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many struggle with navigating "Up or out" companies. As they approach year 3 or 4 in their current role, the panic sets in. No prospects for the...
Episode 192: Do you have a catapult career strategy?
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (h...
Episode 191: How to Cultivate Resilience in Your Career and Life
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (h...
Episode 190: The Difference between a 8-9 and a 10 in your Performance Reviews
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many of our clients are going through mid year reviews. Anyone ever found themselves getting a 8 or a 9 out of 10 in their ratings? Ever wondere...
Episode 189: "I have just been laid off. What now?" - Replay
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You've just been informed that your role is being eliminated. You are shocked, perhaps devastated. You were told your team would be unaffected. ...
Episode 188: The Importance of Emotional Healing as a C-Suite bound leader
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever had someone share a story of an unpleasant career of life experience they had... And based on how they tell the story - the intensity of the d...
Episode 187: Once a Hi-Po, always a Hi-Po?
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us have seen 1-2 of our colleagues achieve promotions every 12 months. Defying every rule in the company's rule book. Perhaps this is yo...
Episode 186: What does Parkinson's law have to do with your next role?
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Picture this. It's a Friday. You have a flight to catch at 12 noon to go on vacation. You have 2 hours to complete some very critical work befor...
Episode 185: What it means to be a visionary leader
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Career Program (h...
Episode 184: Practicing Restraint as a Leader of Leaders
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
FREE TRAINING Register for The Catapult Your Career Bootcamp (http://thecatapultbootcamp.com) WORK WITH US Join the Catapult Your Ca...
Episode 183: The Fallacy of Flexibility
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share with you why you may want to ditch the word flexibility as you achieve your goals. Click to listen FREE TRAINING Regis...
Episode 182: Why You May Choose NOT to Catapult
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share with you the side of catapulting that is not often discussed. Everyone focuses on the glitz and glamor. The prestige. The ...
Episode 181: The path to C-Suite before age 60
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can I actually get to the C-Suite within a 20-year career? All the C-Suite leaders I see are 50-60. Am I too young? How would it actually hap...
Episode 180: 3 invisible saboteurs in your career
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, we shed light on three invisible saboteurs for corporate leaders. These saboteurs are responsible for the burnout, the stall...
Episode 179: The reason you may be dissatisfied in your new role
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every day, I encounter leaders who are dissatisfied with their current role for different reasons. "The role was advertised as a VP BUT I'm a glori...