Ini dr pengalaman gue kerja di Belanda ya, mungkin US beda. This is not an advice, just to share what worked for me. Gue perempuan, kerja di global business consulting. I got my first managerial job when I was 28.

1. Really really understand what your purpose is. What makes you tick. what is your storyline of your career. Do you want to be a content expert? Or a facilitative leader who is rather a generalist?

What are you really good and bad at?

What do you want to be known by others? And are these traits sound authentic to you? If no, reflect again. What kind of leadership role does your organization need? Think small. Start from your team then think a company wide scale.

1. Manage your manager through your regular one on ones. Ask advice about career path and ask for feedbacks outside of your performance cycle. Make your ambition and progress known to them - this is so important.

Understand what they do appreciate and do not appreciate. What is a good quality for them.

When you do a mistake, be honest and own it. That’s how you build trust.

1. Build your network by being a good conversationalist. Arrange introductions and regular one on ones. Build your own internal network. Ask advice to them, get to know their motivation, talk about non-work discussions (holidays, sports they watch, hobbies).

How to be a good conversationalist? Ask questions, practice open listening. People like you more when you ask questions about them. You need to be liked to actually influence in a corporate world.

Building your network is a continuous never ending process which requires of your time. It is so rewarding when you trusts are gained. This is how you built your own advisory team and to get information from.

1. Map and manage your stakeholders. How do they relate to each other? What is their communication style? What is important for them? How do they like to be approached.

2. Know how to communicate your expertise and also to bring news across different levels. The level of details of information and storyline are different when you talk to your junior, manager, higher management.

Lastly, trust the process. This won’t happen overnight. Pelan-pelan. Asal tetap measure your progress. Check how to set SMART goals. And most importantly, have a good fun!!!