“What if the secret to career success isn’t just about being the best, but about being strategic, investing in yourself, and owning your journey?”

Too many women in tech feel stuck, watching others get promoted while they stay in place despite hard work and strong results. I’ve been there—early in my career, I had big ambitions but felt like I was spinning my wheels. However, after over 10 years in the tech industry, I’ve tripled my salary, grown my leadership skills, and created new opportunities by playing the long game and building a strategic career path.

Here are the insights that I wish someone had told me when I started, insights that have been game-changers in salary, growth, and promotion.

Let’s dive into what actually makes the difference. It’s not a one-time negotiation hack or a lucky break—it’s about making deliberate, sometimes bold, moves that build long-term value. These aren’t quick wins but real strategies you can put into action. Here’s how to start:

1. Embrace Humble Beginnings and Master Pivoting

My journey started with a pivot that seemed, at first, like a huge sacrifice. I transitioned my master’s degree into an apprenticeship in the MarTech industry, trading off a higher salary for the chance to learn from within. That apprenticeship earned me a modest three-figure wage, barely enough to cover rent in Paris. But that decision paid off when it opened doors to MarTech, launching my career.

Fast forward, and I made another pivot: I moved to the UK and started from scratch, leaving behind the network and financial expectations I’d built in France. These pivots were calculated risks. I didn’t let pride or a fear of starting over stop me. Pivoting strategically allowed me to step into new industries, acquire new skills, and broaden my career horizons without being boxed into a specific role or country. Each pivot brought me closer to a role with greater leadership opportunities and, yes, a bigger paycheck.

Takeaway: Strategic pivots can set you up for higher rewards over time. Don’t be afraid to start small or even take a temporary step back to build the foundation for long-term success.

2. Invest in Yourself Before Waiting for Recognition

One of the best career choices I made was to invest in myself—before my organization or leaders offered any resources. Investing in my growth was a commitment to my own potential. From content creation to email marketing, I used my free time to dive into new skills through side projects that put those abilities to the test.

I also put real money into this journey (over 5 figures real money), because you're your biggest asset. I enrolled in career coaching and paid for certifications, knowing that the skills would be invaluable down the line. One certification in coaching, for example, was a turning point: it gave me tools that expanded my leadership capacity, enabling me to manage and grow a team of 15 across the globe. This investment not only unleashed my leadership ability but also demonstrated my “promotion readiness” to the decision-makers at my company.

Takeaway: Don’t wait for permission to grow. Investing in yourself—whether through learning new skills, seeking coaching, or building new experiences—is a concrete way to fast-track your career.

3. Own Your Narrative and Voice Your Ambitions

Early in my career, I was head-down, trying to prove my value through hard work. But the reality is that career growth often requires visibility, not just effort. I learned that if I wanted to advance, I needed to stop passively waiting to be “discovered.” Instead, I began voicing my ambitions and owning my story.

For example, I stopped asking generic questions to my line manager like, “What should I do to get promoted?” Instead, I started saying things like, “As I aspire to move into a senior role, I’ll be focusing on developing my public speaking skills next quarter. How do you see you could support me in achieving this goal? I thought of 3 ways to start with…” This shift put me in a proactive position, shaping my 1:1s and aligning my growth goals with my manager’s support.

This approach also proved invaluable when I began interviewing externally. When headhunters asked me what I was looking for, I openly shared my goals, saying I was interested in a more generalist role rather than staying within a single specialization. This led to introductions to unique roles that might not have been on my radar otherwise.

And here’s the game-changer: by the time we reached salary discussions, I felt a strong sense of belonging and worth. Instead of “hoping for a fair offer,” I had already positioned myself as someone who knew the value they brought to the table, which allowed me to negotiate from a place of confidence.

Takeaway: Owning your career narrative and asking for what you want gives you control and ensures your goals are known to others. Confidence and clear communication create opportunities—and when it comes to salary discussions, it helps to feel like you’ve already earned your place at the table.

So What Now?

Imagine if, instead of waiting for someone to notice your hard work, you set yourself up for visibility, advocating for your own growth and development. Picture the difference in confidence, the progression of your career, and the strength of knowing you’re not just drifting but actively steering toward your goals.

These principles allowed me to step into my potential, and they can do the same for you. Imagine yourself not as a passenger in your career journey but as the driver, skillfully navigating to reach your destination. Wouldn’t it feel incredible to look back and say, “I made that happen,” seeing promotions, salary growth, and influence that you actively built?

If you'd like to connect with me, please DM on Elpha or LinkedIn. I'd love to hear from you!