To advance as a leader, don't take on more work; instead, focus on being seen as someone who can influence the company's direction and contribute strategic insights, writes leadership coach Susan Mazza. By making intentional mindset shifts -- such as owning your value, shaping direction and positioning your expertise -- you can gain recognition for your judgment and vision. "Every time you shift from carrying the load to shaping the direction, your clarity and confidence rise -- and so does your visibility," Mazza writes.

Put it into practice: Mazza recommends three mindset shifts to boost visibility: shifting from "earn it" to "own it" by proactively sharing your perspective; moving from "carrying the load" to "shaping the direction" by influencing plans rather than just executing them; and changing from "proving" to "positioning" by framing your ideas and demonstrating judgment instead of constantly justifying your expertise.

As you move up the leadership ladder in your company, you may encounter several cultural challenges, such as a fear-based environment, cutthroat competition or manipulative behaviors like gaslighting, writes strategic advisor Sheila Gujrathi, who offers strategies including finding emotional support from trusted peers and colleagues, as well as developing self-care rituals. "Address challenges and conflicts from a place of calm and centeredness," Gujrathi writes.

Put it into practice: If you feel those around you are gaslighting you through gossip or subtle sabotage, be clear about what you're dealing with, gather evidence and take assertive steps to address the manipulation, all while protecting your well-being, Gujrathi advises. "Maintain firm boundaries between work and personal life. Take care of your mental and physical health."

As a leader, it can feel uncomfortable to ask for feedback because it feels personal, but growth requires input, writes leadership coach Dan Rockwell. Get the feedback you need by asking others how you can help them, what worked during meetings and whether your actions are lining up with company or team values, Rockwell recommends.

Put it into practice: Share your goals with your team and ask if what you're doing is achieving them, and how you can improve next time, Rockwell advises. "When leaders grow, everyone around them gets better. Reject comfort. Choose improvement."

When Ariana Huffington was running "Huffpost," the news website she founded and later sold, she broke a cheekbone when she collapsed from exhaustion, an episode that made her embrace a healthier lifestyle and give up hustle culture. Now, in her 70s, the founder of Thrive Global says she's careful how she spends her time. "For instance, if I say yes to a breakfast meeting that drains me, I'm also saying no to the things that actually help me be productive and creative and engaged. Being able to say no -- without apology -- is an essential skill," Huffington says.

A dog in Oklahoma has set a Guinness World Record for the longest tongue on a living dog at 7.83 inches. Ozzy, a French mastiff and bull mastiff mix belonging to Angela Pick, surpassed the previous record held by a dog from Illinois with a 5.46-inch tongue. Despite the abundance of tongue, Pick says Ozzy is not especially slobbery. "He doesn't give kisses -- he gets in your face and kind of loves and rubs noses, but he doesn't really lick on a lot of stuff!" Pick says.

The sustainability talent pipeline is currently concentrated at the mid-career level, leaving entry-level hiring stagnant despite high interest from early-career professionals. To address this imbalance and ensure long-term capability, organizations are encouraged to create more entry-level opportunities, broaden recruitment beyond traditional backgrounds and offer pathways for advancement. Initiatives like apprenticeships and rotational programs can help integrate sustainability across the business and cultivate a diverse, future-fit workforce.

You made yourself visible by showing you're a capable strategist and decision-maker and you earned that promotion. You dusted off old trophies, wore the extra-awesome new title and took a confident seat at the table. But -- surprise! -- the view from up here isn't all sunshine, motivational posters and free coffee. As you climb into the C-suite (or just somewhere near it), you might find yourself surrounded not by teammates but by what Sheila Gujrathi calls "sharks, snakes and snipers." Big egos, odd power plays, subtle sabotage -- the kind of trouble that doesn't come with a safety manual.

Fear not. You do deserve your seat. And you can show up as a leader who doesn't just survive, but helps transform that chaos into something better.

The higher you go, the more likely you are to run into bullies, those competing for recognition and sneaky types who gaslight and manipulate you. For the bullies, build a reputation for openness and don't take their jabs personally. For the competitor, hold fast to your values and invite kindness, mutual support and shared wins. Deal with gaslighting by finding allies and building a personal "board of directors" who can listen, support you and help you strategize. 

Getting to the top often means navigating rough terrain. That's just part of the deal. But climbing doesn't have to change you into a shark. You don't need to out-snarl the snipers or out-scheme the schemers. Instead -- quietly, firmly -- you can choose a different way. A way of respect, collaboration, clarity and integrity. Because guess what? The world needs more leaders who can hold their seat at the table -- and build a better table while they're at it. And that, dear rising leader, can be you.

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