Lorraine Lee is a global keynote speaker and instructor with LinkedIn Learning and Stanford Continuing Studies. Earlier in her career, she was a founding editor at LinkedIn and Prezi. After being laid off in 2022, she became an entrepreneur and launched RISE Learning Solutions.
What’s the big idea?
You can be an incredibly hard worker who delivers quality results time and again, but still get overlooked for that big promotion. The true accelerator of ambitious goals is an unforgettable presence. All professionals can go from being passed over to being in the running by mastering how they show up and get seen. Unforgettable Presence offers practical tips for strengthening your presence to unlock career opportunities.
Below, Lorraine shares five key insights from her new book, Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. Listen to the audio version—read by Lorraine herself—in the Next Big Idea App.
1. Hard work alone isn’t enough.
For most of my career, I believed that if I just worked hard, I would get ahead and eventually get that promotion. I delivered results, took on high-priority projects, and was well-liked by my colleagues. But when it came to promotions and leadership opportunities, I kept watching others, who were sometimes less experienced or newer to the team, get tapped for them while I stayed in the background. It took me years to realize that getting ahead isn’t just about how good your work is—it’s about how and where you’re seen.
At LinkedIn, I worked hard, followed directions, and executed well. I even moved to Hong Kong for a year to help launch one of the company’s biggest global initiatives. But despite my contributions, I wasn’t advancing. I kept my head down, delivered on my tasks, and assumed that my results would speak for themselves. But the truth is, you need to be your own advocate.
When I later joined Prezi, I made a shift. I studied what set leaders apart from hard workers and realized that advancing requires more than execution—it requires influence. Leaders weren’t just getting things done; they were being strategic, building relationships, and ensuring their value was recognized.
Visibility isn’t just about showing up in meetings; it’s about showing up in the right places. In today’s digital-first world, our presence extends beyond physical office spaces. How your colleagues and managers see you is shaped by how you show up on LinkedIn, Zoom, and Slack or Teams. Your professional reputation isn’t just built in the office. It’s built online. You have to be intentional about where you’re engaging, what you’re contributing, and how others perceive you.
If you’re not being recognized for your contributions, ask yourself: Who needs to see my work? Where am I making my presence known? Am I showing up in the spaces where decision-makers pay attention? Your work is important, but your presence gets you noticed. If you’re intentional about how and where you show up, the right people will see your value.
2. The power of confident communication.
One of the biggest career accelerators isn’t what you know but how you communicate it.
Early in my career, I didn’t see myself as a strong public speaker. I was shy, quiet, and didn’t like the spotlight. But I learned that being a confident communicator—whether in meetings, presentations, or even emails—is a game-changer. The people who get promoted, who get buy-in for their ideas, and are seen as leaders are the ones who articulate their value with clarity, confidence, and conviction!
“Visibility isn’t just about showing up in meetings; it’s about showing up in the right places.”
A lot of people avoid public speaking, but it’s one of the most valuable skills you can develop. I saw this firsthand at Prezi, where I worked with some of the best speakers and learned what makes presentations engaging, informative, and memorable. While you don’t have to be a keynote speaker for these skills to matter, every meeting, email, and conversation is a chance to show up confidently and be seen as a strong, reliable leader.
So, how can you start strengthening your communication presence today?
First, be mindful of your language. Many people, especially those who are shy or hesitant, use minimizing language that undermines their authority. For example, instead of saying, “Does that make sense?” try saying, “Let me know if you have any questions.” Or instead of “I’ll try to get it done next week,” say “I will get this done by Tuesday.” Minor tweaks like this can make a huge difference.
Next, let’s talk about those nerves! Public speaking can trigger a fight-or-flight response for a lot of us. But nerves aren’t a bad thing because they show that you care. The key is to manage your nerves by preparing, breathing deeply, and focusing on your audience instead of yourself.
Finally, seek feedback. Whether from a mentor, manager, or even your audience, feedback helps you refine your communication skills. I learned this firsthand when I started actively seeking input on my presentations. It helped me go from hesitant to confident. And while it’s never fun, watching your recordings can also be very helpful (and humbling).
Whether you’re writing an email, speaking in a meeting, or presenting to a room full of executives, your ability to communicate with confidence shapes how others perceive your leadership potential. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room, but you do need to be intentional about how you show up.
3. We all need advocates.
One of the biggest game-changers in my career was finding the right people to advocate for me. A mentor alone isn’t enough. You also need a sponsor—someone who actively champions you when you’re not in the room.
Sponsors play a more direct role in career advancement. They don’t just guide you—they advocate for you. They’re the ones who bring up your name for promotions, stretch assignments, or leadership roles. Research backs this up: professionals with strong sponsors are more likely to advance.
So, how can you find these advocates?
First, look for leaders who notice your work and align with your career goals. Engage with them, ask thoughtful questions, and build genuine relationships. If they see your value and potential, and know your great work will reflect positively on them, they are more likely to advocate for you when opportunities arise.
“When you combine great work with strong advocates, doors will open faster.”
Second, don’t be afraid to ask. Many of us assume that if we work hard, people will notice—but as we already discussed, that’s not always true. Sometimes, you need to make it clear that you’re looking for growth and would appreciate someone’s guidance or support.
And finally, be proactive in maintaining these relationships. Keep your mentors and sponsors updated on your wins, seek their advice, and express gratitude for their support.
Having both mentors and sponsors is one of the most powerful ways to accelerate your career. When you combine great work with strong advocates, doors will open faster, and more opportunities will come your way.
4. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional.
When you hear “networking,” what’s your first reaction? If it’s a mix of dread and awkward small talk, you’re not alone. A lot of professionals—especially introverts—see networking as forced, transactional, or just plain uncomfortable. But networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or small talk at corporate events; it’s about building real relationships.
As an introvert, I struggled with networking. It felt overwhelming and I wasn’t sure how to do it in a way that felt natural. But over time, I realized there are two types of networking that can make or break your career: internal networking—within your company—and external networking—beyond your workplace.
Let’s talk about internal networking first. If only people in your immediate team know about your work, you might get overlooked. You need to make sure decision-makers know what you bring to the table. This isn’t about having random coffee chats but being intentional. Who in your company do you admire? Who are the decision-makers you should build relationships with? You can start by asking thoughtful questions, sharing ideas in meetings, or collaborating on cross-functional projects. These small efforts make you more visible and create advocates for your work within your company.
Next is external networking to expand your influence beyond your workplace. Networking outside your company can open doors to unexpected opportunities—you may find those important advocates we just talked about, partnerships, and even new job offers. Pro Tip for my fellow introverts: One way to preserve energy at a networking event is to check out the attendee list beforehand. If there is someone there you’d like to speak to, you can send them a note on LinkedIn beforehand to let them know you look forward to meeting them.
“One way to preserve energy at a networking event is to check out the attendee list beforehand.”
If networking feels awkward, lead with curiosity and generosity. Instead of thinking about what you can get from a conversation, think about what you can give. Ask thoughtful questions and find small ways to add value.
Most importantly, follow up. Real networking isn’t about a single interaction. Much of it depends on following through and following up. Most people miss this step, but it’s critical to building a relationship and showing that you value the other person’s time.
If networking gives you hives, try shifting your mindset. It’s not about pitching yourself; it’s about investing in relationships that will support your career for years to come.
5. Think like a leader before you have the title.
One of the biggest career shifts happens when you step into a management role. Suddenly, your success isn’t just about your work; it’s about how well your team performs. Whatever got you to that point, those skills are no longer what you’re being judged on. But you don’t have to wait for the title to start thinking like a leader. The earlier you adopt a leadership mindset, the more prepared you’ll be when the opportunity comes.
I love the example from the TV show Superstore, where Amy, played by America Ferrera, gets promoted from floor clerk to store manager. She’s excited, but immediately realizes that her team now sees her differently. The job isn’t just about working hard anymore. She has to think about strategy, manage relationships, and navigate a new level of responsibility.
When I became a manager for the first time, I felt enormous pressure to prove that I was perfect. But I learned that great managers don’t have all the answers. Instead, they take ownership, build strong relationships, and advocate for their team. They think about how their work impacts the bigger picture. Leadership isn’t about doing more, but rather it’s about thinking differently. Instead of focusing only on my own to-do list, I started asking bigger questions: How can I make an impact beyond my role? How can I help my team succeed?
If you start thinking like a leader before you have the title, you’ll be prepared and make it easy for decision-makers to see you as the obvious choice for that next step. Leadership isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you step into now, so when the opportunity comes, you’re already leading.
To listen to the audio version read by author Lorraine Lee, download the Next Big Idea App today:
