106. Corporate Politics and Career Growth—The Truth No One Tells You

Kendall Berg doesn’t sugarcoat it: if you refuse to engage in corporate politics, your career will stall. Hard work alone gets you to middle management at best, while those who master influence, relationships, and reputation move into senior leadership. Politics isn’t about gossip—it’s about power dynamics, alliances, and timing.

In this episode of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall breaks down how to navigate the politics of influence without losing yourself. She shares tactical strategies for identifying power centers, mapping allies and rivals, managing conflict with integrity, and building trust that lasts. Whether you’re aiming for Director, VP, or C-suite, this episode is your roadmap for turning politics from a career roadblock into a career advantage.

👉 In this episode, we discuss:

• How do you know if avoiding politics is holding back your career?

• What are the three pillars of corporate politics everyone should master?

• How do you identify the true power players in your company?

• What’s the best way to handle rivals and protect your reputation?

• How can leaders build trust and advocate for their teams effectively?