Who Really Gets Promoted, And Who Gets Left Behind?

Promotions aren’t just about performance; they’re about power, bias, and access.
In this timely and deeply honest conversation, Michelle and Samah unpack what promotion really looks like for women, women of color, and experienced professionals in today’s workplace. Drawing on recent research and real-life experiences, we examine why minority women are the least likely to be promoted, why Gen X talent is often overlooked, and how structural bias, rather than a lack of ambition or skill, continues to influence career outcomes.
The discussion includes gatekeeping, age bias, self-advocacy, unequal pay, and why diversity efforts often overlook age and lived experiences. Most importantly, we discuss what needs to change in organizations, leadership, and ourselves if we truly want equitable career progression.
This episode isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to do better.