ARE YOU A HIPO?

Not hippo, 'High-Potential'.

Or are you a PoPo, 'Passed Over for Promotion Opportunities"'

The difference between the two isn’t just an acronym; it's about career strategy.

If you’re reading this and nodding in agreement because you’ve recently gotten promoted or are climbing steadily up the ladder, then congratulations—you are in the coveted HiPo category. You're part of the elite 10% who receive exclusive training, senior mentorship, higher pay, and recognition. You’re on the fast track.

But what if you’re not in that category? What if you’re working just as hard (maybe even harder) but haven’t seen the career growth you were hoping for? What if you feel invisible, stagnant, or stuck?

Then, you might be a PoPo, someone who feels perpetually "passed over" for opportunities, struggling with the sense of frustration that hard work isn’t enough to propel you forward.

I’ve been there. In my 20+ years as an HR Consultant and Executive Career Coach, I’ve worked with countless professionals, particularly women, who find themselves stuck in the PoPo trap. They’re exhausted, confused, and tired of being told to “just work harder.”

But here’s the truth: Working harder is NOT the solution. If you want to accelerate your career and move from PoPo to HiPo, you need a strategy—a strategy that’s intentional, focused, and in YOUR control.

This is where I come in. Through my years of coaching high-potential professionals, I’ve distilled three powerful questions that I ask my clients to help them fast-track their career advancement. These aren’t just theoretical musings; they’re actionable tools that have helped many people—just like you—get the promotions, recognition, and satisfaction they deserve.

THE 3 QUESTIONS THAT PREDICT WHETHER YOU GET promoted OR NOT

Life and career growth aren’t about waiting for fate or luck to intervene. They’re about taking ownership.

If you’re tired of waiting for someone else to make things happen for you, it’s time to stop and ask yourself these three questions. Answer them honestly, and you’ll have a clear roadmap for how to accelerate your career—without working harder or relying on politics.

1. WHAT DO YOU really WANT?

This may seem like a simple question, but it’s the first step in shifting from "passive participant" to "career architect." Many women—especially high-performing professionals—get stuck in roles because they’ve been reacting to what’s available instead of proactively designing their career path.

What do you truly want to do next? What job title excites you? What kind of work energizes you?

Rather than searching job boards or LinkedIn for any available role, make a deliberate choice about the role you want. And don’t limit yourself to what’s available right now. Look inside your organization; there may be hidden opportunities that no one else has even considered. The career you’re after might be just a few bold decisions away.

2. WHAT DO PEOPLE associate WITH YOUR NAME?

If you’re not growing in your career, there’s a good chance your personal brand isn’t working for you.

What do your peers, boss, and industry colleagues think when they hear your name? Are they associating you with value, innovation, and leadership?

If not, it’s time to take control of your personal brand. Your name should be synonymous with value in your organization. But this doesn’t happen by accident—it takes careful planning and intentionality. Start managing your brand like it’s a key career asset, and you’ll become a top contender for promotions and new opportunities.

3. DO YOU HAVE A CLEAR, documented CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN? 

This is where most professionals get stuck. A well-thought-out career plan is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for promotion. And here's the catch—this plan needs to be written down and supported by your boss.

Many professionals believe that simply discussing career growth with their boss will suffice. Spoiler alert: It won’t.

Conversations are fleeting. A written, formalized plan that outlines the steps for your career progression, with the full backing of your boss, is a must.

A documented plan ensures that both you and your boss are aligned and accountable for your success. It's your roadmap to getting recognized, moving up, and achieving the kind of success you deserve.

READY TO BREAK FREE FROM THE popo TRAP?

You don’t have to wait for a promotion to fall into your lap. You don’t need to be at the mercy of your company’s whims or politics.

By answering these three questions, you’ll craft a powerful strategy that helps you shift from being passed over to becoming the next rising star in your organization.

But here's the catch: You need to take control NOW. No one else will do it for you.

If you want to get noticed, get promoted, and get the recognition—and pay—you deserve, it’s time to put a strategy in place that works for you. And these three questions are the first step in getting you there.

What are you waiting for?

Take control of your career today.