555: Why Even The Smartest Leaders Plateau When They Avoid Discomfort, Hide Their Ideas, Or Wait For Permission. Do This Instead.

555: Why Even The Smartest Leaders Plateau When They Avoid Discomfort, Hide Their Ideas, Or Wait For Permission. Do This Instead.

From Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence & Leadership Communication Style by Laura Camacho

April 8, 2026 · 26 min · Episode 555

About this episode

This episode discusses why even the smartest leaders plateau in their careers and offers insights on overcoming discomfort and taking initiative.

Do you feel like you're doing everything right in your career but still not being seen, promoted, or energized? Click here if: You’re a senior leader who’s finally ready to level up, speak up, get recognised and nail that executive promotion…and you want to work with Laura Camacho to build your Executive Presence Mastery in the next 90-120 days. Click here to pinpoint the specific area in your executive presence that’s keeping you invisible to senior leadership and guarantees you stay working hard as a pack mule who never gets promoted. Download the Executive Presence Scorecard assessment. If you're a high-achiever stuck in cycles of overthinking, perfectionism, or playing it safe at work, this episode will hit home. Guest Heather Kernahan innovator, Silicon Valley executive, and author of Unstuck —shares how even the smartest professionals plateau when they avoid discomfort, hide their ideas, or wait for permission. By the end of today’s conversation with Heather Kernahan you’ll know: 🔎How to spot the silent symptoms of being professionally stuck and what to do next 🚀 Why “moments of authority” like walking to the whiteboard can instantly shift your career trajectory 🪝 How…

People in this episode

Host: Laura Camacho

Guest: Heather Kernahan

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • executive presence
  • career development
  • overcoming discomfort

Keywords

  • promotion
  • visibility
  • high-achievers
  • perfectionism

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Executive Presence Mastery, Executive Presence Scorecard

Books & works: Unstuck, Speak Up

Places: Silicon Valley

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