Feeling stuck at Director level despite years of experience and strong performance? Executive coach Katy McFee explains why high-performing midlife women often get passed over for promotion and the simple shifts that can finally get you seen as VP material.

You’ve spent 20+ years building your career. You’re trusted, capable, and consistently delivering results. Your team relies on you and leadership praises your work.

And yet… when the VP promotion opens up, someone else gets it.

In this episode, Jessica talks with executive coach Katy McFee about why so many high-performing women in corporate leadership roles get stuck at the Director level, and what actually needs to change to move into executive leadership.

They discuss the perception problem that blocks many promotions, why being the go-to executor can hurt your chances of becoming a VP, and how to start showing up as strategic leadership instead of tactical management.

You’ll also learn how to create strategic thinking time, communicate ideas with more authority in meetings, increase visibility with senior leadership, and respond when you’re given vague feedback like “be more strategic” or “improve executive presence.”

If you’re a midlife woman navigating career advancement, leadership growth, and the Director-to-VP ceiling, this conversation will help you understand why your promotion may be stalled and what to do next.

✚ Follow the show for more conversations about midlife identity, personal growth and midlife women’s wellness.

Connect with Katy McFee:

Quiz: Are You VP Ready? | LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

🎧 Other Episodes You Will Love:

Ditch the Sunday Scaries & Plan Your Most Aligned Year Using Your Enneagram Type

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

💌 I share more personal stories, favorite products, high-protein recipes, book recs and exclusive discounts with my email friends. If you’re a midlife woman navigating perimenopause, hormone shifts, personal growth, and all the identity changes that come with this season, you’ll fit right in. Join the fun and I’ll send you my 3 favorite smoothie recipes to get you started!

✨For more midlife advice on perimenopause, hormone health, nervous system support, and living with purpose in your 40s and 50s follow me: @midlifeadvicepodcast | @belongwellness

⚡️Ready to feel centered, energized, and like yourself again? Learn more about working together at belongwellness.com.