top of page
Website - Banners (13).png

Linceis Blog

Develop your inner wisdom

Search

The Invisible Wall Between You and Your Executive Role

  • Writer: Susan Robertson
    Susan Robertson
  • Jun 5
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 25

Life gives us many moments where we’re called to break through — to choose courage over comfort. It might be entering a new relationship, saying yes to a stretch opportunity, or going for that long-awaited promotion. And in those moments, we often feel both fear and excitement.


Fear of what might happen… 


And hope for what could happen.


Every time I face something new — even something as simple as writing an article — I can find myself stuck in my own thinking. What should I say? How should I say it?

I see this in so many of the leaders I mentor. Whether it’s a high-stakes project or a big presentation to senior leadership or the board — they get caught in the swirl of overthinking:

“Where do I begin?” “What’s the right angle?” “Will it land?”


Some of us get stuck in our careers. Not because we lack talent or drive — but because we’ve hit something that quietly caused us to pull back.

Years ago, I started writing a book. But I ran into unexpected legal complications that felt overwhelming. So I stopped. I put it down. Recently, I picked it back up. And now I’m nearly finished. But I only got here because I chose to break through the wall that once stopped me.



What About You?


What walls or obstacles have you faced — in your life, or in your leadership?

Where have you gotten stuck in your career?


  • Maybe you were passed over for a role you were more than qualified for.

  • Maybe you watched someone with less experience leapfrog ahead.

  • Or maybe no one’s ever said it — but deep down, you know: You’re capable of more. You’re just not being seen.



The Invisible Wall No One Talks About


In my work coaching high performers, I see this moment all the time — a quiet, internal stall They’re still delivering. Still leading. Still showing up. But somewhere along the way… they stop reaching.


They stop raising their hand. They stop speaking up with bold ideas. They start playing it safe — hoping their results will speak for themselves. But here’s the truth:


Results — while necessary — don’t always speak loud enough in rooms where decisions are made.

That’s the hard truth.


There’s an executive ceiling that results alone can’t break.



Breaking Through the Executive Ceiling™


Let me be clear — this is not a judgment. If you’ve been there, I see you.

Because I’ve worked with so many incredible leaders who were right on the edge of their next level — but couldn’t break through. They were stuck in what I call the Influence Gap™ — that space between doing exceptional work and being seen as an executive.


It’s not about doing more. It’s about developing different capabilities:


🟢 Strategic thinking 

🟢 Executive emotional intelligence 

🟢 Cross-level influence 

🟢 Composure under complexity 

🟢 And a leadership brand that commands trust


These are the signals that say: “This person is ready for more.”


The Executive Ceiling™ and Influencing Gap™
The Executive Ceiling™ and Influencing Gap™

The Shift Happens Here


There’s a visual I use in The Executive Path Masterclass that shows two paths:

One line flattens — the high performer who keeps delivering, but remains stuck. The other rises — the leader who learns to shift how they’re seen.


What’s the difference?


They step out of the comfort zone of performance... And into the courage zone of influence, distinction, and visibility. And yes — that shift requires facing fear.


Fear of being judged. Fear of not being enough. Fear of asking for more. But on the other side of that fear is everything you’ve ever wanted:


✨ To be seen 

✨ To be trusted 

✨ To make the impact you know you’re here to make



You Were Never Meant to Stay Stuck


If this message hits home, I want you to know something: You don’t have to stay stuck at the ceiling. You’re not missing anything — you simply haven’t been shown how to reposition your leadership and rise with strategy and heart.


That’s why I created The Executive Path Masterclass — to help high performers like you stop waiting to be discovered… and start leading like the executive you’re meant to be.



In just 60 minutes, you’ll learn:


🎯 Why results alone don’t get you promoted — and what does 

🎯 The 3 gaps keeping high performers from being seen as executives 

🎯 A clear, practical path to expand your influence and rise


You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to be seen.

With heart and belief in your leadership, 


Susan Robertson 

Executive Coach | CEO, Linceis 

Helping high performers rise with influence, heart, and strategy

 
 
 

Commentaires


bottom of page