Former CEO shares how anyone with great charisma can climb the corporate ladder easily

Climbing up the corporate ladder requires over-the-top skill and knowledge. With these, one can always use tips and advice to enhance their professional journey. Former CEO Denise Conroy–who goes on TikTok by @denise_conroy–shared an enlightening bit of corporate advice that several employees can hold on to. Her TikTok channel is dedicated to revealing corporate tricks and tips that can come in handy for one’s career. In her video, she shared what she calls the “best piece of professional advice” that she received from another executive. She then mentioned that the person whom she received the advice from was a “brilliant CEO.”

Revealing the same, she said, “Someone who is a mentor had told her that being good at your job only gets you so far in your career.” Elaborating further, Conroy said, “That whole next phase where you start to rise through the executive ranks is about how good you are at putting people at ease.” Conroy then expressed that in her early years, when she got the advice, she had a more of a tougher approach. “I wasn’t very warm and I couldn’t put people at ease.” Next, she mentioned that she had a “tough exterior” and wasn’t open to being vulnerable and sharing her emotions in a professional environment.

The former CEO also added, “When I worked with a coach to sort of ‘soften the edges,’ I was able to come across as a softer, more empathetic human being.’” Comparing her old self to her professional nature today, Conroy remarked, “It's fascinating.” The woman then gave an example of a podcast called “The School of Greatness” that featured communication coach Vanessa Van Edwards. Conroy mentioned that she lived by the coach’s definition of charisma, which is quite related to her aforementioned piece of advice.

Conroy said, “When you think charisma, you kind of think of someone as a sleazy or slick person. But that’s not her definition. She said, ‘Charisma is warmth and competence put together,’ and that was something I could buy into.” She then mentioned that Edwards’ advice resonated with that of the executives. “If you can come across as warm and competent, you can be one pretty dynamic package for whatever company or wherever you want to go in your career,” Conroy said.

Elaborating on Conroy’s reference to Vanessa Van Edwards, the coach said in “The School of Greatness” interview with the host Lewis Howes, “Highly charismatic people are compelling and captivating.” She shared, “Very smart people make the mistake of being all competent. They blow you away with numbers, facts and statistics and are seen as cold and intimidating.” Edwards then shared that the other side consists of people who are too warm and friendly but lack competence and balance. Lastly, she stressed that most professional problems arise due to this imbalance and equaling the same can greatly help.

 Conroy’s post was taken quite seriously and several employees and working professionals grabbed the advice. @shelloooo said, “This is such great insight. I received similar insight in my career that asked me to be more approachable and trusted. It served me well.” @campgaywood said, “I am 100% convinced that this is why I have repeated clients as a small business. It’s the connection.”