The Uncommon Executive

How To Influence Executives: 5 Elements of Persuasive Stories

While we think we're data-driven and logical, we are much more influenced by stories than numbers. Hone your storytelling skills to unlock a next level…

Oct 2 • 

Yue Zhao

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September 2025

How to Tame Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is not something we get rid off. Instead, it is a natural feeling when we try something new outside our comfort zone, and the goal is…

Sep 25 • 

Yue Zhao

26

1

Promotions are based on Impact, not just people skills

If you're looking to get more resources and manage a team, tell a story about how you'll create more impact.

Sep 18 • 

Yue Zhao

35

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Time for Strategic Work Is Not Optional and Does Not Need To Be Earned

If you want to up level your work and be more strategic, don't wait for an opportunity or "get other work done first." Prioritize strategy conversation…

Sep 11 • 

Yue Zhao

43

5

Chase environments that make your goals inevitable.

When things go wrong, sometimes it is more powerful to change the environment, rather than ourselves. Look to the bigger picture of people and process…

Sep 4 • 

Yue Zhao

16

August 2025

Personal Growth, Building with AI, and Parenting Skills

I'm taking time in August to invest in myself. Goals include building real products with AI, increasing my capacity as a coach, and adding tools to my…

Aug 14 • 

Yue Zhao

16

8

You Can Love Your Job And Take A Vacation

The only way to sustain high performance over a long time or rapid change is to take breaks. Taking the time to recover means you love your job.

Aug 7 • 

Yue Zhao

14

3

July 2025

How To Expand Your Influence Skills

Having the data or being “right” doesn’t win hearts and minds. We work with humans. And humans are emotional creatures. Build your influence through…

Jul 31 • 

Yue Zhao

26

2

What Most Leaders of AI Get Wrong About Driving Adoption

AI Adoption is not a technology or skillset problem. It is a mindset and change management challenge. Invest in context sharing, up-skilling, and early…

Jul 24 • 

Yue Zhao

8

1

How Great Leaders Use Empathy to Create Shared Vision

When you see the world from another person’s perspective, you realize that opposing truths can both be right.

Jul 17 • 

Yue Zhao

22

2

Finding Your Most Counterintuitive Leadership Growth Areas

We ask ourselves what makes us happy and work towards that. It turns out that your negative emotions are also a compass for action when they are…

Jul 10 • 

Yue Zhao

24

2

How To Counter A False Statement About You

Demonstrate a counterpoint to change a false perception or recover gracefully from mistake. Here's how to escape the negative thinking spiral, move…

Jul 3 • 

Yue Zhao

19

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