The Uncommon Executive

Why Being Capable Doesn't Get You Promoted

Getting into leadership is more about positioning yourself for that next opportunity than working hard at your current role.

Nov 13 • 

Yue Zhao

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How to communicate succinctly to executives

Executives are short on time and attention. Learn how to Be Brief, Be Brilliant, and Be gone. The secret is in clarity of thinking and having the…

Nov 6 • 

Yue Zhao

51

3

9

October 2025

Letting go is A Leadership Superpower

Letting go of what made us successful and fixed ideas of what is right is the secret to becoming a great executive. Here's the why and the how to do it…

Oct 31 • 

Yue Zhao

36

1

How To Manage False Rumors As a High Performer

High-performers will encounter rumors about their wins rooted in jealousy and envy. The best way to address them is to sidestep the emotions and build a…

Oct 23 • 

Yue Zhao

22

3

4

How to Lead Through Systems, Not Skills

Being "the best" got us into leadership. Learning how to build effective systems and retain great people propels you into the executive levels.

Oct 16 • 

Yue Zhao

31

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5 Tactical Ways To Tackle Meeting Proliferation

Too many meetings comes from a lack of clarity and context or murky decision-making. Solving these issues will naturally decrease meeting load.

Oct 9 • 

Yue Zhao

27

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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

22

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4

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

29

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Why Mentoring Doesn't Get You Into Management

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

36

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3

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

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3

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

18

3

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

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8

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