Hi ,

Carmen worked incredibly hard all year long.

She hit every single target. She exceeded expectations in multiple areas. She walked into her year-end review meeting feeling ready for that promotion conversation she'd been waiting for.

The meeting didn't go the way she'd planned.

Her manager gave her positive feedback on her work, which felt good. Then he said something she wasn't expecting: "We're not sure you're ready for the leadership role yet. We need to see more executive presence from you."

Carmen was genuinely confused. Her work was credible; the numbers proved it. What was missing? What else did they need to see?

Later, a mentor sat her down and told her the uncomfortable truth: "Your work is absolutely great. Your image just isn't matching the role you're trying to move into."

Carmen had been wearing the same comfortable business casual clothes all year. They were fine for her current position. They were professional enough. They just didn't say "ready for the next level" at all.

Leadership evaluates you on two things when they're considering promotions. First, can you do the work? Carmen had already proven this part. Second, do you look like someone who belongs at that level? This is where Carmen was falling short.

It might not seem fair, and maybe it isn't completely fair, but it's real. It's how promotion decisions actually get made.

Carmen spent the next quarter intentionally upgrading her professional image. She got three quality pieces tailored to fit her perfectly. She updated her professional pictures. She started deliberately dressing for the role she wanted instead of the role she had. She made her grooming more consistent. Six months later, she got the promotion she'd been working toward.

For career professionals: Year-end reviews aren't only about evaluating what you accomplished. They're also about whether leadership can actually picture you sitting at the next level. Your image plays a bigger role in that mental picture than you might think.

For entrepreneurs and coaches: Q4 client check-ins work the same way. Clients are evaluating whether to continue working with you, and part of that evaluation is based on how you present yourself throughout the year.

For speakers: Event organizers sit down in Q4 to review this year's speakers and decide who they're booking for next year. Your current professional presence influences their decisions about future bookings.

You have year-end meetings coming up soon. Planning calls, reviews, and client check-ins. Reply and tell me honestly: does your current image match where you want to be in Q1? Just yes or no. No judgment here, just honesty, so we can figure out what needs to happen next.

Let’s stay connected:

🔗 Visit our website

📸 Instagram: @TheFunkeRoberts

📘 Facebook: Funke Susan Roberts

▶️ YouTube: Funke Roberts Channel

To your best image

Funke Roberts