Welcome to the first edition of The Iconic Edge.
This newsletter is for ambitious woman who’s worked hard, achieved a lot, and yet… want more.
More recognition. More success. More impact.
But something is getting in your way, and you’re
Watching people with half your experience get opportunities you desire and deserve.
Wondering when all your effort will pay off with winning that ideal top job.
Trying to make an impact beyond your current role, but not getting anywhere
Here’s what I know: It’s not you. It’s the system you’re operating in.
I know, because I was operating in the same way until I had one simple mindset shift.
And in this first edition, I want to show you how that shift in perspective can change everything.
You’re Still Playing the Ladder Game
Here’s the problem. Most professional women are operating with a “ladder mindset.”
They believe:
Work hard → Get noticed → Move up
Loyalty and competence = reward
The next promotion or new job will finally give them the recognition they deserve
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: The corporate ladder is outdated, especially for women.
It’s overcrowded. The rungs are further apart for us. And someone else controls when (or if) you get to climb.
Even worse? AI and technology is making that ladder even more precarious. Roles are being automated. Middle management is shrinking. The “rules” you’ve been following are rapidly evaporating.
The ladder was designed for a different age. And wasting your time on it is costing you opportunities, income, and time.
Build Your Own Stage Instead
Here’s what you need to do differently: Stop climbing and start building.
Shift from a “ladder mindset” to a “stage mindset.”
The ladder mindset says:
- Wait to be chosen
- Prove your worth to gatekeepers
- Play the ‘game’ and hope it pays off
- Stay in one lane until it works
- Focus on just one income source
The stage mindset says:
- Make yourself unmissable
- Showcase your value on your terms
- Create your own opportunities
- Build a portfolio career
- Diversify your income and influence
- Be seen and heard beyond one role
When you have your own stage, YOU control:
What you’re known for
Who you work with
How you monetise your expertise
When and how you show up
You stop being one of many qualified candidates. You become the obvious choice.
Opportunities don’t pass you by—they seek you out.
How To Start Building Your Unique ‘Stage’ This Week
Don’t worry, I’m not saying to quit your job or blow up your life. You just need to start thinking differently.
Here are 3 ways to shift from ladder to stage:
01. Define what makes you unmistakably YOU
Stop trying to be “well-rounded” or to “blend in.”
Instead, identify what..
You do better than almost anyone
Perspective only YOU can offer
You want to be known for (not what you think you should be known for)
Write it down. This becomes the foundation of your stage.
02. Make one “stage move” this week
A “stage move” is anything that makes you more visible or valuable to the right people:
Post one strong/polarising opinion on LinkedIn
Reach out to someone you admire (no agenda, just connection)
Start documenting your wins and insights
Pitch yourself to speak, write, or advise somewhere
Share your expertise publicly (even if it feels weird)
Pick ONE. Do it before Friday.
03. Ask yourself: “Am I building personal equity or just collecting a salary?”
Building your stage means creating assets that outlast any single job:
Your reputation and personal brand
A network of genuine relationships
Varied experience and knowledge
Multiple income streams
A body of work people can find and follow
If you’re only collecting a salary, you’re still on the ladder. Start building equity this month.
The Bottom Line is…
The ladder is old school— owning your stage is the future.
Your stage is your showcase platform of what makes YOU the ‘go to’ expert, whatever your specialism.
When you build your stage, you become sought-after. You attract opportunities instead of chasing them.
You’re in control of your career trajectory—regardless of what happens with AI, workplace shifts, or the economy.
The women who thrive in the next decade won’t be the ones who climbed. They’ll be the ones who built their own stages.
Start building yours today.
All my best
Nichola
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