Have you ever felt stuck in your career? Maybe you’ve been working hard, putting in the hours, and yet, you’re not getting the recognition or promotions you know you deserve. If so, you’re not alone. In my latest episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I had the pleasure of speaking with Drocella Mugorewera, a woman who knows exactly what it means to face immense barriers and still rise to leadership positions. 💪✨
Drocella’s story is powerful, inspiring, and full of actionable advice. She went from surviving political persecution in Rwanda to becoming an influential leader and Diversity in Action advocate in the US. And in this episode, she’s sharing her Top 3 Secrets for women to overcome barriers, gain visibility, and get promoted. 🎙️
Why Women Often Get Stuck—and How to Break Through
Many women feel they’re doing everything right, yet they remain invisible when it’s time for promotions and leadership roles. Drocella shared that this is often not due to a lack of skill, but because they’re not positioning themselves to be noticed. “You can be the most talented person in the room, but if you’re not advocating for yourself, no one will know your value,” she says.
So, how do you shift this dynamic and start getting the promotions and recognition you deserve?
The Top 3 Secrets for Women to Get Promoted
1. Build a Strong Personal Brand
“You can lose material possessions and titles, but you can never lose who you are,” Drocella shared. This means defining your value beyond job titles and creating a personal brand that highlights your skills and strengths. Use platforms like LinkedIn, internal networks, and professional groups to make your presence known. Make sure people know what you stand for and the unique contributions you bring to the table.
2. Network Effectively
It’s not just about who you know—it’s about who knows you. Drocella advises women to build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and leaders at every level. “Your network is your net worth,” she says. Create a circle of allies who will advocate for you even when you’re not in the room. Look for opportunities to connect inside and outside your company, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.
3. Speak Up for What You Want
Women often shy away from expressing their career goals, fearing they’ll come across as demanding or ungrateful. But Drocella’s advice is clear: “If you don’t tell people what you want, they won’t know!” Get comfortable with having conversations about your career aspirations, and frame it around the value you can add to the company. This isn’t about being aggressive—it’s about being clear and intentional.
Why You Need to Listen to This Episode
Drocella’s journey is a powerful reminder that no matter what setbacks you face, you have the strength to turn things around. Her story is packed with resilience, grit, and courage. But beyond her inspiring background, this episode is filled with practical strategies every woman can use to get ahead.
In this episode, we cover:
🔹 How to confidently position yourself for the roles you want
🔹 Strategies to build a supportive network that propels your career forward
🔹 How to overcome internal barriers like self-doubt and fear of rejection
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and finally break through the barriers holding you back, you don’t want to miss this conversation!
Final Thoughts: Take Charge of Your Career
Drocella’s story is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the workforce for decades, it’s time to take charge of your career, advocate for your value, and build a network that champions you.
Want to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode here to hear all of Drocella’s insights and actionable advice on how to turn setbacks into stepping stones.
What’s your biggest barrier to getting promoted?
Drop a comment below and let’s discuss how you can turn it around. And if you found this blog post helpful, don’t forget to share it with a woman in your network who might need a little extra encouragement today! 💫
About Drocella Mugorewera
Drocella Mugorewera, Founder of the Diversity IN Action Global Movement, is a catalyst for transforming workplaces into thriving environments where employees feel valued and motivated. As a former member of Parliament in Rwanda, she brings a wealth of experience in leadership and policy change to help employers break free from the expensive cycle of hiring and rehiring by empowering them to eliminate employee turnover, save money, and cultivate dedicated brand ambassadors. Her innovative, results-driven strategies foster sustainable workplaces that boost employee engagement, retention, and long-term success. A #1 bestselling author and International speaker, Drocella is also a devoted wife, mother, grandparent, and respected community leader. When she’s not championing inclusive leadership, she cherishes time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, and finds peace in nature’s beauty.
Learn more about Drocella from her website: https://www.drocella.com/
Follow Drocella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drocellamugoreweradia/
