In this episode, I’m joined by Petra Davison for a sharp, honest conversation about leadership, transition, and what it really takes to stay relevant at senior levels. 

We explore the gap many accomplished leaders experience between capability and visibility — and why performance alone is no longer enough. Petra shares grounded insights on navigating career inflection points, making intentional moves rather than reactive ones, and building influence in complex, fast-moving environments. 

This is a conversation for leaders who know they’re capable of more — and are ready to be deliberate about their next chapter. 

Key Themes & Insights 
Why high performers get overlooked 
 Strong execution doesn’t automatically translate to recognition, influence, or opportunity. 
Career transitions are a leadership skill 
 The most effective leaders manage their narrative before change forces their hand.  
Visibility without ego 
 Being seen and heard is not self-promotion — it’s strategic leadership. 
Clarity creates momentum 
 When leaders articulate what they want and how they want to be known, decisions become easier and opportunities more aligned.  
Playing the long game 
 Sustainable careers are built through positioning, relationships, and timing — not just hard work. 



Who This Episode Is For 
Senior leaders questioning their next move 
Executives feeling under-recognised despite strong track records 
Leaders navigating change, uncertainty, or transition 
Anyone who wants to lead with greater influence, not just effort 

If this conversation resonates, it’s likely time to step back and get intentional about how you’re positioning yourself for what’s next. 

Listen in, reflect honestly — and if you’re ready to be more deliberate about your career and leadership impact, explore how we can work together. 

Resources mentioned 

Learn more about SHINE - Career Accelerator - https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-for-executives/ 
Download 10 Proven Networking Strategies  -https://sarahmakris.com.au/10-proven-networking-strategies/ 

Books 

Do Hard Things 
https://www.amazon.com.au/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/006309861X 

Extreme Ownerships - https://www.amazon.com.au/Extreme-Ownership-Jocko-Willink/dp/1250067057 

Chronicles of Narnia 
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-chronicles-of-narnia-all-seven-books-in-one-paperback-volume--c-s-lewis/book/9780007117307.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21611718657&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hNVPSuEGA86Lhvm9_JP2qUQ1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7LzLBhAgEiwAjMWzCDXAAYvu6rOOuMV56W3q_kXBBM6wAXk5IO50ZNCLv8-z5RGaMWHj9hoCx70QAvD_BwE 

In this episode, I&rsquo;m joined by Petra Davison for a sharp, honest conversation about leadership, transition, and what it really takes to stay relevant at senior levels.&nbsp;
We explore the gap many accomplished leaders experience between capability and visibility &mdash; and why performance alone is no longer enough. Petra shares grounded insights on navigating career inflection points, making intentional moves rather than reactive ones, and building influence in complex, fast-moving environments.&nbsp;
This is a conversation for leaders who know they&rsquo;re capable of more &mdash; and are ready to be deliberate about their next chapter.&nbsp;
Key Themes &amp; Insights&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Why high performers get overlooked&nbsp; &nbsp;Strong execution doesn&rsquo;t automatically translate to recognition, influence, or opportunity.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Career transitions are a leadership skill&nbsp; &nbsp;The most effective leaders manage their narrative before change forces their hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Visibility without ego&nbsp; &nbsp;Being seen and heard is not self-promotion &mdash; it&rsquo;s strategic leadership.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Clarity creates momentum&nbsp; &nbsp;When leaders articulate what they want and how they want to be known, decisions become easier and opportunities more aligned.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Playing the long game&nbsp; &nbsp;Sustainable careers are built through positioning, relationships, and timing &mdash; not just hard work.&nbsp; </li>
</ul>
Who This Episode Is For&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Senior leaders questioning their next move&nbsp;</li>
<li>Executives feeling under-recognised despite strong track records&nbsp;</li>
<li>Leaders navigating change, uncertainty, or transition&nbsp;</li>
<li>Anyone who wants to lead with greater influence, not just effort&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
If this conversation resonates, it&rsquo;s likely time to step back and get intentional about how you&rsquo;re positioning yourself for what&rsquo;s next.&nbsp;
Listen in, reflect honestly &mdash; and if you&rsquo;re ready to be more deliberate about your career and leadership impact, explore how we can work together.&nbsp;
Resources mentioned&nbsp;
Learn more about SHINE - Career Accelerator - <a href="https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-for-executives/">https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-for-executives/</a>&nbsp; Download 10 Proven Networking Strategies&nbsp; -<a href="https://sarahmakris.com.au/10-proven-networking-strategies/"> </a><a href="https://sarahmakris.com.au/10-proven-networking-strategies/">https://sarahmakris.com.au/10-proven-networking-strategies/</a>&nbsp;
Books&nbsp;
Do Hard Things <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/006309861X">https://www.amazon.com.au/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/006309861X</a>&nbsp;
Extreme Ownerships - <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Extreme-Ownership-Jocko-Willink/dp/1250067057">https://www.amazon.com.au/Extreme-Ownership-Jocko-Willink/dp/1250067057</a>&nbsp;
Chronicles of Narnia&nbsp; <a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-chronicles-of-narnia-all-seven-books-in-one-paperback-volume--c-s-lewis/book/9780007117307.html?source=pla&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21611718657&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hNVPSuEGA86Lhvm9_JP2qUQ1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA7LzLBhAgEiwAjMWzCDXAAYvu6rOOuMV56W3q_kXBBM6wAXk5IO50ZNCLv8-z5RGaMWHj9hoCx70QAvD_BwE">https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-chronicles-of-narnia-all-seven-books-in-one-paperback-volume--c-s-lewis/book/9780007117307.html?source=pla&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21611718657&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hNVPSuEGA86Lhvm9_JP2qUQ1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA7LzLBhAgEiwAjMWzCDXAAYvu6rOOuMV56W3q_kXBBM6wAXk5IO50ZNCLv8-z5RGaMWHj9hoCx70QAvD_BwE</a>&nbsp;

What does it take to stand out in your career? What do you do when your education and experience are no longer helping you to reach that next level? In Career Success Coach, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to thrive as an accomplished professional while positioning yourself as a leader in your industry, building your ideal network and attracting next-level opportunities.