How to Break Career Plateaus With Increased Visibility

Most people in tech believe career growth is all about getting better at your craft. And don’t get me wrong- skills do matter. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: It’s not just about how good you are. It’s about who knows how good you are. Some of the most talented engineers I’ve worked with stayed stuck in the same role for years, not because they weren’t skilled, but because no one outside their immediate circle knew the impact they were making. Meanwhile, others who actively shared their work, spoke at events, collaborated publicly, or mentored others; they became the names that came up in rooms they weren’t even in yet. That’s what visibility does. For me, building visibility has looked like: 🤝 Sharing what I’m learning- not just what I already know. Posting takeaways from AI research papers, experiments with new tools, and real-world lessons from building systems. 📱Posting behind-the-scenes of projects, including the messy drafts. Sharing wins is easy. Sharing your process builds trust. 🎤 Speaking at meetups, podcasts, and panels Every small talk leads to bigger rooms. It’s all about building reps, and getting more people hear your thoughts. 📚Turning complex technical ideas into simple frameworks. Think: diagrams, cheat sheets, carousels. If people can learn from you easily, they’ll remember you. 🌎 Collaborating publicly and giving credit. Tag teammates, mention mentors, share lessons learned together. Visibility is not a solo game. 👩🏫 Mentoring early-career professionals. Teaching makes your knowledge visible, and it pays forward the support you once needed. 📝 Documenting your journey authentically. Not just “look at this big launch,” but “here’s what I learned this week,” or “here’s where I’m stuck and what I’m trying next.” 👥 Being active in the community- both online and offline. Whether it’s commenting on posts, joining Slack groups, or attending AI meetups, showing up consistently makes a difference. It’s not about becoming a “thought leader.” It’s about becoming someone people remember when opportunities come up. Because at the end of the day: Skill × Visibility = Career Growth If you’re already learning, building, and solving problems, start showing it ❤️ That’s how you grow beyond your current role.

You didn’t fall behind. You just became invisible in a room you helped build. That’s not failure. That’s a signal. You don’t need a new job. You need your power back. Top performers don’t leave because they stop feeling motivated. They leave because they stop feeling impactful. I see it all the time. Talented leaders slowly disconnect not because the work changed, but because they became invisible in their own story. 53% of high performers say their work goes unnoticed by decision-makers. That invisibility? It’s not your fault. But it is your cue to lead differently. Here’s how to re-energize your visibility and impact ↳ without switching jobs: 1/ Make One Bold Move ↳ Say no to what doesn’t grow you. ↳ Volunteer for that stretch assignment. ↳ Your value is in your choices. 2/ Start a “Silent Impact portfolio” ↳ Track your behind-the-scenes wins. ↳ Log the fires you put out. ↳ This is your secret influence portfolio. 3/ Gather Impact Intelligence ↳ Ask two trusted peers, “Where do you see my unique value?” ↳ Their answers reveal your blind spots. ↳ Use them to amplify where you shine. 4/ Own Your Leadership Moments ↳ Identify one crisis you quietly navigated. ↳ Name the leadership skill you used. ↳ Visibility isn’t bragging, it’s owning your impact. 5/ Create a Strategy Hour ↳ Block 60 minutes weekly for strategic thinking. ↳ No distractions. No guilt. ↳ Your calendar should reflect your worth. Feeling undervalued isn’t a cue to leave. It’s a call to lead differently. You don’t need a new job to reclaim your power. But you do need to see, and showcase, your own worth. If you’ve ever felt invisible in a room you helped build: This is your signal to rise. Remember: Do the same for someone else. 🔖Tag a leader who elevates others. ➕ Follow Loren Rosario - Maldonado, PCC for career insights without the fluff Source: Workhuman, Human workplace index: the price of invisibility, 2024