From AA to SVP

 

I’ve sat in the rooms where promotion decisions are made—and what it takes to get ahead may surprise you. 

 

Hi, I'm

I climbed the corporate ladder from the bottom to the boardroom—and sat in the rooms where promotion decisions were made. What I learned will change how you look at getting ahead in corporate forever.
 

I spent 25 years inside Fortune 500 companies leading HR, coaching executives, and advising CEOs on who to promote, when, and why.

Here’s what most talented professionals don’t realize: Promotions aren’t about hard work. They’re about positioning. And if you don’t hove unshakable confidence and savvy, the game plays you.

That’s why I created The Promoted—so high-achievers like you stop spinning, start influencing, and finally become impossible to overlook.

 

 

 

From AA to SVP

 

I’ve sat in the rooms where promotion decisions are made—and what it takes to get ahead may surprise you. 

 

 Hi, I'm

I climbed the corporate ladder from the bottom to the boardroom—and sat in the rooms where promotion decisions were made. What I learned will change how you look at getting ahead in corporate forever.
 

I spent 25 years inside Fortune 500 companies leading HR, coaching executives, and advising CEOs on who to promote, when, and why.

Here’s what most talented professionals don’t realize: Promotions aren’t about hard work. They’re about positioning. And if you don’t hove unshakable confidence and savvy, the game plays you.

That’s why I created The Promoted—so high-achievers like you stop spinning, start influencing, and finally become impossible to overlook.

 

I’ve coached hundreds of high performers—from managers to VPs—who checked every box but still weren't getting promoted.

They didn’t need more hustle.


They needed clarity, confidence, and a new strategy.


Not surface-level advice - but the real rules that determines who rises and who stays stuck.

 

That's what I do.

 

And it changes everything. 

 



What Most People Get Wrong:

 

You think promotions are about performance.


They’re not.

 

You think your boss will reward you when you're ready.

 

They won’t.

 

You think you just need more experience.


You don’t.

 

You need authentic executive-level confidence. 


That’s what no one tells you.

 

Until now.

 


I’m on a mission to help ambitious leaders break free from stagnation—by teaching them the confidence, clarity, and the unspoken rules that turn potential into promotion.


With The Promoted, I aim to 

to bet on themselves and finally achieve their career goals.

Who I Am (and why it matters):

Hi, I’m Courtney O’Connell—former Fortune 500 Head of HR, executive coach to hundreds of leaders, and the person CEOs called when they were ready to name the next VP or SVP.

I started as an admin assistant, earned every title along the way, and climbed to the top of the corporate mountain. And I did it without burning out or selling my soul.

Now I teach ambitious leaders like you how to do the same.

But faster.

And smarter.

At The Promoted, I don’t just help leaders get promoted—I help them transform.

I empower ambitious professionals to build the confidence, clarity, and executive presence that unlock career advancement and personal fulfillment.

With 25 years inside the corporate world, I've seen how career stagnation erodes energy, identity, and joy—not just at work, but at home and in life. That’s why my mission goes beyond promotions.

I'm here to cultivate bold, self-aware leaders who rise on their terms—and radiate that success into their families, communities, and the world.

Because real advancement isn’t just a title. It’s a life you’re proud to lead.

The Values That Drive

The Promoted

 

These 10 values aren’t just words on a page—they’re the foundation of how I coach, how I lead, and how I expect to partner with you.

 

I share them because alignment matters.

 

If you see yourself in these values, chances are we’ll do great work together.

POTENTIAL

We look forward and set a high bar for your personal potential. We know what we (and you!) are capable of, and we won’t settle for being comfortable - we strive to capture the brass ring.

COURAGEOUSNESS

We are brave. We have the courage to step outside of our own line. We know this work isn’t always easy. We know that looking inwards can be hard…until it’s not. We lean into the bravery it takes to understand ourselves, then to demand of the world that which our soul desires.

CURIOSITY

We value this big wide world that we’re a part of, and know there’s a lot to learn about ourselves and each other. If you think you already know it all, this isn’t the tribe for you. We know how much we don’t know, and we lead with open and curious minds.

GROWTH

Our personal growth is deeply important. If you’re satisfied with yourself and your career, this isn’t the tribe for you. We are a group of growth-minded professionals who are ready and willing to invest their time and energy it takes to keep growing and developing…all in the pursuit of achieving our professional and personal aspirations.

OWNERSHIP

We own our conditions and experiences. We blame no one. We take full accountability. And we alone have the power to do something about it. 

ENERGY

We approach life with energy and enthusiasm. 
The pursuit of reaching our professional dreams is exciting!

COMMITMENT

We’re committed to what we put our minds to. 
We do what we say we’re going to do. Period. Our tribe does, too. 

DECISIVENESS

We don’t get stuck in analysis. We make sound decisions, then roll with them. We’re totally behind the Pareto Principle. And we know how much time can be wasted in analysis paralysis. We trust our instinct and know that no decision ever has to be final. Momentum begets progress! 

CREDIBILITY

We’re the real deal. And our clients are, too. Don’t be fooled by the other “business / leadership coaches” out there. Check  their experience. We are proud of the two-decades of perspective and experiences we bring to the table, and upon which our programs have been built and honed. 

ACCOUNTABILITY

We hold ourselves and each other accountable. 
We do what we say we’re going to do. Our tribe does, too.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

We strive for accomplishment. And celebrate when it happens. We’re here with a purpose in mind. Your achievements are deeply important to us, and we’ll be there to celebrate with you when they happen.

PLAYFULNESS

We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Life and work can feel serious and heavy. We love to take a more playful approach to balance that out - it’s okay to have a little fun along the way! :)