The Game Behind the Game: Politics, Power, and the C Suite Artwork

Women Changing Leadership with Stacy Mayer

We are entering a new dawn of executive leadership. A new era where inclusivity, diversity, empathy, and compassion are both welcomed and expected at the leadership table. On Women Changing Leadership, we believe women are the leaders who are bringing about this change, and each week we share strategies and insights to help women like you advance to the executive suite on your terms. Your host, Stacy Mayer, is a bestselling author, a certified executive coach, a promotion strategist, and the creator of Executive Ahead of Time, a life-time access group coaching program for corporate women leaders. In each episode of Women Changing Leadership, Stacy will teach you how to get promoted, get paid, and bring your whole self to the leadership table. Join Stacy on her mission to transform the way business is run from the C-Suite out – one powerhouse woman leader at a time.

All Episodes

Women Changing Leadership with Stacy Mayer

The Game Behind the Game: Politics, Power, and the C Suite

April 21, 2026 • Stacy Mayer

0:00 | 26:41

Ep 312: The Game Behind the Game: Politics, Power, and the C Suite

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the multiple pathways to securing and sustaining a C Suite role — drawing on real stories from women who've succeeded and faced unexpected challenges at the executive level. I'll tell you why the C Suite isn't always the dream job it appears to be, how to navigate the political landscape once you're there, and why building strong alliances — with your peers and your CEO — is what actually determines your long-term success. I also share my signature concept, "always be interviewing," and walk you through the actionable steps to position yourself for executive leadership, wealth, and influence — on your own terms.

Before you go — if you haven't subscribed to this podcast yet, do it now. And head over to stacymayer.com/youtube and subscribe to my YouTube channel while you're at it.

If this episode hit home for you, share it. Post it to your LinkedIn. Send it to a colleague, a friend, anyone who needs to hear it. We are navigating this AI era together, and I don't take lightly the opportunity to be part of that journey with you.

And if you're ready to stop navigating it alone — whether you've just been laid off or you're simply done white-knuckling your way through a chaotic landscape — I want to work with you personally. Go to stacymayer.com/discovery and schedule your free call. We'll map out a career strategy built specifically for you.

I'll see you there. 👊🏽💚