The Secret Behind Many Leadership Promotions
Leadership Career Accelerator: Build Executive Presence, Influence With Impact & Get Promoted · 2026-06-08 · 49 min
Episode notes
What if the biggest opportunities in your career come from relationships, adaptability, and unexpected moments—not a carefully crafted master plan? Many aspiring leaders believe successful careers follow a predictable roadmap. Yet some of the most accomplished executives arrive at leadership through a combination of preparation, curiosity, continuous learning, and opportunities they never saw coming. In this episode, Barry sits down with TechnoServe CEO Will Warshauer to discuss his unconventional journey from Peace Corps volunteer to global CEO. Along the way, Will shares powerful lessons about leadership, authenticity, communication, managing people, and why great leaders create environments where employees feel heard. Whether you're leading a team today or preparing for your next promotion, this conversation offers practical insights on how leadership skills develop over time. In this episode, you'll discover: How relationships, networking, and unexpected opportunities often shape leadership careers more than rigid career plans. Why authenticity, transparency, and open communication help leaders build trust and credibility.