Episode 159

full
Published on:

29th Jul 2025

Mastering Office Politics: Power, Promotion & Playing to Win with Michael Wenderoth

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In this episode of the HR L&D Podcast, host Nick Day sits down with executive coach and author Michael Wenderoth to explore what it really takes to get promoted in today’s corporate world.


Michael is the author of the bestselling book Get Promoted and host of the 97% Effective podcast. He shares actionable strategies for advancing your career without compromising your values.


From navigating power dynamics and office politics to building influence and mapping organizational power, this conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders, L&D professionals, and ambitious professionals who feel stuck despite doing great work.


If you’ve ever wondered why top performers don’t always rise and what you can do to change that, this episode is for you.



Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchangwenderoth/


Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/


Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea


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(00:00) How Power, Politics & Influence Drive Promotions  

(03:19) Why HR Needs More Power Inside Organizations  

(05:40) The Story of “Matt” & Why Top Talent Gets Ousted  

(11:32) Redefining Power as a Neutral Force  

(15:44) Using “The Rock, The Map, The Snowball” to Get Unstuck  

(21:00) What Power Maps Reveal That Org Charts Don’t  

(25:12) How Oversharing & Being “Too Authentic” Can Backfire  

(34:32) How HR Can Shift Culture Without Creating Toxicity  

(38:21) The Real Reason People Leave Their Jobs  

(41:56) Rethinking Leadership in a Hybrid & AI-Driven Future  

(46:45) Why Michael Named His Podcast “97% Effective”  

(49:58) Bold Advice for HR Leaders, Promotions & Game of Thrones

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About the Podcast

The HR L&D Podcast
Empowering HR Excellence: Insights, Strategies, and Leadership 🌟📈🤝"🎧
🌟 Discover the future of HR with The HR L&D Podcast! 🎧 Get ready for actionable advice, innovative strategies, and transformative HR insights from top human resources industry leaders. 🌍

🔍 We dive deep into issues impacting people management, leadership, inclusion, wellbeing, employee engagement, DEI, and culture development. This show can be your key to optimising your knowledge to unlock the potential of your workforce and elevate company performance. If you're in HR, you can't afford to miss out! 🚀

🎙️ The podcast features interviews with top HR leaders shaping the people industry's future. Through agile, innovative, and strategic insights, the podcast offers listeners the capabilities, skills, and knowledge necessary to execute their HR goals. 🌐

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About your host

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Nick Day