She was a high-performing senior manager, leading a successful team and delivering results. But when she applied for a VP role, she was passed over - twice. Her frustration was clear: "I don’t get it. I’ve been doing everything right. Why am I still stuck?" The answer? She was executing, not leading. She was seen as a high performer, but not as a strategic leader - and in her organization, that distinction made all the difference. Hard work alone won’t get you promoted. A