Maya’s Story: Advocating for a Promotion at Work
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
Not every career breakthrough starts with changing industries.
Sometimes the most meaningful transformation happens within the role you already have—when you rediscover your confidence, clarify your boundaries, and learn how to advocate for the growth you deserve.
That was the journey for Maya, a promotion-seeking professional who entered coaching wanting to grow in her current role, but unsure how to get there.
Before Coaching: Questioning Confidence and Value
When Maya first started coaching, she identified as someone seeking greater growth, balance, and recognition within their existing career path.
Externally, she was capable and driven. Internally, however, she was carrying a lot of doubt.
“I was struggling with confidence, doubt about my value, what boundaries would benefit me at work, and how to communicate about professional growth.”
Maya wasn’t trying to make a dramatic career change. In fact, that uncertainty made her wonder if coaching would even be the right fit.
“I was not sure my needs fit with the type of coaching, since I did not want to change careers but simply gain confidence and grow in my current role.”
Like many professionals navigating growth inside their organization, she knew she wanted more but wasn’t sure how to advocate for herself in a way that felt clear and sustainable.
During Coaching: Reframing and Self-Advocacy
During our time working together, the focus wasn’t on rewriting Maya’s career path. Instead, it was about strengthening how she showed up within it.
Through reflection and conversation, Maya began reframing difficult professional experiences and rebuilding confidence in her value. She also started identifying the boundaries that would allow her to succeed without sacrificing her well-being.
One of the most important shifts was recognizing that prioritizing herself wasn’t a distraction from success—it was essential to it.
“I learned that prioritizing myself (like my health) is critical for succeeding in my role and career.”
With that mindset shift came stronger communication, clearer expectations, and the ability to advocate for her growth with more confidence.
After Coaching: Confidence That Led to Promotion
The results didn’t happen overnight, but the shift in Maya’s mindset and approach created real momentum.
Several months after coaching ended, her work and leadership were recognized in a tangible way.
“Ful Life Coaching allowed me to know my worth, stay the course, and advocate for myself.”
About six months later, Maya was promoted!
The promotion mattered—but just as important was the internal change that came with it. She now feels more trusted by her supervisor and more confident navigating difficult conversations when they arise.
Instead of second-guessing her value, Maya now approaches her role with a clearer understanding of the contributions she brings to her team.
Looking back, Maya sees coaching as an opportunity to uncover insights she might never have reached on her own.
“Ali is a wonderful coach. She is so insightful and willing to go down rabbit holes you might not expect to figure out important truths.”
For professionals who want to grow in their careers—whether through promotion, stronger boundaries, or renewed confidence—Maya’s story is a reminder that meaningful progress doesn’t always require a dramatic career pivot.
Sometimes it simply begins with recognizing your value and learning how to advocate for it.
Ali Goodin Certified Career Coach in Central FL
I'm a former Disney employee, graphic designer turned career coach, and job transition expert. I created Ful Life Coaching to give professionals of all ages & stages a safe space to navigate career transition. My passion is equipping professionals with the tools and confidence they need to transition in their careers – from launch to retirement – so they can live happier, healthier lives.
