There are only three types of people who get promoted.

The first type is someone who brings background credibility to the table.

The second type is someone who brings capital.

The third type is when everyone is stuck on a problem and running out of time—too late to look around. Who can solve it? You? Then it’s you. Those are the only three paths. It always comes down to the person who solves the problem.

A person’s value isn’t determined by what they’ve already done, but by what they can still do.

Promotion has never been a reward for past contributions; it’s an exchange for your future utility.