Why do some professionals rise while others stay stuck — even when they're equally talented? And what's the difference between working hard and truly moving forward?

In this kickoff to the Leader on the Rise Masterclass Series, host Mim Abbey unpacks a powerful truth: we are wired to rise — and leadership is the key.

Through research, personal story, and practical insights, you'll discover why rising isn't just ambition — it's biology, psychology, and purpose coming together.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The science behind growth: dopamine, neuroplasticity, and the power of progress
• Why a growth mindset rewires the way you tackle challenges
• What London taxi drivers can teach you about your brain's capacity to change
• The link between leadership and happiness, resilience, and flourishing
• How imposter syndrome holds even high performers back — and what to do about it
• Why leadership is both an identity and an activity
• The three levels of leadership that drive long-term career growth

Why It Matters

Research shows that:

• 60% of professionals are unsatisfied with their career progress.
• 70% experience imposter phenomenon at some point.
• Technical skills account for only 15% of advancement, while leadership skills and presence account for 85%.

Translation? Hard work alone won't get you there. Leadership — of yourself, others, and the world around you — is the multiplier.

Episode Highlights

Mim shares her own journey of rising: taking leadership roles in her 20s, feeling like an imposter, and the game-changing shift that happened when she began to lead from the inside out. You'll also hear how science, psychology, and practice all point to the same conclusion: rising is part of being human.

Why You'll Want to Listen

This isn't another career podcast about tips and tricks. Leader on the Rise is about becoming the kind of leader others want to follow — starting with yourself. If you've ever felt stuck, overlooked, or like you're capable of more but don't know how to get there, this series will show you the path.

Welcome to Leader on the Rise—the podcast for growth-oriented professionals and leaders who are ready to elevate their presence, own their voice, and rise with purpose.

The reality? 60% of professionals say they're not satisfied with their career progress, even as the personal development industry has exploded into a $42B market. Translation: people are trying to rise, but too many are stuck—working hard, playing by the rules, yet still overlooked, underutilized, or off track.

I'm your host, Mim Abbey. Over the years, I've coached executives in London through disruption, helped sales teams in Hong Kong surpass high-stakes targets, and worked with professionals from Jacksonville to Johannesburg to step into the roles—and lives—they were meant for.

Every week, you'll get the stories, strategies, and science-backed mindset shifts that help you rise with clarity, confidence, and impact. You'll learn how to:

• Influence across boundaries

• Lead your boss's thinking

• Communicate with power

• Show up with energy and purpose

• And make moves that matter—without burning out

Because leadership isn't just about a title. It's how you rise.

What's Next
Subscribe now so you don't miss Episode 1—the kickoff to a 4-part masterclass on the most common barriers that keep professionals and leaders from rising, and how to break through them.