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Decoding Progress
Powering Performance

I make the unwritten rules of career progression visible so organisations keep their best people and convert potential into performance.

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ABOUT

Dr Joanne Conway

"Making the unwritten rules of progression visible."

After 20 years inside complex global organisations across finance and culture I saw how progression really worked, and who it worked for. It wasn't always the most capable people getting ahead. It was the ones who already understood the unwritten rules.

 

That curiosity took me from a masters to a doctorate, interviewing 45 senior leaders about how promotion decisions actually get made. What I found wasn't surprising, but it was hidden: the signals that matter, the exposure that counts, the behaviours that get someone labelled "ready." When those rules stay invisible, talented people stall or leave and organisations lose the very people they spent years developing.

I built this practice for the brilliant people who shouldn't have to work twice as hard to be seen and for the organisations smart enough to stop losing them.

I work with organisations to make the unwritten rules visible so they keep their best people and turn potential into performance they can measure.

Ways to Work Together

Rules of the Game Framework

A tailored diagnostic that maps how progression really works in your organisation, what excellent looks like, how sponsorship happens, and where talent is leaking. You leave with a practical framework you can act on.

SIGNATURE ENGAGEMENT

Masterclass for Leaders

A tailored, evidence-based session that turns complexity into practical actions leaders can use straight away.

 

Keynotes & Panels

Research-led keynote talks and panel contributions that surface the rules of progression and spark practical change.

DIVE INTO

Resources & Insights

Practical tools, insights and ideas to help leaders navigate progression with clarity and confidence.

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Blog & Insights

Thoughtful articles exploring progression, leadership and inclusion in practice.

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Practical Tools

Downloadable tools you can use immediately to create clarity and action.

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Short Videos

Quick, practical advice to help you navigate real workplace challenges.

Hear Me Speak.

Insightful, practical talks that make the invisible rules of progression visible — and actionable.

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Partner, Professional Services Firm

“The research and frameworks you put forward are far more helpful in starting conversations and meeting people where they are to better understand their journey and opportunities.”

200 +

SESSIONS DELIVERED

From executive briefings to multi-day deep dives, designed to drive behaviour change, not just awareness.

10,000 +

PEOPLE REACHED

From senior leaders to early-career professionals navigating the unwritten rules.

45 +

SENIOR PARTNER INTERVIEWS

Doctoral research uncovering how progression, power, and inclusion really work in practice.

10 +

COUNTRIES

Delivered work across the UK, Europe, and APAC, with global organisations.

Not sure where to start? Message me and I’ll meet you where you are, we’ll map one practical next step together.

Get The Unwritten Rules

Monthly insights on how progression really works and how to make it fairer.

© Joanne Conway 2026

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