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Ex-LinkedIn Employee Shares How She Got 5 Promotions in 6 Years!
Jade Bonacolta is ranked as the #1 female creator worldwide and is the Founder of The Quiet Rich. In one of her LinkedIn posts, she shared how she started as an entry-level associate and rose to head of marketing. She was promoted five times in just 6.5 years at LinkedIn! And the best part? Her 3-step meeting strategy isn’t just for corporate professionals; it can work for freshers, interns, and even students managing projects in college.
Step 1: Keep a 'wins' folder
…because even small wins count! Most people think great work speaks for itself. No, it doesn’t. If no one knows about your contributions, they don’t exist.
- Create a "Wins" folder. Maybe a Google Doc, Notes app, or even a physical notebook.
- Every time you do something impactful (get praise from a professor, solve a tough assignment, contribute to a project, help a teammate), write it down.
Use this as your highlight reel when talking to mentors, professors, or during interviews.
Why this works: It’s easy to forget what you accomplished over weeks or months. Keeping track ensures you can confidently showcase your growth when it matters.
Step 2: Flip the meeting script
… because you should be the one who drives the conversation.
Whether it’s a weekly check-in with your manager, a mentor call, or even a project meeting, most people show up expecting to be told what to do. That’s where they go wrong.
Instead, come prepared with a simple 3-part update:
- What went well this week? (Pull from your Wins folder)
- What’s next? (Show initiative by listing your focus areas)
- One new idea or solution (Even small efficiency hacks show leadership)
Example: Instead of saying, “What should I do next?” say, “Here’s what I think I should tackle next…does this align with our goals?”
Why this works: Managers, professors, and mentors are busy. When you take ownership of your progress, you build trust and stand out as a proactive problem solver.
Step 3: Bring Solutions, Not Just Problems
…because it’s easy to complain when things aren’t working.
What’s impressive? Offering solutions instead. Before meetings, ask yourself:
- What challenges might come up next week?
- Who do I need help from? Can I ask for an introduction now instead of waiting?
- Is there a simple fix for an issue we faced last week?
Example: Instead of saying, “I am stuck on this assignment,” say, “I tried X and Y approaches, but I am hitting a roadblock here. Do you think Z could work?”
Why this works: You are not just identifying problems. You are showing initiative to solve them. That’s a game-changer in any setting.
Bottom line: Success is about visibility, not just hard work
Whether you are in college, an internship, or your first job, your work needs to be seen, structured, and communicated well.
Try this 3-step strategy in your next project check-in, internship review, or even a career discussion with a mentor. The more you take charge, the more people will recognize your potential.
And who knows? Maybe you will be the one telling your 5-promotion success story next!
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