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The Mel Robbins Podcast · June 11, 2026 · 1h 34m

Make Yourself Recession-Proof: The New Rules of Work, Confidence, and Success in Uncertain Times

Carla Harris

Carla Harris, a 35-year Wall Street veteran who has witnessed countless promotion and hiring decisions, shares the exact strategies needed to thrive in 2026's volatile job market. This episode cuts through the noise about AI and uncertainty to reveal what actually gets you noticed, promoted, and valued—and why being good at your job isn't enough. Harris covers career positioning, confidence-building, navigating midlife transitions, and how to engineer your own success rather than waiting for others to notice your potential.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Visibility and Relationship-Building Are Separate Skills From Competence
You can be exceptional at your job and still get overlooked for promotions because being competent and being seen are two different skills that require different strategies.
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The One Relationship That Gets You Promoted (Often Not Your Boss)
Your direct manager may not be the decision-maker in your promotion—you need a relationship with a senior leader who can advocate for you in rooms where decisions are made.
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Editorial

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The 'Blank Sheet' Method for Career Direction
When facing midlife career transition, use a structured 'blank sheet' exercise to identify what you actually want, separate from past roles, external pressure, or fear.
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Two Core Things Holding Women Back at Work
Harris identifies two systemic barriers for women in the workplace—visibility and executive presence—and offers concrete ways to address each.
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The Strategy for Annual Reviews: Preparation, Not Hope
Don't wait for your annual review to happen to you—prepare for it by documenting your impact, quantifying your contributions, and anchoring the conversation around outcomes that matter to the business.
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How to Build a Timeline to Exit a Toxic Job Without Blowing Up Your Life
Rather than quitting in frustration, engineer a deliberate exit by setting a timeline, protecting your finances, and positioning yourself strategically in the market.
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References

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Expect to Win — Carla Harris (2009) — Harris's foundational career strategy framework

Misc

✧Harris has spent 35 years in rooms where promotion and hiring decisions are made—giving her a rare vantage point on what actually determines career success
✧The 'blank sheet' method for deciding what you want next is a practical antidote to endless option paralysis
✧Harris emphasizes that visibility and relationship-building are separate from competence—many talented people fail at one or the other
✧The conversation includes real listener coaching on layoffs and returning to work, grounding abstract career advice in concrete situations
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