The Skip Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by my co-host Carly Malatskey, a former software engineer turned entrepreneur and host of She Leads. Through 6 listener questions, we break down how mentors spot patterns others miss, and how you can use that insight to unlock your next move. Whether you're leading a team, switching paths, or just feeling off, this episode is packed with tactical advice for unlocking your career.

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Key topics

6 common patterns holding leaders back

How mentors can spot them, and what advice to give

Breaking through organizational barriers

Why smart people still get stuck

Navigating change vs. waiting it out

Thriving in early-stage chaos

Why strong reviews don’t always lead to promotion

Taking leadership roles before you feel ready

Finding—and becoming—a great mentor

How to ask better questions and get better advice

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Where to find Carly:

LinkedIn

She Leads Podcast

Twitter/X

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Where to find Nikhyl:

Twitter/X

LinkedIn

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Find The Skip:

Website

Substack

YouTube

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

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Don't forget to subscribe to The Skip to hear me coach you through timely career lessons. If you’re interested in joining me on a future call, send me a note on LinkedIn, Threads, or Twitter. You can also email me at [email protected]

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Timestamps

(00:00) How to spot patterns

(01:08) How to find and then become a mentor

(10:57) Scaling mentorship

(15:09) How to heat seek around patterns

(21:47) Question 1: How can I break through organizational barriers?

(22:29) Pattern 1: Are you actually stuck?

(30:05) Question 2: How can busy leaders stay technically up to date?

(30:28) Pattern 2: If you know what you should do, why aren’t you doing it?

(42:48) Question 3: How to navigate change?

(40:56) Pattern 3: Do you need to work on this problem, or just wait it out?

(52:23) Question 4: How normal is chaos in early stage companies?

(52:54) Pattern 4: Broken might be normal, and you were hired to solve problems

(61:07) Question 5: My performance reviews are excellent, but why am I not being promoted?

(61:41) Pattern 5: Are you growing faster than the company?

(67:35) Question 6: Should I take a leadership role that I don’t feel ready for?

(68:29) Pattern 6: Are you too humble or negative?

(73:23) Key takeaways and summary

(77:57) How to get in touch with Nikhyl

In this episode, I’m joined by my co-host Carly Malatskey, a former software engineer turned entrepreneur and host of She Leads. We tackle a listener’s career dilemma: feeling stuck and unsure how to adapt to shifting expectations. Using a structured approach, we break down when to make a change, how to advocate for yourself, and how to evolve without losing what makes you successful. Whether you’re navigating subtle shifts or considering a big move, this episode helps you own your superpower—and the shadow that comes with it.

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Key topics

• The unseen influence of Super Shadows
• Why past success won’t fuel future growth
• Breaking free from career stagnation
• The power of self-advocacy
• How top leaders seek feedback
• Identifying what actually needs to change
• Much more

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Where to find Carly:

• LinkedIn
• She Leads Podcast
• Twitter/X

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Where to find Nikhyl:

• Twitter/X
• LinkedIn

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Find The Skip:

• Website
• Substack
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

–

Don't forget to subscribe to The Skip to hear me coach you through timely career lessons. If you’re interested in joining me on a future call, send me a note on LinkedIn, Threads, or Twitter. You can also email me at [email protected]

–

Timestamps

(00:00) How your superpower can stall career growth

(01:11) Show format

(02:45) Listener question: Navigating a quiet career crisis

(06:40) How to break free from feeling stuck at work

(11:35) The case for self-advocacy in your career

(16:36) Why past success won’t fuel future growth

(19:48) Super Shadows: What they are and why they matter

(30:46) When it’s time to confront your shadow

(37:53) The risks of ignoring your shadow

(40:56) How great leaders seek feedback

(47:07) Pinpointing what actually needs to change

(55:57) A strategy for sustainable career growth

(57:04) Why change has to happen on the job

(58:19) A real-world example from Nikhyl’s offsite

(61:28) Key takeaways and final thoughts