At some point in their journey, every professional stops and wonders if they are growing or just going through the motions. For those who tuned into the recent LinkedIn Live fireside chat with Rosemond Phil-Othihiwa, that thought hit a little differently as what was meant to be a pre-book launch turned into a mini masterclass on career acceleration.
In conversation with Ishioma Bello, publisher at The Benchmark, Phil-Othihiwa – lawyer and author of Made for More: Unlocking Confidence, Conviction, and Clarity in Your Career, shared some home truths about what it takes to accelerate your career. These were not fluffy, feel-good advice but practical steps that hit hard.
Here are eight key insights she shared that left the audience rethinking their approach to career growth:
1. Mentorship is not a DM request
One of the first reality checks Phil-Othihiwa delivered was on mentorship. Sadly, many have believed the misconception that mentorship starts with a message like “Hi, I’d love for you to mentor me.”
Phil-Othihiwa clarified that mentorship isn’t about sliding into someone’s inbox with a request. It was more about observing and taking action. Proper mentorship means studying the path of those who have achieved what you aspire to, understanding their process, and applying those lessons with discipline.
2. Follow the path, not just the person
Building on that point, Phil-Othihiwa emphasised that admiring someone’s success isn’t enough. You have to commit to the process that got them there.
If you want the results they have, you need to be willing to put in the same level of effort, discipline, and consistency. Success isn’t just about inspiration. It’s about application.
3. Some rooms won’t open for you yet, and that’s okay
Phil-Othihiwa reassured professionals who were sincerely working hard and doing great work but still not getting invited into specific spaces that the issue isn’t always competence; it’s timing.
“Some rooms won’t open to you, not because you’re not good enough, but because you need time, consistency, and discipline to prove yourself,” she said.
She advised them to keep showing up and delivering results; the doors will open when the time is right.
4. Self-awareness is everything
A fulfilling career doesn’t start with external validation—it begins with self-awareness.
Rosemond Phil-Othihiwa stressed that no job title or promotion will ever feel satisfying without knowing who you are, your values, and where you truly want to go. Self-awareness is the foundation of meaningful career growth.
5. Your image is more than your follower count
Social media often distorts our perception of influence, but Phil-Othihiwa reminded professionals that reputation is built on substance, not numbers.
“Your image isn’t about how many followers you have, but about the perception people hold of you when you’re not in the room.” – she said.
A strong professional image is shaped by excellence, reliability, and authenticity, which far outweigh social media metrics.
6. Excellence is a non-negotiable for Kings
If there’s one thing that makes people trust you and mention your name in rooms you haven’t even entered yet, it’s excellence. The good news is that you don’t have to be perfect to be excellent. You just have to be consistently intentional about delivering high-quality work.
“Every day will not be smooth sailing. There will be awkward moments where you have to learn on your feet or push limits. But real growth happens in those uncomfortable stretches. And the key is to remain committed to excellence, even on the tough days,” she notes
7. Knowledge is a career multiplier
“A lot of things sit and rise on your knowledge.” – Rosemond Phil-Othihiwa
Continuous learning is one of the simplest yet most overlooked keys to career growth. The startup lawyer pointed out that reading, studying, and deeply understanding your industry isn’t optional for experts who thirst for excellence. The professionals who stand out are those who know more, think differently, and use their knowledge to solve real problems.
In closing, Rosemond Phil-Othihiwa delivered a final reality check stating that the best way to communicate your values, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, is through excellence.
“Nobody is interested in your preaching. Show results. Solve problems. That’s how you preach your faith,” she said.
Her words carried weight beyond faith and resonated with the universal truth that action builds credibility. The best professionals don’t just talk about impact; they demonstrate it.
8. You are made for more, but you have to take action
As the session wrapped up, one thing was clear – Made for More is not just a book title. It is a challenge. Phil-Othihiwa’s message was a call for career professionals to stop playing small, commit to discipline, invest in knowledge and show up consistently.
If you’ve been stuck in your career, her words are a wake-up call and an encouragement. You are made for more. But unlocking that “more” starts with taking action.
