In this episode of Rise Up, Tim Staton interviews Deepak Bhootra (also known as Dr Deepak Bhootra), a sales career longevity advisor, ICF-certified coach, and founder of the Rise Up platform. They explore how to manage upwards at work, the real manage upwards meaning, and practical strategies for how to manage upwards effectively to build stronger relationships with leadership and accelerate your career.

The conversation delivers clear insights into career progression meaning, career progression definition, and a proven career progression framework that works across roles — including career progression for project manager, career progression plan template, career progression plan example, and career progression plan for employees. Deepak also breaks down career longevity meaning and why so many professionals lose significant earnings due to poor career navigation.

Timeless Leadership in a Changing World

Tim Staton and Deepak Bhootra discuss how core leadership principles remain constant even as AI and automation reshape the workplace. Deepak, with 34 years of global corporate experience across six countries and four continents, shares how workplace challenges like vague feedback, credit-taking, and unclear expectations persist across generations. He emphasizes that while technology gives people “wings,” true altitude comes from attitude and human skills that AI cannot replicate.

How to Manage Upwards Effectively

Deepak Bhootra offers direct, practical advice on how to manage upwards by focusing on diplomacy, understanding your boss’s priorities, and delivering value that resonates at higher levels. He shares a personal story from his early career where using Excel to solve a key business problem caught the attention of senior leaders and earned him a promotion. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting to leadership expectations while creating win-win outcomes, rather than getting caught in office politics.

Career Progression and The Rise Up Framework

Deepak introduces his “Rise Up” framework — Recognize, Interrupt, Strengthen, Expand, and Propel — as a powerful career progression framework for building self-awareness and driving meaningful growth. He also explains the Push-Pull Model for making smart career moves and avoiding repeated mistakes when changing jobs. Listeners gain actionable guidance on building career progression plans that support long-term career longevity.

Modern Workplace Challenges

The episode examines the impact of flattened organizations, reduced middle management, shifting generational expectations, and the evolving role of mentorship. Deepak raises concerns about the “dumbification” of workplace structures and the need to keep humanity at the center of organizational success, even as automation increases.

This episode is filled with practical wisdom for anyone looking to understand how to manage upwards at work, create an effective career progression plan, and achieve stronger career longevity. Whether you’re a project manager mapping out your next steps or an employee building a solid career progression plan example, Deepak Bhootra’s insights provide a clear roadmap for sustainable success.

Main Topics & Insights:

The enduring nature of leadership principles despite technological disruption
How to manage upwards effectively and the real manage upwards meaning
Deepak Bhootra’s “Rise Up” framework for career growth and self-development
Organizational flattening, hierarchy changes, and their impact on human connection
The evolving role of mentorship and human capital in the workplace
Practical strategies for career progression and improving career longevity

Tune in to discover how to navigate your career with confidence and purpose. Check out Deepak Bhootra’s Rise Up platform for additional tools and support for young professionals.

Connect WithDeepak:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakbhootra/

Website: https://deepak.bhootra.com/

Book: https://a.co/d/0iDCs27U

Connect With Tim

Website: timstatingtheobvious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw

Instagram: @TimStating

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-staton-04b41a271/

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