In this episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with powerhouse executive Deb Grant—GE's first Black female corporate officer, former president of the GE Foundation (overseeing a $130M budget), board director, and CEO of Corporate Playbook—to decode what actually moves the needle and what it really takes to succeed in corporate America and beyond—and it's not just “working harder.” From becoming GE’s first Black female corporate officer to advising top executives and sitting on public boards, Deb shares the unfiltered truth about corporate power, board access, and strategic visibility that nobody puts in a LinkedIn post. This week, we dive into why hard work alone won't get you promoted and break down the critical difference between mentors and sponsors—and why that distinction changes everything. Deb also shares how to get on corporate boards and build real influence, the importance of visibility, relationships, and executive presence, and how Black women can navigate corporate spaces, funding gaps, and leadership barriers. Plus, she reveals the unwritten rules of career growth that no one teaches you. This conversation is a masterclass for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone looking to strategically level up their career. In this episode: → The real difference between mentors and sponsors — and why sponsors get you promoted → Why hard work alone won't move the needle (performance is table stakes) → The PIE model: Performance, Image, and Exposure — and why performance is the smallest piece → How Deb became GE's first Black female corporate officer — and the mental agility it took → The unwritten rules of corporate growth: hallway reputation, relationship currency, and follow-up → How to land a public board seat — and why you have to articulate what you want, even to people who know you → Why white men often end up helping Black women the most in corporate and investing spaces (access, not willingness) → The gatekeeper problem: are you opening the door or closing it behind you? Key takeaway: It’s not just who you know—it’s who speaks your name in the room. Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl) Watch and subscribe to Rich Lessons on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@RichLessonsPodcast) Follow Rich Lessons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast)