About Mary K. Trostmann-Tully
The Career Journey That Defines My Coaching
I spent the first part of my career being excellent and invisible.
You know the type, I was the person who made sure everything worked perfectly, who could be counted on for any project, who never missed a deadline. I thought that if I just kept doing great work, advancement would naturally follow.
It didn't.
For years, I watched colleagues get promoted around me. Not because they were better at the job, but because they understood something I didn't: Excellence, without strategic visibility, is career quicksand.
The 20-Year Climb
Once I figured this out, everything changed. Over the next two decades, I systematically applied the strategies that transform excellent performers into promoted leaders:
- Advanced from IT support through management roles by shifting focus from task completion to business impact
- Progressed through senior leadership by building strategic relationships and leading cross-functional initiatives
- Reached the C-suite as CIO, where I finally understood both sides of the promotion equation
Along the way, I led teams of 75+ people, delivered millions in cost savings, and learned what executives actually consider when making advancement decisions.
Why I Became a Coach
The most rewarding part of my corporate career wasn't the technology implementations or cost savings; it was developing people and watching them reach their potential.
After 20+ years of leadership experience, I realized I wanted to help professionals avoid the years of frustration I went through. I wanted to share the insights I wish I'd had earlier in my career.
What Makes My Approach Different
I've been where you are. I know what it feels like to be overlooked despite doing excellent work.
I've been where you want to go. I've sat in the rooms where promotion decisions get made and understand what executives actually value.
I teach what actually works, not just theory. Every strategy I share is something I've either used myself or seen work for others in real corporate environments.
Beyond Career Coaching
I also work with organizations on technology strategy and digital transformation. After spending years as a CIO, I understand how technology should drive business outcomes, not just operational efficiency.
Whether I'm helping an individual advance their career or an organization optimize their technology approach, it's all about strategic thinking that creates real results.
Personal Philosophy
Career advancement doesn't require you to become someone you're not or compromise your values. It requires you to be strategic about how you show up and how you position your contributions.
The goal isn't to play politics—it's to ensure your excellent work gets the recognition it deserves.
Ready to break through your career plateau? Let's talk about how I can help you get there.
Email: maryk@impactful-futures.com
Approach to Coaching
My coaching approach is collaborative and focused on your specific goals. Whether you're targeting a promotion, increasing your visibility, or enhancing your leadership presence, we'll work together on the exact areas that will create the most significant impact for your career journey.
Let's partner to transform not just what you accomplish, but how you're recognized for your contributions.