# Why Nice People Stay Stuck | Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-art-of-charm-1066744/why-nice-people-stay-stuck-dr-jeffrey-pfeffer
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-art-of-charm-1066744/why-nice-people-stay-stuck-dr-jeffrey-pfeffer.md
Podcast: [The Art of Charm](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-art-of-charm-1066744)
Published: 2026-04-06T07:01:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chrt.fm/track/159B2E/mgln.ai/e/211/traffic.megaphone.fm/TAOC6284995972.mp3?updated=1775449010
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chrt.fm/track/159B2E/mgln.ai/e/211/traffic.megaphone.fm/TAOC6284995972.mp3?updated=1775449010
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-art-of-charm-1066744/episodes/why-nice-people-stay-stuck-dr-jeffrey-pfeffer
Duration seconds: 3416

## Resource

Stanford professor Jeffrey Pfeffer joins AJ and Johnny to break down the uncomfortable truth about power: good work alone rarely gets you ahead. From hierarchy and self-promotion to body language, personal branding, weak ties, and political skill, Pfeffer explains why many talented people stay stuck — not because they lack ability, but because they misunderstand how power actually works. If you’ve ever felt behind despite doing “all the right things,” this episode gives you a more realistic framework for influence, advancement, and visibility. Chapters 00:00 – Why hard work and being “good” isn’t enough08:00 – The biggest blind spots people have about power 13:00 – Body language, anger, and powerful communication19:00 – Personal branding and becoming visible29:00 – Weak ties, networking, and career opportunity38:00 – Why power requires tradeoffs A Word From Our Sponsors Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unlockyourxfactor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠artofcharm.com/intel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. If you’ve put off organizing your finances, Monarch is for you. Use code CHARM at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monarch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your browser for half off your first year. Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quince.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠makeheadway.com/CHARM ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠an…

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