You're doing the work. But are you speaking the language that gets you promoted?

The executive translation gap keeps talented women stuck.

In executive meetings across corporate America, I see the same pattern:

A leader presents detailed metrics on her project: timelines met, resources optimized, roadblocks cleared.

The executive team nods politely. Then moves on.

Another leader presents similar achievements but opens with: "We've created a repeatable process that will save $2M annually while positioning us for the Asia expansion."

The room leans in.

Same work. Different language. Different reaction.

This isn't about confidence or competence. It's about translation.

Most accomplished women communicate what we did. Executives care about what it means for the business.

Here's how to close this critical gap:

1. Start with business impact, not process
➙ Instead of: "My team completed the customer survey analysis."
➙ Try: "We've identified three opportunities to increase retention by 5% next quarter."

2. Connect your work to company priorities
➙ Instead of: "We launched the new training program."
➙ Try: "We've built internal capability that reduces our reliance on external consultants, supporting our cost-reduction goals."

3. Quantify outcomes beyond your direct control
➙ Instead of: "I led cross-functional meetings to align teams."
➙ Try: "By establishing governance across four departments, we've removed decision bottlenecks affecting 200+ employees."

4. Frame achievements as forward indicators
➙ Instead of: "The project came in under budget."
➙ Try: "Our approach demonstrated scalable efficiency we can apply to the upcoming enterprise initiative."

5. Position yourself through your insights
➙ Instead of: "I noticed a trend in our customer data."
➙ Try: "I recognized a pattern that reveals a strategic opportunity for our Asia growth markets."

Notice how each translation moves from tactical reporting to strategic framing.

From what happened to what it means.
From activity to insight.
From execution to leadership.

This isn't about exaggeration.

It's about accurately connecting your contributions to the business outcomes that senior leaders actually value.

When you translate your achievements into executive language, you're not just communicating differently. You're positioning yourself differently.

As someone who thinks at the next level. As someone ready to lead at the next level.