Beyond Merit: Why ‘Being Spoken About’ Drives Senior IT Career Growth, According to Ehsan Ali

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ehsan Ali challenges the conventional wisdom that career advancement hinges solely on individual merit. Instead, Ali argues that at the senior level, visibility and reputation—specifically, being “spoken about”—are far more critical drivers of opportunity than mere competence. He posits that many of the most significant roles are not found through traditional applications but are cultivated through internal networks and established trust.

“At senior level, it comes from being spoken about.”

Ali elaborates on this point, explaining that prime opportunities are often shaped within organizations, discussed in informal conversations, and ultimately offered based on established trust. The individuals who receive these roles are those whose names come to mind when opportunities arise, creating a sense of safety and reliability for those making the decisions. This perspective shifts the focus from individual performance in a vacuum to the power of one’s professional network and reputation.

The Power of a Trusted Name

The core of Ehsan Ali’s argument is that building relationships with the right people is paramount. He stresses the importance of choosing connections who will advocate for you, rather than merely offering passive support like liking posts or clapping from the sidelines. According to Ali, the truly impactful individuals are those who will proactively recommend you for opportunities.

“People who will do the rare thing: ‘I know someone. You should talk to them.'”

Ali identifies specific relationship-building strategies for mid-to-senior IT professionals. He advises cultivating relationships:

• One level up: Connecting with your manager’s manager, General Managers, or Heads of Departments.
• Two peers in adjacent functions: Building rapport with individuals in Product, Risk, Sales, Data, or Cyber roles, as they often hear about opportunities early.
• One trusted recruiter: Identifying and nurturing a relationship with a recruiter who understands and advocates for your specific expertise, rather than engaging with every recruiter.

From Private Talent to Public Advantage

Ehsan Ali contends that possessing talent without a corresponding network or reputation can act as a ceiling on one’s career. Conversely, being trusted within influential circles provides a significant career advantage. He encourages professionals to conduct a self-assessment: if a significant role were to open up, who would immediately think of them and mention their name without prompting?

Addressing the ‘No One Yet’ Scenario

For those who answer “no one yet” to this critical question, Ali offers a reassuring perspective. He frames this not as a personal failing or a lack of confidence, but as an indication of a need for a more deliberate connection strategy. This reframing empowers individuals to take proactive steps to build the network and reputation necessary for senior-level advancement.

“If the answer is ‘no one yet’… Good news. That’s not a confidence problem. It’s a connection strategy problem.”

Ali concludes by emphasizing that while talent is foundational, it is the strategic cultivation of relationships and a strong, positive reputation that truly unlocks senior-level career growth in the IT sector.