At Elevate Talent, we’ve done the research – and the results are clear. Progression doesn’t just happen through hard work or time served. It requires strategy, visibility, and self-awareness. That’s where the EPIC Formula® comes in: a simple, powerful framework designed to help you take ownership of your development and move forward with intention.
We talk about climbing the career wall, not the career ladder – and for good reason.
Unlike a traditional ladder, which only moves upward (often with rigid steps and limited flexibility), a career wall offers more routes to success. Sometimes progression means stepping sideways to gain new skills, broaden your perspective, or reposition yourself for the next big opportunity. The EPIC Formula® gives you the tools to do exactly that.
The EPIC Formula® is built on four essential elements that drive career progression no matter your role, background, or industry:
Each one represents a skillset that, when developed intentionally, helps you gain momentum, make an impact, and lead with greater confidence.
It’s a common belief that great work speaks for itself – but in reality, it rarely does. Think of something as ordinary as toothpaste: there are countless excellent products, yet the ones we recognise and choose are those we’ve seen, heard about, or had recommended. That’s exposure in action.
The same principle applies to your career. Talent alone isn’t enough – you need to be visible to the right people, at the right time, for the right reasons. It’s not just about who you know, but who knows you, what you stand for, and how you can make a difference.
When an actor steps onto a stage, they don’t just recite lines – they embody the role. Their performance draws you in, makes you believe, and leaves a lasting impression. The same applies to your career.
Performance isn’t just about doing the work; it’s about how others experience your contribution. It’s about building trust, demonstrating credibility, and showing that you can consistently deliver – not just alone, but as part of a team.
Hard work matters. But in the end, it’s your presence, reliability, and ability to inspire confidence that defines true performance.
Impact is about significance – the impression you leave and the influence you have. We all want to create a positive impact, but it’s important to recognise that real impact, by nature, is visible and felt. It sparks reactions.
If no one’s noticing your work, it’s likely not having the reach it could. Positive impact means that when you speak, people listen. When you lead, they follow. It’s not about being the loudest – it’s about being intentional, credible, and compelling enough to bring others with you.
The final element of the EPIC Formula® is self-awareness – understanding both your strengths and your blind spots. Recognising and leveraging what you do well allows you to add greater value to your team, your organisation, and your own career journey.
But true growth also comes from acknowledging where you’re underperforming, what you may be neglecting, and which skills you need to develop next. This kind of awareness is a cornerstone of progression – it’s what earns trust, opens doors to high-impact projects, and positions you for more senior opportunities.
We’re all human – no one has it all figured out. The most successful leaders are those who know themselves, own their development, and stay open to learning.
Most of us find at least one part of the EPIC Formula® outside our comfort zone – and without understanding why each element matters, it’s easy to stay stuck. That’s why Elevate not only introduces the formula but also explains its relevance and shows you how to apply it in a way that accelerates real career growth.
While behaviours may vary slightly across regions and cultures, the foundations of professional influence are remarkably consistent. Whether you’re working in a fast-paced global hub or a quiet local office, human decision-making – and how we judge others – follows familiar patterns. The way we behave shapes how others respond to us, often more than we realise.
Understanding the formula is the first step. Elevate then takes it further – guiding you through the practical strategies and actions that make the difference.
The EPIC Formula® – Exposure, Performance, Impact, Consciousness – is simple, powerful, and proven. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t want to be EPIC?
Who doesn’t want a career that stands out for all the right reasons?
Take the EPIC Career Quiz to find out how you are doing – and what to focus on next.