Ex-Amazon VP reveals hard truth: Aggressive individuals succeed in promotions

In terms of advancing in your professional life, a former Amazon vice president has some insights: you have to speak up to get noticed.

"There's some validity to the saying, 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease,'" Ethan Evans mentioned on "The Peterman Pod" in a recent episode aired on Tuesday. "This is another uncomfortable truth many avoid."

Evans observed that two individuals may deliver similar performances, yet the one who doesn’t articulate their goals or needs might be overlooked during company restructures.

"It's not that I'm intentionally sidelining you. My focus is on retaining this other individual, trusting you'll cope," he confessed. "You could fall behind just by being too nice."

This doesn't suggest people should be inconsiderate, Evans clarified. Instead, workers should champion their own interests and professional growth as "assertive individuals tend to achieve more."

Amazon has conducted several layoffs throughout this year. It laid off 16,000 employees in January aiming to transform into the "world’s largest startup," as an internal memo revealed. It also reduced its workforce in the robotics division earlier this month.

"What can't be avoided is that some ask for what they want in their careers, while others remain quiet," Evans pointed out. 

"I might be organising a restructuring based solely on knowing some individuals' desires, not because of any preference, but assuming those who stay silent will be content. That's the most benevolent scenario."

In a follow-up comment, Evans emphasised to Business Insider that relying on a "work hard and wait to be noticed" strategy is unwise for career advancement.

"Start by clearly expressing your career ambitions. Then, keep key stakeholders informed about your efforts, ensuring they gain visibility. This doesn't mean boasting; it could be as simple as sending a weekly progress update to your manager and pertinent team members so they're aware of your contributions," Evans advised. "The contrast is that instead of merely 'hoping to be seen,' you're taking proactive steps."

Evans has previously offered career advice, including suggestions on how to enhance a résumé and insights gained from his time working with CEO Jeff Bezos. He stepped down from Amazon in 2020.