The Unwritten Rules
of C-Suite Success
Discover the hidden roadblocks to career growth
If you're working hard...
but not seeing the career progression you want, it’s time for you to master The Unwritten Rules of C-Suite Success.
This programme is designed for ambitious professionals who:
​
-
Are putting in the effort but not seeing career progression
-
Want to increase their visibility and influence at work
-
Need sponsorship or backing for their next big move
-
Struggle with workplace dynamics and want a more strategic approach
-
Feel overlooked despite delivering great results
-
Want to confidently navigate high-stakes career moments like promotions, negotiations, and leadership transitions
Meet your executive coach:
Maya Gudka
I'm Maya - an economist-turned-executive coach, ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally with The Executive Coach Podcast.
A rapid ascent in my Financial Services career followed by 13 years of Executive Coaching has taught me one thing: hard work alone doesn't get you to the top.
I help high-achievers to unlock their career potential. I did it, and I want to help you do it too!
I secured a role in Goldman's despite it being a recession, was a founding member of a new team at KPMG, got promoted to manager by 25, Associate Director then Director by 31 -
- all whilst not working above my hours in high-performance culture, demanding organisations; rehearsing twice weekly in a dance troupe (and performing in the Olympics Opening Ceremony!); dabbling in an art career and selling out a couple of exhibitions; having a couple of kids; and most importantly following MY aligned career vision (not someone else's!).
My approach is backed by published research with LBS and Harvard faculty - I now teach these topics as an Affiliate Faculty Guest Lecturer at London Business School too.
It's time for the success you deserve
Transform your career by unlocking the strategies that bring real, sustainable growth without burnout.
​
​With this programme, you'll:
​
-
Gain the visibility you deserve – without icky office politics
-
Secure sponsorship and backing for your next big move, making the 'yes' inevitable
-
Navigate those high-stakes moments with confidence, from promotions to negotiations
-
Break through career plateaus and start seeing the traction you've been working hard for
​
Ready to stop feeling overlooked and start accelerating your career? I can't wait to help you get there!
The Unwritten Rules Programme Promise
By the end of this programme, you'll walk away with:
​
-
A personalised roadmap for boosting your visibility and influence - both online and offline (no more feeling invisible!)
-
A framework to secure sponsorship and make a 'yes' inevitable for your projects, teams, and career progression
-
A toolkit for handling tricky workplace dynamics - without the drama!
-
The ability to harness your unique influencing power - no need to change who you are or put on a mask
Programme Preview
Module 1: The Hidden Career Blockers
-
Common mistakes high-achievers make - which hold them back
-
The importance of relationships versus overwork
-
Introduction to the Relational Spiral Framework
​
Module 2: Your Unique Influence
-
Uncover your personal influencing style as your USP
-
Insights from the Hogan Assessment
-
How to position yourself in high-stakes situations
​
Module 3: Relationship Mapping
-
Building your internal sponsor network
-
Identifying and connecting with needle-moving relationships
-
How to leverage your external network to build your dream career
​
Module 4: Building Relationships & Visibility
-
Transform tricky but pivotal relationships
-
Optimise your LinkedIn strategy for real needle-moving results
-
Networking; virtual and in-person - done right!
​
Module 5: Setting Up Meetings for Success
-
Use meetings as powerful career advancement tools
-
Simple ways to set up clear, impactful conversations
-
Follow-up strategies that guarantee results
​
Module 6: Making a ‘YES’ Inevitable
-
Firstly, know what it is you want to ask for!
-
Understand sponsor agendas and how to align with them.
-
Address objections before they arise
​
Module 7: The Psychology of High-Stakes Situations
-
Master interviews, presentations, and negotiations
-
Build rapport even in tough conversations
-
Showcase your rare and valuable skills
Everything you get inside The Unwritten Rules...
7 modules packed with actionable strategies to boost your career
​
1:1 coaching for personalised, high-impact support
​
Tools to map and build powerful relationships—both internal and external
​
A roadmap to boost your visibility and influence without the burnout
​
Techniques for navigating tricky office dynamics and handling high-stakes situations
​
Clear, results-driven strategies tailored specifically to your career goals
-
How long does it take?The programme takes around 8 hours in total—about 6 hours of online modules and the 1:1 intensive coaching. It’s designed to fit a busy executive’s schedule and can be completed in a few weeks or faster, depending on your availability.
-
Is this only for corporate executives?Not at all! While I've worked extensively with corporate leaders, these principles apply across industries and roles. I've coached clients from startups, creative fields, healthcare, and non-profits who've achieved remarkable results. If you're ambitious and want to progress without burning out, these unwritten rules will work for you.
-
I'm already very busy. How will I find time for this?I get it! I designed this specifically for high-performers with packed schedules. That's why the programme is streamlined, focused, and flexible. I balanced a demanding career with dance performances, art exhibitions, and raising children - so I know exactly how to help you make impactful career moves without adding more to your plate. The whole point is working smarter, not harder!
-
What makes this different from other career development programmes?Unlike typical career courses that focus on technical skills or generic advice, The Unwritten Rules tackles the unspoken dynamics that actually determine career success. I've distilled insights from my own rapid career progression at Goldman's and KPMG, plus thousands of coaching sessions with executives, to create a framework that works in the real world. This isn't theory - it's the exact approach I used to become a director by 31 while maintaining boundaries and pursuing my other passions!
-
What if I'm not sure about my career direction?Perfect timing! Start with the Vision Builder programme - the gateway to working with me. Vision Builder will help you to clarify your authentic career path.
-
How soon will I see results?Many clients report immediate shifts after implementing just one or two strategies from the programme. You'll likely see quick wins in how you handle meetings and relationships within the first few weeks. The bigger career moves (promotions, new opportunities) typically unfold over 3-12 months as you systematically apply the framework. Remember - I got promoted to director by 31 using these exact approaches!
-
Do I pay VAT if I am outside the UK?VAT requirements vary by country. If your company is covering the cost (which many do), VAT is typically passed on. Let me know where you're based, and I can confirm.
-
Can my company pay?Yes! Many professionals have this covered by their employer as part of a professional development, learning or leadership development programme. You can use the details below to send to your HR approver or equivalent.
-
I have another questionNo problem! Drop me an email on info@mayagudka.com or connect with me on LinkedIn and I'll be happy to help.
FAQs
Why The Unwritten Rules works
The Unwritten Rules of C-Suite Success isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder. It's about systematically setting up the building blocks for long term career growth, where you're excited, supported and unstoppable.
I've done it myself - taken an ambitious (and fun) career path, invested in my passions & family life. I've helped hundreds of executives do the same. This programme is designed to create lasting change.
You'll gain the blueprint to build a career that you adore.
How Unwritten Rules benefits the organisation...
When executives understand the unspoken dynamics of senior leadership, they drive better business outcomes, build stronger teams, and foster a more positive organisational culture.
​
Here’s how:
​
-
True Presence as a Leader: Executives learn how to develop a leadership voice that resonates with those who really matter, driving the important initiatives forward with success
-
Strategic Relationships & Sponsorship: Understanding workplace dynamics helps leaders build key relationships and make their projects and programmes a commercial success
-
Team Performance & Retention: This enables leaders to create environments where teams can innovate and excel, not be distracted by insecurity and toxicity so that top talent can stay engaged and loyal
-
Breaking Through Career Plateaus: Mastering these unwritten rules helps executives overcome hidden barriers, allowing the organisation to keep its best talent
-
Sustainable productivity: Understanding how to get the best outcomes on the critical path without overwork and burnout​​
1:1 Intensive Coaching
If you're ready to fast-track your career and break through your biggest challenges, my 1:1 intensive coaching is where the magic happens.
The Unwritten Rules curriculum contains the wisdom distilled from thousands of coaching conversations and my published research. It's then during our three 45-minute supercharged coaching sessions where we optimise your learnings from the curriculum and troubleshoot your unique goals and obstacles and I give you tailored strategies.
​You'll leave with a clear action plan, enhanced influence, and the confidence to take your career to the next level - all without compromising who you are or working yourself into the ground.
I can't wait to work with you!
What I teach in this programme has been transformational for countless executives - and I've seen it transform my own career too.
From years in high-pressure environments (Goldman's, KPMG, you name it!) to coaching top-level leaders across industries, I've walked the path you're on now.
I've coached executives from top companies like Google, KPMG, and Sony Music.
My approach is grounded in research and 20+ years of real-world results, and I'm here to help you navigate the Unwritten Rules of leadership so you can achieve your career goals without burnout.
If you're an ambitious professional ready to break through the ceiling, this is the moment to invest in yourself.
I can't wait to see what you achieve!