2 things you can do to get promoted, according to a PwC exec

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-21T10:17:53.527Z • Permanent link

Dallas Dolen, a partner at PwC, has sat through countless promotion meetings, and his insights offer a unique perspective on what truly matters. According to Dolen, face time is "really important" when it comes to getting promoted. His words are backed by data from PwC's research, which found that employees who spend more time with their managers tend to have higher career advancement rates. This is no surprise, given the importance of personal connections in any professional setting.

The key to making a lasting impression on one's superiors lies not just in the quality of work, but also in the quality of relationships. Dolen points out that employees who are seen as valuable team players, willing to lend a hand, and always available to chat are more likely to be noticed. He cites the example of Google's 20% time policy, which allows employees to dedicate a portion of their work hours to side projects. This policy has not only led to the creation of innovative products like Gmail and Google Maps but also fostered a culture of collaboration and creativity.

Dolen's views on face time and personal connections are echoed by other experts in the field. For instance, research by Harvard Business Review found that employees who have a strong relationship with their manager are more likely to receive promotions and higher salaries. These findings suggest that the old adage "who you know" is still relevant in the modern workplace.

The implications of Dolen's views on face time and personal connections are far-reaching, particularly in the data sources domain. Companies like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, which rely heavily on data and algorithms to drive their business, would do well to prioritize human connections over automation. By fostering a culture of collaboration and community, these companies can create a more engaging and valuable experience for their users.

For research communities, the emphasis on face time and personal connections offers a refreshing change of pace. In an era dominated by data-driven research, it's easy to forget the importance of human intuition and judgment. By prioritizing relationships and personal connections, researchers can create more nuanced and accurate models of human behavior. This, in turn, can lead to breakthroughs in fields like economics, psychology, and sociology.

In the markets, the impact of Dolen's views can be seen in the rise of human-centered investing. With the increasing popularity of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, investors are looking for companies that prioritize people and the planet alongside profits. By focusing on face time and personal connections, these investors can identify companies that are building strong relationships with their stakeholders and creating long-term value.