The organisations that develop talent well are the ones that help people think through those realities, not just encourage ambition. They create room for someone to say, actually, I do not think this is the right time, or actually, I want to grow in a different direction. That honesty is only possible when the culture makes it safe to have the conversation.

Most organisations recruit externally while the capability they need is already in the building. This article explores why internal talent consistently goes undeveloped, what leaders get wrong, and what professionals can do when their organisation is not paying close enough attention to the potential sitting right in front of them.