If you haven’t been living under a rock, then you know how much of a smash hit Wicked has been since its release last month. The movie isn’t just a spellbinding and fantastical story. It’s more than just the amazing songs, too.

Beyond telling you the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, Wicked teaches you valuable lessons that can inspire and elevate your career. Don’t believe me? Let’s break it down for you.

Embrace Your Authenticity Like Elphaba

Elphaba’s story revolves around her learning to unapologetically embrace who she is—and what she can do. Yes, being authentic to yourself might get you some judging looks. But that just means you get noticed. And once you’re noticed, you can turn people’s attention to something that can benefit you.

Authenticity can set you apart in a good way. More than that, authenticity can be a powerful motivator. Look at Elphaba. Staying true to her values is what drove her to help the animals in Oz. Embracing your passions and principles will push you towards work you genuinely care about. Even if you face obstacles, you stay driven and determined to overcome them because it’s something you truly want.

That’s not all. Focusing on your strengths—on what makes you unique—makes you all the more memorable. And the more memorable you are, the more you draw in people and form genuine relationships.

Network and Build Connections Like Glinda

Speaking of relationships, let’s take a look at Glinda next. From the first time we see her, we already see it: Glinda knows how to win over a crowd. She can charm anyone with her words and bubbly demeanor—no actual magic required.

Glinda’s ability to connect with others became her secret to success. She was able to build relationships and form genuine connections. It’s what opened doors for her—allowing her to become the powerful and respected Glinda the Good Witch.

So, channel your inner Glinda. Learn how to smile, make small talk, and put yourself out there. If you need more help networking, listen to the song Popular again!

Glinda pretty much reveals her secrets on how to network: Look your best, approach the right people, and be up-to-date on the latest slang and news.

Stay Resilient Like Elphaba

Elphaba’s storyline is basically one obstacle after another. But does she give up? No. She had her low moments, but in the end, she didn’t. She persisted. Elphaba stayed strong. She showcased amazing resilience and kept moving forward.

So be like Elphie. I don’t know how often I can say or teach this: view setbacks as learning opportunities. Resilience is the key to overcoming roadblocks in your career. These are just temporary challenges.

They’re meant to teach you something new or improve on what you already know. You can and will rise above them—maybe not right away, but with time and effort, you can do it. Believe in yourself! Believe in your abilities and your potential for growth. You’ll soon find yourself going farther in your career.

Adapt and Evolve Like Glinda

The Glinda the Good Witch we saw in the opening act of the movie and the Galinda we saw in Shiz University weren’t the same. She might still be wearing pink and hitting all those notes but the young Galinda evolved so much to become Glinda the Good.

More than that, she showed amazing adaptability. The more Glinda learned about Oz, the more she changed to become the best version of herself. She embraced change and became a reliable leader and powerful witch that people trusted.

Not sure how to do this? Start with upskilling. As you learn, remember to be open to feedback. Accept criticism gracefully and apply it to better yourself.

And if things don’t work out, don’t adjust your goals—just adjust your steps. Be flexible. Pivot your plans so you can still reach your target, even if you have to take a detour.

Stand True To Your Convictions Like Elphaba

One of the most inspiring things about Elphaba is her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. If you’re looking to go up the career ladder, this is a non-negotiable. You need to stand up for your beliefs.

The higher you go, the more you might face decisions that will test your ethics and convictions. Stay focused on your long-term vision and your values. This won’t just help you stay on the right track. This will also help you attract the right people to help you grow and succeed.

Staying true to your authentic self will help you become a better leader. It builds trust and respect. Combined with your skills and adaptability, you’ll be a leader your team knows they can fully trust and rely on, even in tough times.

These five lessons can work wonders for your career. But they aren’t magic. Reading about them or watching Wicked won’t suddenly boost your career. You need to put in the work. So this coming year, try to do exactly that.

Apply the lessons you learned from Elphaba and Glinda one by one. Before you know it, your career will be defying gravity, too!