What does it really take to become an executive?
It’s a question I hear often. Many people believe it’s about working harder, managing teams, or hitting targets. But let me tell you a secret: none of that guarantees you a seat in the corner office.
Executives aren’t hired—they’re chosen.
Most executive jobs are never even posted. They’re created, often by the very people who step into those roles. The irony? If you’re waiting to apply for your dream job, you might be waiting forever.
So, what’s the real pathway to the top?
Master These 3 Pillars to Think Like an Executive Today
1. Individual Effectiveness
Before you can lead others, you must master yourself. This means:
Prioritizing high-impact decisions over busy work.
Eliminating distractions.
Making decisions with imperfect information—because executives rarely have all the answers.
Ask yourself:
Can you identify your top 3 priorities for this week, month, and year—right now?
Do you know where your time is going, or is it controlling you?
If you can’t answer these questions confidently, you’re stuck in manager mode.
Executives think differently, and so can you.
2. Team Leadership
Executives don’t succeed alone. They inspire, coach, and hold their teams accountable.
Coaching isn’t a luxury; it’s 90% of your role as a leader.
Clear communication means ensuring your team understands, not just assuming they do.
Accountability starts with you—do what you promise and expect the same from others.
Start with highly effective 1:1 meetings. These aren’t for updates—they’re for breaking barriers and clarifying priorities.
3. Organizational Strategy
Executives are architects of the future. They balance long-term vision with short-term execution. But here’s the kicker: they don’t just do this for their organizations—they do it for themselves.
Do you have a 5-year personal career strategy?
What skills, relationships, and experiences will you need to be executive-ready?
Are your career aspirations aligned with your current role?
If not, it’s time to get clear. Treat yourself as the CEO of you.
Watch the Video:
In this video, I share:
The 3 pillars of executive success.
The mindset shifts that transformed my career.
A proven strategy to get noticed and create your own opportunities.
The Barrier Between You and the Corner Office
Most professionals are incredibly hard-working. Yet, many are overlooked for promotions. Why?
Because they focus on tasks, not leadership, strategy, or personal growth.
Executives build systems and relationships to handle challenges before they arise. They don’t just solve problems—they anticipate them.
Here’s the truth: to get noticed, you need to act like an executive now. That’s how you create opportunities that don’t yet exist.
What’s Holding You Back?
You have the ability.
You have the capability.
But do you have the focus and a plan?
Every day you wait, you’re leaving tens of thousands of dollars—and countless opportunities—on the table.
Let’s Accelerate Your Career Together
Are you ready to take the next step?
Watch the video.
Share your thoughts in the comments.
Let’s start building your personalized executive development plan.