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How did most C-Suite Execs get to that position?
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:25 pm
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:25 pm
I'm 38. Been part of a few Fortune 100 companies in my career. Some people are true leaders- they make it seem pretty cut and dry; others I can't really figure out how they got to the executive positions.
One guy the long term employees called Mr. Upside Down because every time a public facing project tanked he was involved with, he always seemed to get promoted. Borderline uncanny the way they explained it.
Others seem to be merit based, but there's a lot of good leaders that have merit and education.
I'm starting to think it's just right place at right time. A few seem to be actual geniuses, others I've met seem to be the last man standing.
I just haven't met enough to understand what makes these specific set of leaders unique. I've read a few books and they all seem to contradict each other.
Owning my own business doesn't seem like it will ever happen, so I'm starting to look at my career the next 25-30 years and determine my path.
I did this same analysis almost 10 years ago and accomplished the goals I made. It just seems a tougher course to determine the further into your career you get.
One guy the long term employees called Mr. Upside Down because every time a public facing project tanked he was involved with, he always seemed to get promoted. Borderline uncanny the way they explained it.
Others seem to be merit based, but there's a lot of good leaders that have merit and education.
I'm starting to think it's just right place at right time. A few seem to be actual geniuses, others I've met seem to be the last man standing.
I just haven't met enough to understand what makes these specific set of leaders unique. I've read a few books and they all seem to contradict each other.
Owning my own business doesn't seem like it will ever happen, so I'm starting to look at my career the next 25-30 years and determine my path.
I did this same analysis almost 10 years ago and accomplished the goals I made. It just seems a tougher course to determine the further into your career you get.
This post was edited on 5/14/24 at 7:55 pm
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:27 pm to DiamondDog
I always ask for their username prior to offering
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:29 pm to DiamondDog
You don't get to that level in any organization without having some sociopathic tendencies.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:29 pm to DiamondDog
I've had opportunities, but I've never had any desire to manage people, not even 5 of them.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:29 pm to DiamondDog
Irrational confidence. I doubt myself way too much to get to that level.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:29 pm to DiamondDog
some people don't like to admit but luck is a factor in corporate careers.
a good first manager/VP out of school can accelerate your path just like a bad one can slow you down a bit.
a good first manager/VP out of school can accelerate your path just like a bad one can slow you down a bit.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:30 pm to DiamondDog
Knee pads and lotion
That’s the only way these days
Oh and diversity
That’s the only way these days
Oh and diversity
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:32 pm to DiamondDog
Be careful what you wish for. Managing adults is a strain.
Most mid level managers that are older and not great leaders typically got there by seniority, not because they are great at what they do. Default type promotion and they are ‘good guys’ that don’t stir shite up and get along with everyone. They typically camp out with a fat salary until retirement. Most good companies don’t promote them any further.
As an executive leader, I somewhat envy them. Plan on stepping back when I’m ready to retire into one of the gravy train, non critical department, manager positions.
Most mid level managers that are older and not great leaders typically got there by seniority, not because they are great at what they do. Default type promotion and they are ‘good guys’ that don’t stir shite up and get along with everyone. They typically camp out with a fat salary until retirement. Most good companies don’t promote them any further.
As an executive leader, I somewhat envy them. Plan on stepping back when I’m ready to retire into one of the gravy train, non critical department, manager positions.
This post was edited on 5/14/24 at 7:35 pm
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:32 pm to DiamondDog
quote:do you really want to be in the C Section?
How did most C-Suite Execs get to that position?
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:35 pm to fallguy_1978
I had an intern who was "mine" for a couple months. There was nothing to that but yeah, managing adults, especially middle aged women, seems like a nightmare.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:35 pm to DiamondDog
During the Biden era you are more likely to get promoted if you are gay, trans, a minority, have blue hair, weigh 300 lbs.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:36 pm to DiamondDog
I’ve had a lot of dealings with executives.
I can say with certainty the difference between being c-suite and having a generally successful career comes largely down to luck and right place at right time.
I can say with certainty the difference between being c-suite and having a generally successful career comes largely down to luck and right place at right time.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:40 pm to BabyTac
I have 15 directs. Tell me about it.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:42 pm to DiamondDog
In my industry willingness to move. Showing you’ll do anything for the company will result in you being considered for these top level promotions.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:47 pm to tylerlsu2008
A lot of right place right time. A lot of having people in your corner advocating for your promotion.
At very large companies, eventually there’s only so many spots at the director -> VP -> President -> C Suite level. There will almost certainly be more people who are qualified for those roles than there are roles available.
Might be different at smaller companies, but at big companies you have to be fairly adept at office politics to rise up to the top echelons. And you probably have to advocate for yourself not just for yourself, but advocating for yourself over your competitors.
Obviously you also have to work your dick off. Most C Suite people I’ve come in contact with would rather be at the office than catching their alma maters Saturday night game. They don’t work crazy hours because they have to. They wouldn’t rather do anything else….including spending time with their wife and kids
At very large companies, eventually there’s only so many spots at the director -> VP -> President -> C Suite level. There will almost certainly be more people who are qualified for those roles than there are roles available.
Might be different at smaller companies, but at big companies you have to be fairly adept at office politics to rise up to the top echelons. And you probably have to advocate for yourself not just for yourself, but advocating for yourself over your competitors.
Obviously you also have to work your dick off. Most C Suite people I’ve come in contact with would rather be at the office than catching their alma maters Saturday night game. They don’t work crazy hours because they have to. They wouldn’t rather do anything else….including spending time with their wife and kids

Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:48 pm to GreatLakesTiger24
quote:
There was nothing to that but yeah, managing adults, especially middle aged women, seems like a nightmare
I've turned down multiple promotions because I know management, director (or higher) isn't my speed. I know that I wouldn't enjoy it.
I see what they do all day, and I'd rather make a little less money than play office politics all day. C suite in a decent sized company are 95% politicians.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:48 pm to DiamondDog
I treat everyone below me like gold and treat all my superiors like shite.
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