Moving to the next level: Director to Chief-of
For Directors with five years’ experience in the role, it’s now time for you to start thinking about if and when you move to the next level: Chief-of. Whether you’re looking to express your intentions within your existing organisation or if opportunities lie elsewhere, there is plenty you can do to start planning for that move. We hope the following hints and tips will help you.
Firstly, start laying the foundations:
If you’re looking to move up to the next level, it’s important that you strategise openly, demonstrating your understanding of the company’s long-term goals and providing a roadmap for how to get there. Be vocal about your vision with other senior leaders.
“Do ask the provocative questions, do engage with what the business problem is, and be curious outside your function.” Antonia Wade, Global CMO, PwC
Think about whether your existing team is large enough and with sufficient cross-functional impact to prepare you for leadership in the Chief-of role. If not, consider a sideways move first, into a bigger team, providing you with that level of leadership experience.
Also, consider whether further training will help you to improve your leadership skills and then demonstrate how this has impacted those who have worked/are working with you. LinkedIn recommendations from your team will go a long way to support this.
Next, build up your network:
Make sure to actively engage with senior leaders both within your existing organisation and at industry events, where you’ll have the opportunity to expand your network and establish meaningful and useful relationships.
Find an experienced Chief-of mentor who can guide you, provide useful feedback, and introduce you to helpful contacts within your industry. Mentors are an invaluable resource, providing insights that only come from experience.
And, consider voluntary board-level positions within charities or non-profit organisations, which can provide you would some beneficial experience within that type of role. It’s experience that can really provide a sense of purpose and motivation for you, too.
If you feel ready to take that next step, find the right specialist recruitment partner to help you: get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for B2C and B2B marketing, digital and technology roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
If you’re ready to make your next move, we regularly post new opportunities on our LinkedIn company page. If you apply for a role on the platform, it requires a 1st connection for us to respond, so please make sure to connect with Suzie Walker. Our company page is also frequently updated with the latest hiring news, expert interviews, and candidate guidance, so well worth following.
