Your Career Roadmap from Manager to the Executive Level

Every executive starts somewhere. For most, it’s not a straight line. If you’re early in your career, managing teams, or stepping into leadership for the first time, the jump to the C-suite might feel out of reach. It’s not. You just need a plan.

Step one is getting clear on your destination. Where do you want to be in 5 years? CEO, CFO, VP of Sales? Pick the target. Then reverse-engineer the path. What skills, experiences, and connections will get you there? Break it down into milestones—1 year, 3 years, 5 years.

Focus on building skills first. Executives think big-picture. Start sharpening your strategic thinking, decision-making, and ability to lead beyond your team. Next is experience. Volunteer for cross-department projects. Say yes to the tough assignments that stretch you. Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone.

Finally, connections. C-suites are built on relationships. Find mentors who’ve been where you want to go. Network with decision-makers inside and outside your organization. These relationships open doors you can’t kick down alone.

Mapping your path isn’t about making a perfect plan. It’s about making progress. Start now. Take the next step, even if it feels small. You’re closer to the C-suite than you think.

Tag along for this series, and we’ll break down the skills, mindset, and strategies you need to lead at the top.