S9 Ep8: Stepping into the Role Before You Get It: Acting Like an Executive Now So the Promotion Feels Inevitable

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success — the podcast that helps you build the skills, confidence, and strategies to thrive in your career.In this episode, we continue Phase 2 of our journey: Positioning for Executive Opportunity. Last week, we explored what CEOs and boards are really looking for in senior leaders. This week, we shift the focus back to you: how to step into the executive role before you officially hold the title.Here’s the truth: promotions to the executive level rarely come as a surprise. Senior leaders are constantly observing who already behaves as if they belong at the top table. The key mindset shift is this: you don’t become an executive after the promotion—you start acting like one now, so the promotion feels inevitable. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The three defining signals that mark someone as “executive-ready” • Practical ways to act like an executive today, even without the title • Common traps that can prevent talented leaders from being seen as promotable • A reflection exercise to start embodying your next role immediatelyThis episode is packed with actionable strategies, examples, and reflection exercises to help you move from performing at a high level to signalling executive readiness. By practising enterprise thinking, demonstrating gravitas, and engaging peers as collaborators, you’ll position yourself as the leader who is already “top-table ready.”What Next? A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path to Career Success — where your ambition meets actionable advice.🦉 Ready to step into executive leadership with confidence? Book a free discovery call and explore how my Unlock Your Career Potential coaching programme can support your transition: https://calendly.com/thecareerowl🦉 If this episode gave you clarity on how to act like an executive before you hold the title, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague preparing for senior leadership.🦉 Follow me on LinkedIn for daily insights and behind-the-scenes leadership strategies.Useful Resources: 📘 The Trusted Executive by John Blakey — practical strategies to build credibility and trust at the highest level. 📘 Boards That Lead by Ram Charan, Dennis Carey & Michael Useem — insights into executive readiness and board expectations. 🎧 HBR IdeaCast — episodes on executive mindset, presence, and leadership influence.Next week: Phase 3 begins — Expanding Influence Beyond Your Function: Building Alliances at the Top Table to collaborate with other senior leaders and drive unified outcomes.I would love to know what you think of the episode