Career Advancement through Informational Interviews and Self-Reflection

Episode 44: Cracking the Code to Executive Roles: Expert Advice with Maya Grossman

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In this episode of Managing Tech Millions, Maya Grossman, an executive coach, shares insights on breaking through to executive roles. She emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of your career and avoiding common pitfalls that hinder career advancement. 

Maya's personal experience highlights the shift from hard work to strategic growth for reaching leadership positions. 

Maya's personal journey from burnout to landing VP roles at major companies like Google and Microsoft was nothing short of inspiring. She generously detailed the top three mistakes that often hinder professionals from securing executive positions: working harder instead of smarter, avoiding workplace politics, and succumbing to imposter syndrome.

The episode concluded with actionable advice for listeners to become the CEOs of their careers. Maya's "startup system" for career growth encapsulates the essence of strategic thinking, advocacy, reputation management, achievement documentation, and presenting a business case for promotion.

Tune in to learn how to navigate your career towards success and fulfillment!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Taking Strategic Action - This involves understanding what the next level requires and focusing on meaningful and impactful actions rather than simply working harder. By strategically planning your career moves, you can avoid wasting time on activities that do not contribute to your advancement.
• Building Relationships - By fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues, you increase your chances of receiving endorsements and recommendations for advancement opportunities.
• Managing Reputation - Maya points out that being known as the "get things done" person may not necessarily align with the executive material image. Managing your reputation involves showcasing leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate at a higher level before actually attaining the title.
• Showcasing Achievements - Maya stresses the importance of not only meeting expectations in your current role but also exceeding them and showcasing your ability to operate at the next level. Keeping a record of your accomplishments and successes can provide tangible evidence of your readiness for promotion.
• Presenting a Business Case - Maya explains that promotion decisions are business decisions, and you need to showcase how your advancement will bring value to the organization. By presenting a clear and persuasive argument for why you deserve the promotion and how it will benefit the company, you increase your chances of success.

Episode Timeline:

• [00:02:17] Mistakes in career advancement.
• [00:04:09] Overcoming self-doubt and career growth.
• [00:10:04] The power of informational interviews.
• [00:15:06] Career progression and opportunities.
• [00:18:06] Seizing Career Opportunities
• [00:21:11] Creating Opportunities for Growth.
• [00:23:52] Thinking like an entrepreneur.
• [00:27:30] Key skills for career success.
• [00:33:18] Building a brag list.
• [00:37:18] The startup system.
• [00:42:23] Strategic career advancement.
• [00:44:38] Promotion based on seniority vs. skills.

Connect with Maya Grossman on LinkedIn: 

https://www.mayagrossman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/maya.grosmn/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayagrossman/

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