#84: Ethan Evans, Executive Mentor and Former Amazon VP — Managerial myths debunked, how to create a safety net for your career, and why everyone should write online
Jan 28, 2025
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Ethan Evans, former Amazon VP and executive mentor, shares his extensive experience in helping leaders level up their careers. He discusses the importance of self-promotion and strategic relationships in navigating managerial roles. Listeners learn to tackle career challenges by seeing them as puzzles, and Ethan emphasizes the value of mentorship in professional growth. He also addresses overcoming imposter syndrome and highlights the role of self-confidence in fostering career success, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique journey.
Clarifying personal values and desired impacts is essential for long-term career satisfaction and fulfillment beyond corporate success.
Building trust and relationships through effective communication and proactive contributions is key to advancing in executive roles.
Deep dives
Finding Meaning in Career Choices
Clarifying values and desired impacts is essential for career fulfillment. Individuals should reflect on what they want to be remembered for and what creates long-term meaning in their lives. While many find success in corporate roles, such as working at Amazon, the realization that these positions may not contribute to a deeper purpose can prompt a shift. Consequently, seeking roles that align more closely with personal values is crucial for long-term satisfaction and fulfillment.
Navigating Leadership and Relationships
The path to executive roles involves more than just hard work; it's about ensuring one's contributions are recognized. Leaders must cultivate trust and relationships by communicating accomplishments and being proactive in their roles. Understanding how managers think, including their focus on project success and team dynamics, can enhance collaboration. Building a supportive workplace relationship involves offering help and communicating needs effectively.
The Magic Loop for Career Growth
The 'magic loop' consists of five key steps for career advancement: doing your job well, seeking opportunities to help, fulfilling requests, communicating your goals, and repeating the process. By first excelling in current responsibilities, individuals can build trust with their managers and create a foundation for accepting additional challenges. This approach fosters mutual support, as both the employee and manager benefit from successful collaboration. The loop encourages continuous engagement and contribution, which can lead to growth opportunities over time.
Owning Your Career Path
Taking ownership of one's career is crucial, especially in the face of challenges like untrained management or systemic obstacles. Employees should actively seek guidance and support, rather than waiting for their managers to provide opportunities. A shift in mindset—from expecting acknowledgment to proactively navigating the corporate landscape—can empower individuals to shape their own career trajectories. Embracing setbacks as learning experiences is essential, as the path to success often includes detours and challenges.
During his 15+ years at Amazon, Ethan Evans helped invent Prime Video, Amazon Video, Amazon Appstore, Merch by Amazon, Prime Gaming (formerly Twitch Prime), and Twitch Commerce. He led global teams of over 800 and holds more than 70 patents. Ethan has reviewed 10,000+ resumes, conducted 2,500+ interviews, made 1,000+ hires, and was an Amazon Bar Raiser and Bar Raiser Core Leader, responsible for training and maintaining Amazon's group of interview outcome facilitators.
Ethan helped advocate for and draft the Amazon Leadership Principle (LP) “Ownership” — the words, “They never say ‘that’s not my job.’” are Ethan’s (read the story).
At Amazon, Ethan promoted 8 reports from Senior Manager (Amazon L7) to Director (Amazon L8), contributed to 25+ Director promotions, hired 10+ Directors internally and externally, and drove the promotion of 3 engineers to Principal. Of his former reports, 2 are current Amazon VPs (L10) and 5 are C-Suite outside Amazon.
Ethan retired from Amazon as a Vice President in September 2020 to pay forward his good fortune.
Prior to Amazon, Ethan spent 12 years at 3 startups.
Ethan now teaches leaders to become true executives. Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter, Level Up, for ongoing career advice, and consider joining the Level Up Career Community. Ethan also offers a range of Leadership Development Courses (live online and on-demand) that go in-depth on topics like “Breaking Through to Executive,” “Managing Up Successfully,” “Leadership Networking,” and more. If you’d like to connect, you can find Ethan on LinkedIn.
Contact Ethan on his website for inquiries about corporate training, speaking requests, and podcast appearances. | Website https://www.ethanevans.com/