14. Start where you are

Whenever anyone asks me how I got to the C-Suite, and what they should do to get there, my first question is: are you doing your current role to the best of your ability?

Are you hitting all your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and deliverables?

Do you KNOW what your KPIs and deliverables are?

It can be easy to get ahead of yourself when you’re a determined and ambitious woman, but it’s also easy to become someone who glosses over tasks, missing important details because you’re in such a rush to get to the next step in your career (instead of focusing on what you’re doing today).

I’ve always focused on the very next step, and said yes to every opportunity that came my way. On one occasion, I put my hand up for taking the lead on a big project management for a large retailer, despite being in the middle of renovating my house AND heavily pregnant. Even though it was considered a more junior role, and me volunteering raised a few eyebrows, there was a reason for me taking on the role.

The people around me were focused on how it looked, I focused on what I would learn and the experience I would gain.

I’ve always actively looked for additional work, asking what the next projects are and how I can help out. What started as a necessity for me as a contractor became part of how I approach my career, and for that I’m truly grateful.

 Another trait I think is important to cultivate within yourself is to become outcome and delivery focused. If you ask, "how CAN we achieve xyz", rather than giving the reasons why the team can’t achieve it, you set yourself apart from the pack. Focus on delivering a really good job in the role you have now, and if you can, find a way to work with senior leaders.

Be tenacious! If I can’t get the answers in one part of the organisation, I’ll try and find them somewhere else. Doing this has led me to connect with people who I never would have otherwise.

My thought process usually goes like this:

1.What’s the next role I can get?
2. What’s the role after that?

I went from the Help Desk to the Policies and Procedures Department, then to a special project about warehouse management that taught me a lot about business analysis, to another part of the business, to project management, and then my leadership journey took off!

Really focus on your skills:

What do I need to learn?
What can I practice now?
How can I communicate that I’d like to try new things and take on more responsibility?

When I started on the Help Desk, I didn’t imagine one day I’d be running IT departments.

I created good relationships with people of influence within the organisations I’ve worked for. I’ve sought out mentors – both within my organisation and further afield.

I’ve also had moments in my career when I’ve realised that progression wasn’t likely in the organisation I was working for, so I decided to leave and work somewhere else. I’ve always made active decisions, I haven’t sat back, hoping to be chosen for the next promotion – I’ve made decisions for myself, and it’s worked out really well, just quietly!

I’ve had a great career that I’m proud of, I’ve worked for some really great organisations, and I’ve had the opportunity to create really great relationships with some fabulous leaders.

If you’re hoping to progress in your career, it’s important that you make sure the people who make the important decisions are aware of your career aspirations.

You can simply say to your boss, “I’m really interested in one day taking on a leadership role, and I was looking at the next job up from mine. Can you give me some feedback on what that role looks like and what I need to do to have the best chance of securing that promotion?”

I’ll leave you with these thoughts:
1. You’ll never get a yes if you never ask
2. Your boss won’t just assume you want a promotion – make your feelings known!

Finally, Don’t be afraid to move on if your current role isn’t nurturing your skills.

I hope this was helpful!

For more tips, interviews with special guests and more, tune in to the Lady Leadership podcast, here.