Steps to Advance in Corporate Careers

“I’ve been stuck at this level for several years” Let’s make 2026 the year you get unstuck. Over the years, I've watched far too many talented Sr-level employees plateau. And not because they lacked skills or abilities, but because they never created a corporate visibility system. If you’re motivated to level up in 2026, here are 8 systems I’d recommend to help advance. (Yes, these work at any level) 1-Document your impact Open a word doc and start a Career Log. Every win, every result, every data-driven decision. Create a calendar reminder to update it monthly. At the end of the year, you’ll have a bunch of wins you can use for promos, interviews, networking, resumes, etc. 2-Build a 2-year roadmap Not just ‘goals’, but an executable plan with milestones. Share it with your boss. Update it quarterly. Partner with your leaders and mentors to make progress on the roadmap. 3-Show up on LinkedIn, and build your brand Start engaging every week. Begin by following great creators and content. Find what resonates. Repost, comment, and connect. When you’re ready, start posting. Build and share in public. Work towards 30-45 minutes worth of weekly engagement. 4-Collect recommendations strategically One every 2 months, get a new LinkedIn recommendation. These testimonials become your social proof when you're ready for that next move. Build up a balanced portfolio from leaders, peers, and direct reports. 5-Upskill quarterly One course, one certification, one new capability every 90 days. Stay relevant or become replaceable. Make sure to add these to your career roadmap and keep your boss informed. 6-Meet with mentors bi-monthly Mentorships are how you build cross-functional networks. These networks help with promotions, career moves, and unlocking new opportunities early. Get 1 leadership mentor, ideally 2 levels above you, and 1 technical mentor. Have a mentorship agreement that defines what a successful mentorship looks like before you start. 7-Create a personal narrative deck A personal journey to complement your resume. A short, 5-7 slide presentation about your career journey, your passions, the problems you solve, and the legacy you're building. These visual decks are helpful in a range of environments: conferences, networking events, mentor meetings. 8-Stay informed Subscribe to industry publications. Be the person who knows what's coming before it arrives. Check out newsletters like TLDR, HBR Tip of the Day, Morning Brew, CB Insights, etc. And there you have it! These concepts aren't revolutionary. But when applied to a habit, you change your life. PS – What’s one habit you’re committing to build in 2026? Tell me in the comments. I’ll go first 👇

Stuck in the Middle? You’re Not Alone. Many mid-career finance professionals tell me they feel stuck: solid track record, heavier responsibilities but no clear path to career growth. Titles freeze. Pay flattens. The work widens but doesn’t elevate. Good news: you don’t need a miracle; just a deliberate shift. Here’s a practical framework with 3 paths and concrete choices that can restart your career. 1) ENRICH: Win where you already are. Raise your value in the current role so the decision-makers and search firms ‘see’ you differently. i) Reposition yourself. Reframe your role around outcomes (ROIC, cash, growth) instead of tasks (closing, reports). Update your title/summary, talking points, and success stories to influence business partner, not reporting owner. ii) Re-brand yourself. Rephrase your LinkedIn headline, bio, and content to reflect the role you want next (Strategic Finance | Value Creation | Board-facing). One strong case study post on LinkedIn beats ten random shares. iii) Build Networks Systematically add peers, CFOs, and professionals in your network. Join 1–2 high-profile communities and show up in discussions. This approach compounds existing credibility. You’re not changing jobs; you’re changing perception and impact. Low risk, fast results. 2) EXPAND: Add capability the market pays for. Focus on skills that unlock scope, salary, and optionality. i) Develop Digital/AI Expertise Learn how data/AI changes forecasting, pricing, working capital, and productivity. Create one visible analytics win (e.g., forecast error, DSO). ii) Explore Entrepreneurship Lead a new revenue stream, internal venture, or profit-improvement play. Act like an owner; document the economics. iii) Major Upskill (CFO Program) A structured program accelerates executive thinking, boardroom skills, and cross-functional influence. Use that toolkits on a real business problem. This approach works because markets reward capability that moves P&L and cash. Expansion makes you the person who can create value, not just track it. 3) DIVERSIFY: Change the landscape, not your standards Step into an environment where your strengths become scarce and valuable. i) Switch Industry Move to a sector with better unit economics or momentum (recurring revenue, industry growth). Translate your wins into that industry's language. ii) Switch Geography Target markets with higher demand for senior finance talent or better comp structures. Build local strategic relationships before you move. iii) Switch Role Lateral into FP&A/Commercial Finance/Strategy/Corporate Finance if you’ve been caged into controllership. Choose the seat that gets you closest to decision-makers. A new environment resets the game. Your current ceiling is often contextual, not personal. Diversifying gives you optionality and a fresh trajectory. Stack them. Enrich for quick wins. Expand for capability. Diversify when the right door opens. If you need more guidance with your career, let me know.

From Deputy to General Counsel: The Four Steps That Changed My Career. I still remember the moment I got the call. After serving as the Deputy General Counsel, I was being offered the role of General Counsel at a public company. It was a milestone, but it wasn’t luck—it was the result of deliberate actions, the kind I now share with every DGC who asks me, How can I make that leap too? I’ve reflected on my own journey and those of others who have made the transition, and I’ve identified four key steps that can position you for that promotion. 1. Raise Your (Business) IQ Understanding the law is just the baseline. To be a GC, you have to be business savvy. How does your company make money? What are the key drivers of revenue, expenses, profit, and cash flows? How is the business positioned for success in its industry? What keeps your CEO up at night? 2. Raise Your EQ Technical skills will only get you so far; leadership is about influence, and that requires emotional intelligence. EQ is made up of four key abilities: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Here are three ways to elevate your EQ today: - Conduct a 360-degree assessment to gain insights on how others perceive your leadership. - Work with an executive coach to refine your communication, decision-making, and executive presence. - Take a leadership course, whether in-person or online, to build and practice these skills. 3.Raise Your Profile You can be the most qualified candidate in the room, but if no one knows who you are or what you bring to the table, it won’t matter. Make sure people recognize your value by: -Sharing your expertise internally—lead trainings, mentor colleagues, and showcase your problem-solving skills. -Writing thought leadership pieces—publish articles in industry publications. -Speaking on your area of expertise—seek out panel opportunities and speaking engagements. -Teaching what you know—get involved in corporate board readiness programs or professional associations where your insights can make an impact. 4. Raise Your Hand Finally, the most crucial step: Tell people you want to be a GC. Opportunities for GC roles are like stock trades—by the time they’re publicly listed, it’s often too late. The best opportunities come through word-of-mouth and internal recommendations. If you let the right people know about your aspirations, you’ll be surprised how quickly doors open. I took these four steps myself, and they changed the trajectory of my career. Now, I share them with you. If you’re a DGC ready to make the leap, the path is clear. The question is: Are you ready to take the first step? #GeneralCounsel #InHouseCounsel #LegalLeadership #CareerGrowth #ExecutiveLeadership #CorporateLaw #GCJourney #LegalCareers #Networking #LeadershipDevelopment #EQ #BusinessAcumen #ExecutiveCoaching #BoardLeadership #CareerAdvice #LawyersWhoLead

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐕𝐏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 In the dynamic world of finance, advancing your career to VP and Director roles requires more than just technical expertise. With over 30 years of experience in management and as the creator of the ACES Recruitment Method, I've guided many professionals on their journey to the top. Here’s what you need to focus on to reach those coveted leadership positions. 1. Develop Strong Leadership Skills: Technical skills are essential, but strong leadership abilities set you apart. Focus on developing your capacity to lead teams, manage projects, and drive organizational success. 2. Embrace Continuous Learning: The finance industry is constantly evolving. Stay ahead by continuously updating your knowledge and skills. Consider certifications, advanced degrees, and staying current with industry trends. 3. Build a Robust Professional Network: Networking is crucial for career advancement. Engage with industry professionals, join relevant associations, and participate in events. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights. 4. Seek Out Mentorship: Find mentors who have successfully navigated their way to VP or Director roles. Their guidance and advice can be invaluable as you plot your career path. 5. Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: To move up, you need to show that you can think strategically. This means understanding the broader business context, making data-driven decisions, and contributing to long-term planning. 6. Cultivate a Personal Brand: Establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Share your expertise through articles, speaking engagements, and active participation in industry discussions. A strong personal brand can significantly enhance your career prospects. 7. Gain Diverse Experience: Broaden your experience by taking on varied roles within the finance function. This diversity in experience will make you more versatile and better equipped to handle high-level responsibilities. 8. Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t be shy about your successes. Highlight your achievements and the impact you’ve made in your roles. Quantifiable results speak volumes to potential employers and decision-makers. 9. Foster Professional Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of your colleagues, subordinates, and superiors is key to effective leadership. Professional empathy helps in building strong, cohesive teams. 10. Leverage Human Judgment: In an AI-driven world, human judgment remains irreplaceable. Use your judgment, empathy, and understanding to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions. By focusing on these areas, you can position yourself for advancement to VP and Director roles in the finance sector. Ready to take the next step in your career? Let’s connect and explore how you can achieve your professional goals. #Finance #CareerAdvancement #Leadership #VP

What if career growth wasn’t just about luck, but about following proven strategies? These actionable steps helped immensely in my career growth. 1. Excel in Your Current Role (Most Critical): Consistently meet or exceed expectations. A proven track record builds the foundation for future opportunities. 2. Align with Organization Goals: Understand your organization’s top priorities and demonstrate how your work contributes directly to them. 3. Seek Feedback Actively: Ask for constructive insights and act on them. This commitment to growth truly makes a difference. 4. Develop New Skills: Invest in training and learning opportunities to stay current with industry trends and keep your skills sharp. 5. Network Internally: Build relationships across departments. Gaining visibility beyond your immediate team shows you’re a collaborative team player. 6. Volunteer for New Assignments: Step up to take on responsibilities beyond your current role. Initiative today can lead to larger opportunities tomorrow. 7. Express Your Career Aspirations: Have open conversations with your manager about your professional interests and goals. It’s not just about a promotion—it’s about sharing where you see your future and how you plan to contribute to the company’s success. 8. Mentoring: Seek mentors to accelerate your learning and also become a mentor to others to support their growth. 9. Maintain Integrity and Authenticity: Express your genuine views respectfully. Authenticity sets you apart and builds lasting trust. 10. Stay Resilient and Patient: Career growth takes time. Keep delivering excellence and demonstrating your value—the results will follow. What strategies have helped you achieve your career goals? I’d love to hear your story! #leadership #career #technology

𝟳 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿:👇 𝟭/ 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 — A CEO is in charge of the company direction. — Be in charge by behaving like an "owner" not a "worker." — Tame your inner critic to banish imposter syndrome. 𝟮/ 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 — Be clear on the big picture and your "why." — Conduct a personal SWOT, know your values. — Be tactical & strategic. Keep a pulse on the market. 𝟯/ 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 — Be both present and future-focused. — Eliminate anything not on your critical path. — Manage your time & energy - valuable resources. 𝟰/ 𝗕𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 — Invest in your relationships beyond the workplace. — Remove blind-spots and grow with executive coaching. — Create your own diverse Board to hold you accountable. 𝟱/ 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 — Be aware of your biases. — Track everything -> feedback, progress, sales. — Lean in to difficult decisions and conversations. 𝟲/ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀) 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 — Lead with authenticity and empathy. — Success requires confidence + self-discipline. — Take calculated risks, learn from them and be resilient. 𝟳/ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 — Create a strong value proposition. — Tap into networks who can help you. — Be credible with the right skills and capabilities. Being the boss of your career means you're in control. By being more intentional, strategic and self-aware, you will lead your career in the most favourable direction. ------ 👋 I am Deena Priest and I help stuck or burnt-out corporate professionals create purpose-driven, high-performing careers. 📌 Follow me for content on→ Career Mastery & High Performance.

As a former Senior Director at L'Oréal, here's 5 of my best practices that led me to accelerate my career and land 7 promotions in under 10 years. #𝟭: 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻. I stopped being reactive in hoping my work would speak for itself, and replaced that with proactivity and intentional strategy. For example, I didn’t look at internal promotion timelines as an end all. Rather, I used it as fuel to learn what I needed to do to get there sooner than later and mastered that approach. #𝟮: 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲. When you’re faced with obstacles at work, you can either let them overcome you or you can overcome them. I chose option 2. For example, when my boss went on maternity leave without a replacement, I didn't have a direct boss for over 6 months. Instead of seeing this as a challenge that would get the best of me, I used it to step up, show my readiness for growth and collapsed the reporting lines with my senior leaders. This paid off big time in landing my next promotion. #𝟯: 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻. 𝗕𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲. If you’re relying on your boss to do all the heavy lifting for you in driving your promotions, you’re in for a rude awakening. You need to show up for yourself in everything that you do and identify moments to showcase this consistently. This is your career to take control of so don’t stay in the passenger seat. #𝟰: 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄. Instead of having ambiguity around what's needed to take on that next level-role, take action to learn where the gaps are and close them. This can be done with a simple example of speaking to people already in that role and cross-referencing it with where you’re at in terms of your own skills and competencies. #𝟱: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺. Relationships, relationships, relationships. This is your #1 currency in your career and something that is too often neglected in lieu of doing good work and thinking that’s enough. It’s not. The weight that people have and will continue to have in your career advancement is crucial. Don't disregard this. 👇 Be sure to check out my FREE #linkedinlearning nano-course called 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿! https://vist.ly/pj9z It's just 11 minutes long and value-packed to change the game for you. You can thank me later! #promotion #careeradvancement #careertips #corporate #careergrowth

Most career transition advice is garbage if you're mid-career and don't want to start over as a junior. I'm tired of seeing experienced professionals told to "take a step back" or "pay their dues again." That's not how smart transitions work when you've already built serious expertise. Here's what actually works: 1. Reverse mentoring - Find senior leaders in your target industry who need what you know. Tech adoption, generational insights, emerging markets - you're the expert they need. 2. Build thought leadership first - Start speaking at industry events, writing for trade publications, getting on conference panels. Establish credibility before you make the move. 3. Join advisory boards - Startup or growth company boards give you industry experience and senior-level connections without leaving your current role. 4. Skill arbitrage - What's common knowledge in your industry but rare gold in another? That's your unique value proposition right there. 5. Interim executive roles - Get intensive industry exposure and network building at the C-suite level, not the intern level. 6. Partnership development - Use your expertise to help companies expand into your sector. These often become bridge opportunities. 7. Innovation projects - Cross-functional initiatives expose you to new business models and industry applications. The goal isn't to abandon what you've built, it's to leverage it strategically. You're not starting over; you're expanding your empire. What unconventional transition strategies have you observed or implemented in your career development? Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://vist.ly/3y8qb #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #careertransition #midcareer #executivetransition #careerstrategist

Old career advancement: - Keep your head down and focus only on tasks - Assume your boss remembers your goals - Wait for annual reviews to discuss growth - Work hard and hope someone notices New career advancement: - Keep multiple career options open - Share valuable content with your network - Reach out to peers from different companies - Build networks beyond your immediate team - Add value through thoughtful LinkedIn comments - Connect with senior leaders from other departments - Repeat your promotion goals and trajectory regularly - Keep detailed records of project approvals and praise - Schedule monthly career conversations with your boss - Ask colleagues to send congratulatory emails about your work - Record testimonials from leadership and cross-functional teams I learned this after watching talented people get overlooked while others advanced quickly. The difference wasn't talent or hard work. Just strategic career management. Your boss has 20 other priorities. Your colleagues will look out only for themselves. You have to focus on your career selfishly, or no one else will do it for you. So document your wins, communicate your goals, and expand your circle. Because career growth doesn't happen by accident - it happens by design. #career #AI #job #work

I’ve been promoted 11 times in 20 years at 6 companies Here’s how I did it: 1. Eliminate entitled expectations and patiently play the long game 2. Be truly exceptional in your current role - don’t underestimate how long it takes to achieve mastery 3. Clarify and communicate your long term career goals including your ideal next step  - it is not up to your manager or anyone else to do this for you 4. Demonstrate you can do the next role by taking on key responsibilities of that position - you don’t need to ask permission to solve important business problems 5. Make your manager’s life easier, become indispensable to them and seize learning opportunities to take projects off their plate 6. Lead by example by exuding optimism, assuming positive intent and helping others, especially through challenging times 7. Don’t complain and only talk about problems, design and implement solutions that drive real results 8. Act like an owner and don’t let your current job description hold you back from doing what is required for the business to be successful  9. Respond to inevitable disappointment gracefully and don’t give up  10. Choose the company and evaluate the hiring manager wisely - a great company and an invested manager are two key ingredients to create the conditions for career advancement My biggest lesson 20 years into my career: The promotions are great but don't feel as good as you think they will - focus on the journey and the process, that's the good stuff #personaldevelopment