Beyond Job Titles: Embracing Experiences for Career Success

For me, true career fulfillment isn't found in titles, but in the breadth of experiences that shape our journey and define who we become. Our identity isn't tied to any job title we hold at a given moment, but to the sum of experiences we had till then. I didn't become a Global CEO; instead, I like to think that I evolved into a more engaged, purpose-led individual, while the CEO title merely labeled my professional responsibilities during a particular chapter of my life.

That is why I've always disliked the question:

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

This question often induces discomfort, not just for myself but for many women I know.(For men, less so;)) It reinforces the pressure to conform to predefined notions of success tethered to titles, positions, and promotions. Career fulfillment should surpass these superficial markers. However, many fall into the trap of equating their identity solely with the titles on their business cards. Unfortunately, this mindset rarely ends well for those fixated on their job grade. When the title is gone, there's often little substance left in the person, or worse, when the ‘entitled’ cling to their role, their work and relationships suffer.

My journey from an Area Sales Manager in Romania to various international roles and ultimately to Global CEO didn't follow a predetermined title progression plan. Instead, I pursued all possible learning opportunities—local or global—to lead or collaborate on digital transformation, service innovation, different business development projects. These experiences, including many failures, expanded my knowledge, fueled my curiosity, and magnified my impact beyond my daily responsibilities. While some criticized me for being self-deprecating or lacking healthy ambition in my career discussions, others viewed it as potential and promotions still came my way even when I didn't explicitly seek them. As a bonus, this mindset has also spared me from the anxiety of stagnation or the fear of job loss.

Kudos to one of my female role models, Adriana Giurissa , who embodies the power of prioritizing meaningful experiences over the single-minded pursuit of job titles. Throughout her 35-year international career at Avon, Adriana focused on creating value, forging assertive partnerships, and upholding utmost integrity. Titles followed her trailblazing impact, culminating in her role as Global Transformation Lead, where she contributed to converting almost a third of the value chain's sunk costs into pure value and fuel for growth. Grazie, cara mia, for your inspirational commitment to cultivating genuine relationships, navigating uncertainty with resilience, and charting a path guided by authenticity and purpose.

Perhaps it's time to replace "Where do you see yourself in the next five years?" with "What experiences energize you, fulfill you, and maximize your impact?" . What you think?