Career Advice from CEOs to Aspiring CEOs

The role of CEO is often seen as the pinnacle of success in the business world. The path to becoming a CEO – and then eventually thriving in that role – requires a combination of ambition, intelligence, hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, among many other things. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success, there is plenty of wisdom to be gleaned from those who have already made it to the top of their organizations.

In this article, I’ll share career advice from a few CEOs I know who are thriving, offering insights into the qualities and mindset that help them be successful. These CEOs have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can help you navigate your own career journey and reach your full potential.

???“My paramount advice for aspiring CEOs is to cultivate self-reliance and embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Climbing the corporate ladder often requires lateral moves and exploring opportunities across various companies. This approach liberates you from the constraints of rigid corporate structures, internal politics, bureaucracy, and nepotism. By taking charge of your own path, building a diverse skill set, and demonstrating adaptability, you position yourself as a prime candidate for leadership—on your own terms.” – Dave Yeager , Founder/CEO of Showcase

?? “In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, where technological advancements, shifting organizational goals, and fluctuating client needs are the norm, the ability to seamlessly pivot is not just an asset; it's a necessity. This agility was a cornerstone of my success in television and remains equally vital in my current role. It's about more than just responding to change; it's about embracing it, mastering it, and using it to fuel our growth and innovation.

My advice to aspiring CEOs is this: immerse yourself in environments that challenge your adaptability. It's in these moments of flux that true learning occurs. As you learn and evolve, you set the pace for your team, cultivating an ecosystem where growth is not just encouraged but is inherent in the very fabric of your organization. Remember, when you're adapting, you're not just adjusting; you're expanding your horizons and those of your team. You're not just reacting to the world; you're actively shaping it.” – Ryan Leckey , Founder & President of Ryan Leckey Media

?? “Myth buster: CEO is one of the most un-sexy jobs out there with long hours and high stress. What brought me here is my heart, my head, and my guts. To break that down further, it's having joy in the journey, genuinely loving what you do, using your brain for problem solving, and simply having courage to believe in yourself, trusting your instincts while seeing the possibilities ahead and serving the people around you.” – Dawn Heller , CEO of iDropped

?? “What I’ve learned as a CEO, particularly in the nonprofit sector where I serve, is that the E in CEO stands for “everything.” In many ways, the CEO position is an amalgam of a bunch of other roles: manager, visionary, diplomat, party planner, politician, storyteller, therapist, housecleaner, and more. The good news is that you’ll never be bored. The only way you can do or be all those things is listening intentionally to everyone around you.

Additionally, you’re only as good as the self you can bring to the workplace, so having a supportive network of peers outside of the workplace and non-professional hobbies and interests to lean on is vital for staving off burnout and keeping your passion for leadership alive.” – Zachary Wilcha , CEO of Independence Business Alliance

Aspiring CEOs can learn a great deal from the experiences of those who have already reached the pinnacle of career success. By integrating the advice of these seasoned leaders, aspiring CEOs can develop the skills and mindset necessary to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether it's cultivating self-reliance and embracing discomfort, pivoting and adapting, tapping into your heart, head, and guts, listening intentionally, or developing a supportive network of peers, the lessons shared by these CEOs provide a valuable roadmap for aspiring leaders to follow.

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