Every Conversation Counts—How to Position Yourself for the C-Suite in 2025

Many corporate leaders underestimate the value of preparing strategically for conversations with executive decision-makers —conversations that could shape their path to the C-Suite.

Every interaction is a positioning conversation, a chance to align yourself with the organization’s goals and prove your readiness for executive leadership.

But are you making the most of these opportunities?

It’s not just about being clear on what you want—it’s about pivoting your mindset to focus on what your executives care about.

The Self-Limiting Thoughts Holding You Back

For many leaders, self-doubt and frustration create mental barriers.

• "Why haven’t I been recognized for my hard work?"
• "Do they even see the value I bring to the table?"
• "Am I good enough for the C-suite?"

These thoughts can overshadow your confidence, leaving you feeling stuck in your current role. It’s easy to assume that hard work alone will speak for itself.

But the reality? Without intentional positioning, even the most accomplished leaders can be overlooked.

The Pivot: From Frustration to Strategic Focus

When a client came to me, she was feeling disheartened. Despite years of delivering exceptional results and recent recognition from external consultants, she felt stuck. Her executives wanted her to lead a new unit to manage a high-value solution externally, but she was frustrated by being consistently overlooked for higher-level roles.

“I feel like a firefighter,” she said, “always putting out fires, solving problems, but never getting the next big opportunity.”

In just 30 minutes, we shifted her approach. Here’s how:

How to Prepare for Conversations That Drive Outcomes

1. Clarify and Quantify Your Impact

We identified and framed her key achievements and their dollar value to the organization. For example:

• How her contributions had increased revenue or reduced costs.
• How the new solution could generate a new revenue stream for the business.

2. Focus on the Business’s Needs

Instead of solely focusing on what she wanted, we shifted to:

• How her leadership would help the business achieve its goals in a rapidly changing environment.
• The strategic importance of her heading the new unit.

3. Rehearse the Conversation

We role-played potential scenarios, prepared responses to frequently asked questions, and crafted strategies for handling objections. This not only boosted her confidence but also equipped her to engage in a negotiation conversation—even though that wasn’t the stated objective of the meeting.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Here’s what she accomplished after that conversation:

• Asked for and received a salary adjustment: She secured a 20% increase (her goal was 30%).
• Promotion and strategic reassignment: She was reassigned to the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, positioning her closer to senior leadership.
• Improved team compensation: Her staff’s salaries were being reviewed, addressing her concern for her team’s growth.
• Professional development opportunities: She was asked to propose a plan for external professional services, with all training costs covered.

And perhaps the most exciting outcome? Her COO expressed a personal commitment to mentoring her for senior/executive management advancement.

What This Means for You

Leaders, this is your reminder: You have more control than you think.

Here’s how you can take the reins:

• Shift Your Mindset: Stop waiting for recognition. Start aligning your conversations with what executives care about—business results, innovation, and long-term strategy.
• Be Ready: Every conversation is an opportunity. Whether it’s a casual check-in or a scheduled meeting, always come prepared with clear points about your impact and potential.
• Leverage the Top Third of Your Resume: Your resume is a tool—not just for external applications, but for internal positioning. The top third should clearly articulate your value proposition, key achievements, and alignment with organizational goals.

Are You Ready to Lead?

If you’re a corporate leader feeling overlooked or stuck, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—create them.

Let’s work together to refine your resume, develop your internal promotion strategy, and prepare you to have the conversations that position you for the C-Suite.

Alicia Knight, MBA, Executive Coach

PS: DM me Leadership Resume Makeover today to learn how we can help you secure your next leadership role.

Your next step toward the C-Suite is just a conversation away. Will you be ready when the opportunity arises?