6 key steps to help you land your executive/C-suite role and grow your compensation as a corporate leader or entrepreneur in Q4 2024!

Your Executive Career Success Guide

As we enter the final quarter of 2024, it's the perfect time to focus on your executive career trajectory as Q4 Hiring is expected to surge. September 18 was International Equal Pay Day, a significant reminder of the ongoing struggle for pay equity and the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to the economy. This day promotes equal pay for work of equal value and encourages both employers and professionals to take action toward a more equitable future. Whether you are aiming for an internal promotion, an executive or board role, or launching a profitable business, aligning your goals and refining your strategy can lead to immense career success. Here’s your guide to crafting a compelling professional presence, building a powerful executive brand, and earning what you deserve.

1. Clarify Your Why & Your Dream Executive/C-Suite Role

It all starts with defining your purpose and the ideal role that aligns with your vision. Whether you aspire to be a corporate leader, CEO of a small business, paid board member, or a full-time speaker, clarity on your "why" will drive your actions and decisions. Consider what energizes you and where you can make the most significant impact, and use this to shape your career path.

Reflect on your past achievements and identify the elements that bring you the most satisfaction and pride. Use these insights to guide your decision-making process as you envision your future. Whether it’s building a legacy as a corporate leader, making a difference through board service, or inspiring others as a speaker, your "why" will serve as the foundation of your executive brand and professional journey. When you are clear about your purpose, your leadership growth becomes intentional and powerful and you also regain or boost confidence that might have dipped after a layoff, toxic workplace experience, or business revenue lulls. Here’s one of my clients that just landed a new executive role once she felt more empowered after our coaching sessions.?

2. Build a Stellar Brand

Your executive presence is more than just your resume; it’s your professional persona. A polished brand increases confidence among your future teammates, partners, and clients. Ensure your elevator pitch is simple, focused, and impactful. It’s also more than what you say, but how you say it. Elevator pitches have to exude confidence in order for them to work.?

After we believe our brand is the best, we have to mirror what we would say in person in an online format. Your digital assets—LinkedIn profile, personal website, and social media—need to reflect your expertise and unique value. Pack it with evidence such as work samples, external links, videos, and past client or teammate testimonials. Highlight your niche, whether as a corporate leader or entrepreneur, and showcase why you’re the best in your field.

Crafting a strong personal brand also means actively engaging in thought leadership. Publish articles on LinkedIn, speak at industry events, host events, and share your insights on social media platforms to position yourself as a go-to expert in your space. Your brand should not only communicate your skills but also your values and the unique perspective you bring to the table. This is how you build trust and attract the right opportunities. As you elevate your brand, your leadership presence and influence expand, opening doors to further growth. I’ve done this for over 20 years and it’s paid off - from C-suite roles, paid speaking gigs, and endless coaching and consulting clients! If I can do it so can you! Check out the results of one of my clients who just landed a paid board role after an executive recruiter found her.?

3. Craft a Digital Opportunity Search Strategy

Navigating the digital landscape effectively can open doors to your next big role. Source opportunities through job boards (not just LinkedIn), private industry membership communities, organization websites, and social media groups. Target specific companies and stay informed about market trends and key decision-makers. A strategic approach to your job search will ensure you're in the right place at the right time.

To elevate your role search, leverage tools like LinkedIn’s advanced search functions, set up job alerts, and use keywords that align with your expertise. To elevate your client or customer search, leverage tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator to gain insights before you meet for a discovery call. Networking with industry insiders through digital platforms can also provide insider knowledge on unadvertised roles aka the “hidden job market”. 75% of my coaching clients land executive positions that aren’t posted. They were at the right place at the right time. Craft a tailored approach that highlights your alignment with each opportunity, showing companies that you’re not just looking for a job—you’re seeking a partnership. This strategic searching sharpens your market awareness and enhances your leadership acumen.

4. Build Meaningful Connections

Your network is one of your greatest assets in securing executive roles, attracting clients, or connecting with investors. Attend events, request introductions, participate in conferences, and proactively reach out to potential partners and clients. Each interaction is an opportunity to grow your influence and attract the right opportunities.

Go beyond surface-level connections by engaging in meaningful conversations and offering value. Share insights, provide introductions, or offer assistance when possible. A well-nurtured network can lead to invaluable referrals, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities that can propel your career forward. Relationships built on trust and mutual respect will always provide a strong return on investment. Expanding your connections not only grows your network but also enriches your leadership development through diverse perspectives and opportunities. I’ve created a friendship with a President I met at a Health Tech conference a year and a half ago. She’s sent me referrals of paying clients and I’ve supported her business by recently being a guest on her podcast. We even made time for High Tea in D.C. when she visited from CA. Always make time to nurture your relationships when building an executive career.?

5. Master Selling Yourself

Whether pitching for a full-time role, a board seat, or a consulting gig, standing out from the competition is crucial. Develop a compelling pitch and refine your interview skills with an executive career coach. Practice framing your experiences into concise, compelling responses that resonate with hiring managers, recruiters, and prospective clients.

Invest time in honing your storytelling skills to clearly articulate your value proposition. When you connect your past successes with the needs of your audience, you’re not just presenting a list of qualifications—you’re offering a solution. Whether it’s a job interview or a client pitch, mastering this art will set you apart as a confident and capable leader. As you refine how you sell yourself, your ability to lead with influence and inspire others becomes even more powerful.

6. Negotiate Compensation & Business Deals

Negotiating can be daunting, especially when you’re eager to secure the role or deal. However, being prepared to discuss your value is essential. Conduct market research to understand what your desired role or service typically commands. Be clear about your ideal compensation, including non-monetary benefits like flexible schedules or professional development opportunities. Remember, objections are part of the process—embrace them as opportunities to reinforce your value.

Develop your negotiation skills by practicing with a coach or mentor who can offer constructive feedback. Approach negotiations with a mindset of collaboration, aiming to create mutually beneficial outcomes. By confidently articulating your worth and being willing to walk away from offers that don’t meet your standards, you’ll not only secure better deals but also establish yourself as a professional who knows their value. Mastering negotiation boosts your leadership confidence, equipping you to advocate fiercely for yourself and your team. I’m so proud of many of my clients who are becoming more confident in negotiation as corporate executives and entrepreneurs.

Video Testimonial

International Equal Pay Day: A Call to Action for Employers and Professionals

International Equal Pay Day emphasizes the critical need to address pay gaps and recognize the invaluable contributions of women to the economy. Employers must commit to the hard work of promoting and compensating leaders equally, creating workplaces that value talent over gender. For professionals, managing your career with intention—by defining your goals, building your brand, deepening connections, and mastering pitching and negotiations—ensures that you are valued, fairly compensated, and supported by the organizations you work for. Together, we can close the pay gap and elevate leadership opportunities for all.

Securing Q4 Promotions & Profits as We Prepare for 2025

As you apply these strategies, you’ll build a powerful personal brand, strengthen your professional network, and open doors to new opportunities. Here’s a quick summary to guide your executive career success:

• Define Your Why: Gain clarity on your ultimate career goal and use it to shape your path.
• Build a Stellar Brand: Ensure your executive presence and digital footprint reflect your unique value.
• Craft a Digital Opportunity Search Strategy: Strategically navigate job boards, industry communities, and social media.
• Build Meaningful Connections: Engage authentically with your network to attract roles and opportunities.
• Master Selling Yourself: Develop compelling pitches that showcase your expertise and fit.
• Negotiate Confidently: Prepare to advocate for your value and secure the best compensation or business deal.

Anything I missed? I’d love to discuss in the comments.

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Hi, I’m Jessica Samuels, an Executive Leadership, Career, & Business Coach, Keynote Speaker, and DEIB expert. I help companies and executives build inclusive leadership teams with high-caliber, overlooked talent to increase engagement, productivity, revenue, and retention in their workplace. I also help rising stars, executives, and entrepreneurs build authentic leadership brands that enhance their confidence, capabilities, and compensation.

I’ve spent over 20 years crafting HR strategies and organizational development programs for global organizations. Now as the CEO of Evolve Career after 16 years, I support organizations with cultural transformation and position leaders & entrepreneurs for executive career success.. Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit evolvecareer.com to learn more.

Are you ready to elevate your executive career strategy and achieve your dream role before 2025? Reach out to Evolve Career TODAY!?

1. Book a complimentary 30-minute strategy session me: calendly.com/jessica_evolvecareer/talent-executive-growth-strategy-session-w-evolvecareer
2. Listen to my Executive Playbook Masterclass for more inspiration on how to Break Into & Thrive in the C-suite and the Boardroom.
3. Enroll in the October cohort for one of my coaching programs before enrollment ends on Thursday, October 3 (Payment Plans Are Available):

• Leadership/Executive Development: C-suite Career Accelerator
• Career Transitions (Executive/Paid Board & Speaking Roles: Career Pivot Academy
• New Business Ventures: Business Launch Bootcamp?