Learn how a Mid-Career IT Consultant became a Global CXO

Are you a Leader aspiring to be a CXO? then this article is for you. Congratulations on reaching where you are in your journey. You are now poised to take that leap into the executive level, but as you may know, a corporate career is like a pyramid, and it keeps getting narrower as you move up.

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Everyone at your level has an education, works hard and is aspiring to get to the next level. So, what is going to separate you from the rest?

You need a partner to guide you in your ascent to reach the pinnacle of your career. Someone who has climbed the corporate ladder and been a CXO himself. Someone who can help you with your blind spots and get you there quicker, so you avoid making mistakes.

As a former CXO, professionally certified (ICF-PCC) and John Mattone (coach to Steve Jobs) certified executive coach, I have helped thousands across the world and can help you too.

If you are a leader who wants to earn more and willing to invest, then click here to learn about my Global CXO Launchpad Webinar.

If you are a CXO and would like to explore ways to excel and feel that I can help, kindly book an appointment for a free discovery call.

Learn how a Mid-Career IT Consultant became a?Global CXO

The Challenge: A Mid-Career Consultant in the Big 4 Seeking Global Impact

Client: Raj (Name changed for privacy)

Position: Senior Manager in IT Consulting at a Big 4 firm.

Experience: 12 years of experience in delivering complex IT transformation projects for multinational clients, with a focus on digital strategy and enterprise architecture.

Aspiration: Raj had a clear goal: to move beyond being a senior consultant and transition into a C-suite role as a Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO). He wanted to lead strategy, not just execute it, and expand his influence on a global stage.

Despite his technical expertise and leadership experience within project teams, Raj faced several challenges:

• Limited Global Exposure: Although he had worked with international clients, Raj lacked direct experience leading global, cross-border initiatives.
• Strategic Leadership Gaps: His role had been primarily tactical, focused on project delivery rather than long-term business strategy.
• Lack of Executive Presence: Raj needed to enhance his executive presence to influence senior stakeholders, especially within his firm and at the client executive level.

Raj joined my Global CXO Coaching Program to address these challenges, rewire his leadership mindset, and position himself for a global leadership role. Together, we built a comprehensive 3- year? plan that focused on both internal and external growth, blending personal and professional development.

Year 1: Laying the Foundation with Success Habits and Strategic Career Planning

The first year was all about building the right mindset and success habits, along with creating a strategic career plan to guide Raj’s journey.

1. Rewiring the Mind for Success

We began by focusing on the inner game, using neuroscience-backed techniques to create a foundation of self-belief and discipline:

• Morning Routines: Raj adopted daily morning routines that included mindfulness and visualisation, where he envisioned himself as a Global CXO. This helped him build confidence, focus, and resilience.
• Goal-Setting and Journaling: Raj started a habit of daily journaling, writing down his long-term vision and short-term goals. This practice helped him stay aligned with his career aspirations and track his progress.

Result: Within three months, Raj felt a significant shift in his mindset. He was more confident, motivated, and focused on his long-term goal of becoming a global leader.

2. Crafting a Strategic Career Plan

During our coaching sessions, we developed a career roadmap that included internal and external opportunities:

• Internal Growth: We worked on positioning Raj for higher visibility within his firm by taking on leadership roles in high-impact, cross-functional projects. He also worked on developing deeper relationships with key stakeholders within the firm.
• External Opportunities: We crafted a job search strategy for external opportunities, targeting global technology leadership roles. This involved refining his LinkedIn profile, expanding his network, and connecting with headhunters who specialise in placing senior executives in global roles.

Result: By the end of Year 1, Raj had achieved several milestones:

• He was promoted to Associate Director within his firm, with a significant increase in responsibility and salary.
• He received multiple interview offers from global technology firms seeking to expand their leadership teams.
• Raj was invited to speak at industry conferences, positioning him as a thought leader in digital transformation.

Year 2: Developing Strategic Leadership and Global Exposure

With the foundation in place, Year 2 focused on building Raj’s strategic leadership skills and expanding his global exposure.

1. Expanding Leadership Capabilities

To prepare Raj for the complexities of global CXO roles, we focused on:

• Strategic Thinking: Raj deepened his understanding of business strategy, learning to align technology initiatives with overall business objectives. He also pursued an executive education program on global markets and finance, which allowed him to contribute meaningfully to conversations with C-suite leaders.
• Executive Presence: We worked on improving Raj’s ability to present complex ideas clearly and confidently. This helped him gain influence with senior leadership and build his reputation as a strategic thinker.

Result: Raj became a trusted advisor within his firm, often called upon by senior executives to contribute to major strategic decisions, especially those related to digital transformation and global expansion.

2. Leading Global Projects

We also prioritised gaining international exposure. Raj took on leadership roles in projects that spanned multiple regions, managing teams in Europe, Asia, and North America. This experience allowed him to develop cross-cultural leadership skills and a deeper understanding of global market dynamics.

Result: By the end of Year? 2, Raj had successfully led a global digital transformation project for a Fortune 500 company. His ability to manage a diverse, cross-border team positioned him as a strong candidate for global leadership roles.

Year 3: Making the Leap to Global CXO

By Step 3, Raj had built the skills, experience, and network necessary to make the leap into a global CXO role.

1. Securing a Global CXO Position

In Year 3, Raj actively pursued global CXO opportunities, leveraging his expanded network and growing reputation as a digital transformation leader. We focused on fine-tuning his job search, preparing for C-suite level interviews, and ensuring that he was positioned as the right candidate for top-tier roles.

Result: Raj was offered the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for a multinational technology company, a position that allowed him to lead global IT strategy, digital innovation, and enterprise transformation across multiple regions.

2. Becoming a Thought Leader and Mentor

As a new global CXO, Raj also focused on giving back. He began mentoring mid-career consultants within his network and actively contributed to industry panels and conferences, sharing his journey and insights on leadership and digital strategy.

Result: Raj became recognised as a thought leader in his field, with regular speaking engagements and articles published in leading technology and business publications.

Remember, the journey to the C-suite is about continuous improvement, taking action , and staying true to your values and goals. ??

You have 2 choices. If you are someone who would like to move up in your career and are getting overlooked for promotions, you can try and learn on your own whilst wasting a lot of time. Or it’s time to get yourself a strategic Global CXO coach. Someone who has been a CXO in real life and is certified globally (ICF-PCC).

If you are a leader who wants to earn more and become a CXO faster, then click here to know about my Global CXO Program.

If you are a CXO and would like to explore ways to excel and feel that I can help, kindly book an appointment for a free discovery call.

Mudit Saxena

Global CXO Leadership Coach ??

• Tedx Talk
• Outstanding? leadership Award
• Interview as a Global Leadership Coach
• Education Conference Awards

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You may enjoy some of our earlier issues of the newsletter.

1. 7 ways to Be Identified as a Potential CXO ?
2. 10 ways to Accelerate Your Career to the CXO/CSuite I LinkedIn ?
3. How to be Identified as a High Potential Leader to Become a Global CXO?
4. Are you aware of the colour of your Career Parachute? I LinkedIn ?
5. How to win and have a global CXO I LinkedIn

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