That′s The Fastest Path To Become CEO
Dear life amplifiers,
As the New Year begins, many of us reflect on how to accelerate our careers. Whether it’s climbing to a more senior role, taking on greater responsibilities, or, for the bold few, aiming for the ultimate position: the CEO chair.
But if you think the fastest way to get your next top job is a straight climb up the corporate ladder, think again.
A groundbreaking 10-year study of over 17,000 C-suite executives reveals that "CEO sprinters," those who reach the top faster than the average 24 years, don’t follow traditional paths. Instead, they take bold, unexpected risks (for the source of study, see my note in comments below).
Here’s how you can do it too:
1. Go Small to Go Big
Sometimes, stepping down or sideways is the key to accelerating ahead. Over 60% of fast-track CEOs took on smaller roles, launched startups, or moved to less prestigious firms where they could build something from scratch. These experiences shaped their leadership skills and allowed them to make a lasting impact.
Question to ponder: Would you step out of a prestigious role to take a chance on a smaller, riskier opportunity?
2. Make a Big Leap
Why wait to feel "ready"? One-third of sprinters jumped several rungs on the ladder, taking on roles far beyond their experience. These leaps often came early in their careers, proving that ambition and courage trump perfection.
Challenge yourself: Are you willing to say "yes" to opportunities that stretch your limits, even when you feel unprepared?
3. Inherit a Big Mess
Ready to roll up your sleeves? More than 30% of sprinters inherited failing business units, broken teams, or crises… and turned them around. These challenges honed their decisiveness, adaptability, and grit.
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Think about it: Would you volunteer to fix a failing project or tackle a high-stakes problem to prove your leadership mettle?
THE KEY TO THE TOP: RISK & RESILIENCE!!!
Elite MBAs and perfect résumés aren’t the secret sauce; less than a quarter of sprinters had them. Instead, they mastered traits like decisiveness, reliability, and the ability to engage others by stepping into the unknown.
These bold career moves aren’t just a fast track, they’re a proving ground for skills that define great CEOs. So, if you’re dreaming of the top spot, ask yourself:
Are you ready to take the risks that others avoid?
The path to leadership isn’t linear, safe, or easy; but neither is being a CEO.
Wishing you a successful and fulfilling 2025… even, and especially, if the CEO title isn’t in the cards!
Kind regards,
Andreas von der Heydt
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Hi, I′m Andreas. A seasoned executive coach, consultant, and scholar with over 25 years of professional experience. As a former executive board member and leader at Amazon, Chewy, and L’Oréal, I bring comprehensive international expertise to help individuals and organizations achieve greater success. If you’re ready to unlock your potential or elevate your organization, pls contact me on LinkedIn or visit my website.
#leader #leadership #CEO #career #growth #coach #coaching #AVDH
Engineering & Technology Consultant O & G Projects at ERSAN PETROLEUM REFINERY
1 个月Quickest way is to get married with daughter of the company owner.
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Published Author at Amazon / Environmental and Animal Rights advocate.
1 个月Great article Andreas von der Heydt Thank you for sharing it. Best. ?? ??
Artist & creative strategist blending beauty, sustainability, and immersive experiences. Crafting art at Eros Hair Salon Taipei and Nido Asia. Passionate about transforming spaces & stories through artistic innovation.
1 个月Thank you great sharing
Chairman
1 个月11 yeara a go, I walked away from a promising career in a leading oil and gas company—a career surrounded by supportive bosses, friendly colleagues, and an ideal team that could have propelled me further. It was a comfortable path, secure and full of potential. But I chose to take a different route—a riskier one. I decided to build something of my own, from scratch. Small, uncertain, and fraught with challenges. The past 11 years have been a rugged journey. My business, though modest, is still far from financially stable or secure. Yet every morning, I wake up with purpose. I wake up to do what I love, to create something that feeds my soul. There’s a deep, unshakable satisfaction in living a life that feels meaningful—a life where hope, dreams, and goals fuel every single day. More than that, there’s a profound sense of fulfillment in knowing that what we do, no matter how small it may seem, brings real benefits to others. That feeling—of making a difference, of leaving a mark—is indescribable. And it’s worth every risk, every struggle, and every sacrifice.