When Being “Qualified” Isn’t Enough

In the past, as a recruiter leading executive searches and guiding boards of directors through finalist presentations and decision-making processes, I noticed a recurring pattern:

Incredibly talented leaders with stellar track records were often overlooked for key opportunities.

The issue wasn’t their qualifications—it was their inability to communicate their unique value in a way that resonated with decision-makers.

This lack of clarity often led to frustration, missed opportunities, and stalled careers. It wasn’t just about having a polished résumé or an optimized LinkedIn profile. The difference-maker was the ability to tell a compelling story that stood out among other finalists and inspired confidence in their leadership.

That’s when I realized executives and aspiring leaders needed more than tips and advice.

They needed a framework—a clear, actionable guide to navigate career transitions, stand out in competitive markets, and build careers aligned with their goals. This realization sparked the creation of the Career Velocity? system.

In my latest Forbes Coaches Council article, I share this proven system—a strategic approach to accelerating what is often a lengthy executive career transition process.

Click here to read the full article.

The 3 Phases of Career Velocity is more than a job search tool—it’s a system designed to empower executives to take control of their career trajectory. Here’s a glimpse of how it works:

Phase 1: Develop Your Story

Your story is your foundation. It’s how you articulate who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you unique. In this phase, leaders learn to:

• Identify their "career thread"—the consistent themes that define their journey.
• Build a “career data vault” of key achievements, metrics, and success stories.
• Master the “Tell me about yourself” question with confidence and clarity.

?? Tip: What patterns or themes emerge when I reflect on my career?

Phase 2: Strategic Marketing, Interview Prep & Job Search

Once your story is clear, it’s time to translate it into actionable tools and strategies. This phase focuses on:

• Crafting a résumé and LinkedIn profile that align with your target roles.
• Preparing SOAR stories (Situation, Obstacles, Action, Results) for impactful interviews.
• Developing a targeted outreach strategy to connect with decision-makers.

?? Tip: Don’t just tailor your résumé, tailor your approach. A thoughtful LinkedIn connection request or an insightful question can open doors more effectively than applying online.

Phase 3: Thought Leadership

Leaders don’t just follow opportunities—they create them. This phase is about positioning yourself as a trusted expert in your field by:

• Sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Contributing to industry conversations through articles or speaking engagements.
• Building a reputation that attracts opportunities instead of chasing them.

?? Tip: Start small. Commit to commenting on one LinkedIn post per day with meaningful insights to build your presence.

What Career Velocity Isn’t

·?????? Reading the results of a personality test only to emerge with generic soundbites such as “I am an empathetic leader” or “I drive strategy” without context and results to back it up.

·?????? Tweaking an existing resume.

·?????? Dismissing the relevance of an optimized LinkedIn profile.

·?????? Thinking 10 hours of interview prep is enough to win a Global CxO role.

·?????? Shirking away from developing and showcasing Thought Leadership.

Why This Framework Matters

I created Career Velocity because I believe every leader has a story worth telling—but too often, they struggle to tell it effectively. Following this framework, you can clarify your value, communicate it confidently, and step into the roles that align with your true potential.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to explore the full framework in my latest Forbes article and think about how this system might work for you.

?? Career Velocity: The Nine-Step System To Help You Win Leadership Roles

Would you like to learn more about how to apply this system to your job search strategy Please comment below or message me directly.