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How did most C-Suite Execs get to that position?

Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:25 pm
Posted by DiamondDog
Louisiana
Member since Nov 2019
10624 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:25 pm
I'm 38. Been part of a few Fortune 100 companies in my career. Some people are true leaders- they make it seem pretty cut and dry; others I can't really figure out how they got to the executive positions.

One guy the long term employees called Mr. Upside Down because every time a public facing project tanked he was involved with, he always seemed to get promoted. Borderline uncanny the way they explained it.

Others seem to be merit based, but there's a lot of good leaders that have merit and education.

I'm starting to think it's just right place at right time. A few seem to be actual geniuses, others I've met seem to be the last man standing.

I just haven't met enough to understand what makes these specific set of leaders unique. I've read a few books and they all seem to contradict each other.

Owning my own business doesn't seem like it will ever happen, so I'm starting to look at my career the next 25-30 years and determine my path.

I did this same analysis almost 10 years ago and accomplished the goals I made. It just seems a tougher course to determine the further into your career you get.
This post was edited on 5/14/24 at 7:55 pm
Posted by theunknownknight
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2005
57446 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:26 pm to
C = cock sucking
Posted by arseinclarse
Algiers Purnt
Member since Apr 2007
34446 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:27 pm to
I always ask for their username prior to offering
Posted by SidetrackSilvera
Member since Nov 2012
1966 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:27 pm to
Posted by Klingler7
Houston
Member since Nov 2009
12040 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:28 pm to
The Peter principle
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
98390 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:29 pm to
You don't get to that level in any organization without having some sociopathic tendencies.
Posted by fallguy_1978
Best States #50
Member since Feb 2018
48862 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:29 pm to
I've had opportunities, but I've never had any desire to manage people, not even 5 of them.
Posted by TheWalrus
Member since Dec 2012
40786 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:29 pm to
Irrational confidence. I doubt myself way too much to get to that level.
Posted by GreatLakesTiger24
One State Solution
Member since May 2012
55889 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:29 pm to
some people don't like to admit but luck is a factor in corporate careers.

a good first manager/VP out of school can accelerate your path just like a bad one can slow you down a bit.
Posted by Tshiz
Idaho
Member since Jul 2013
7610 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:30 pm to
Knee pads and lotion

That’s the only way these days


Oh and diversity
Posted by BabyTac
Austin, TX
Member since Jun 2008
12324 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:32 pm to
Be careful what you wish for. Managing adults is a strain.

Most mid level managers that are older and not great leaders typically got there by seniority, not because they are great at what they do. Default type promotion and they are ‘good guys’ that don’t stir shite up and get along with everyone. They typically camp out with a fat salary until retirement. Most good companies don’t promote them any further.

As an executive leader, I somewhat envy them. Plan on stepping back when I’m ready to retire into one of the gravy train, non critical department, manager positions.
This post was edited on 5/14/24 at 7:35 pm
Posted by Kafka
I am the moral conscience of TD
Member since Jul 2007
142549 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:32 pm to
quote:

How did most C-Suite Execs get to that position?
do you really want to be in the C Section?
Posted by GreatLakesTiger24
One State Solution
Member since May 2012
55889 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:35 pm to
I had an intern who was "mine" for a couple months. There was nothing to that but yeah, managing adults, especially middle aged women, seems like a nightmare.
Posted by The Torch
DFW The Dub
Member since Aug 2014
19447 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:35 pm to
During the Biden era you are more likely to get promoted if you are gay, trans, a minority, have blue hair, weigh 300 lbs.



Posted by tylerlsu2008
Zurich
Member since Jul 2015
1168 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:36 pm to
I’ve had a lot of dealings with executives.

I can say with certainty the difference between being c-suite and having a generally successful career comes largely down to luck and right place at right time.
Posted by DiamondDog
Louisiana
Member since Nov 2019
10624 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:40 pm to
I have 15 directs. Tell me about it.
Posted by Oilfieldbiology
Member since Nov 2016
37596 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:42 pm to
In my industry willingness to move. Showing you’ll do anything for the company will result in you being considered for these top level promotions.
Posted by JohnnyKilroy
Cajun Navy Vice Admiral
Member since Oct 2012
35568 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:47 pm to
A lot of right place right time. A lot of having people in your corner advocating for your promotion.


At very large companies, eventually there’s only so many spots at the director -> VP -> President -> C Suite level. There will almost certainly be more people who are qualified for those roles than there are roles available.


Might be different at smaller companies, but at big companies you have to be fairly adept at office politics to rise up to the top echelons. And you probably have to advocate for yourself not just for yourself, but advocating for yourself over your competitors.


Obviously you also have to work your dick off. Most C Suite people I’ve come in contact with would rather be at the office than catching their alma maters Saturday night game. They don’t work crazy hours because they have to. They wouldn’t rather do anything else….including spending time with their wife and kids
Posted by fallguy_1978
Best States #50
Member since Feb 2018
48862 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:48 pm to
quote:

There was nothing to that but yeah, managing adults, especially middle aged women, seems like a nightmare

I've turned down multiple promotions because I know management, director (or higher) isn't my speed. I know that I wouldn't enjoy it.

I see what they do all day, and I'd rather make a little less money than play office politics all day. C suite in a decent sized company are 95% politicians.
Posted by North Dallas Tiger
United States of America
Member since Mar 2024
2787 posts
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:48 pm to
I treat everyone below me like gold and treat all my superiors like shite.

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