In the world of business, the aspiration to rise to senior executive roles is a common goal for many seasoned professionals. One such individual, whom we shall refer to as Alex, has extensive experience yet finds himself feeling stuck in individual contributor positions. During a recent episode of the podcast Coaching Real Leaders, host Muriel Wilkins engaged with Alex to help him identify the barriers hindering his career progression and to redefine his personal brand in the workplace.

Muriel Wilkins introduces herself as a long-time executive coach within the HBR Podcast Network. Her role primarily involves assisting high-achieving leaders who encounter obstacles in their paths to success. Im here to help them navigate through those bumps, she explains, by clarifying their goals and developing strategies to achieve them. While Muriel typically works with clients over several months, this episode features a one-time coaching session centered on a specific leadership challenge faced by Alex.

In the course of the conversation, Alex elaborates on his background in the consulting sector, stating, I consider myself a seasoned consultant. I started my career in a Big 4 firm and gradually advanced to a senior manager level. However, as he explored potential career paths toward partnership and managing director positions, he realized that the lifestyle associated with such roles, particularly the extensive travel, did not align with his personal aspirations. Consequently, he transitioned to more local consulting opportunities, which predominantly involved individual contributor roles.

Throughout his career, Alex has worked for various firms and even took on a Vice President position at a smaller company. Although he has had fulfilling roles, he continues to feel he hasnt reached his desired career destination. Despite my experiences, I still feel like I am not quite where I want to be, Alex confesses. He grapples with the challenge of being recognized for his contributions and struggles to take proactive steps toward being perceived as a senior executive.

As the conversation delves deeper, Alex articulates, In my mind, I have always envisioned myself as an executive leader within an organization. However, I feel there's something preventing me from being seen in that light or from taking the necessary steps to position myself for those opportunities. He reflects on times during his consulting career when he felt limited to the role of a senior manager instead of being acknowledged as a potential leader or partner.

Recently, Alex has embarked on a new role that he finds invigorating, though it falls short of the executive level he aspires to reach. He expresses a desire to understand what changes he might make to break free from the career rut that is holding him back. When Muriel inquires about areas he feels he needs to improve upon, Alex identifies self-advocacy and executive presence as critical focus areas.

I must be more effective in advocating for myself and ensuring those in decision-making positions are aware of the value I bring to the table, he states. Alex acknowledges that he has received feedback regarding his executive presence in meetings, noting that he has taken courses to enhance his self-presentation and energy during discussions. However, he admits that he still struggles with the notion of defining his personal brand and how to elevate it to resonate with the right audiences.

Muriel takes the opportunity to clarify Alexs feedback, emphasizing the dual aspects of self-advocacy and executive presence. You must demonstrate your value and make yourself visible to those who can help you ascend to senior positions, she advises, while also addressing the importance of presenting oneself consistently in professional settings.

Throughout their discussion, Alex reveals that he sometimes feels youthful which, in a professional environment, can be misinterpreted as immaturity. He reflects, I often find myself caught in a dichotomy where I want to present as a leader but then slip into an overly casual demeanor, which undermines my authority. As they continue to explore the topic of executive presence, Muriel encourages Alex to embrace his strengths while ensuring he conveys a consistent and authoritative image.

Understanding your value proposition is essential, Muriel asserts. You need to articulate what makes you unique and how that aligns with the needs of potential employers or clients. Alex admits that he has often prided himself on being a versatile consultant, adept at solving various problems. However, he now recognizes the importance of honing in on a specific brand that communicates his core strengths more effectively.

As the dialogue unfolds, Alex articulates a growing awareness of the disconnect between his aspirations and the reality of his experiences. He grapples with the fear of being pigeonholed as a lifelong consultant rather than taking the leap into executive leadership. His reflections prompt Muriel to ask, What do you truly want? Is pursuing a senior leadership role in a larger corporation what you desire, or do you find fulfillment in being a problem solver and advisor?

Alex contemplates this query and admits that he enjoys the hands-on problem-solving aspect of his work, drawing him closer to the idea of potentially launching his own business or pursuing opportunities within smaller organizations where he could impact various aspects of operations. I want to engage in work that energizes me and allows me to learn continuously, he states, voicing a desire for a role that offers both challenge and fulfillment.

In concluding their conversation, Muriel emphasizes the importance of aligning Alexs strengths and interests with his career aspirations. They agree that defining what energizes him is key to building a robust personal brand that resonates with potential employers. By doing so, Alex can more confidently advocate for himself, showcasing the unique value he offers.

This episode of Coaching Real Leaders highlights a crucial takeaway for professionals navigating their careers: understanding and embracing one's value is paramount to advancing in leadership roles. By valuing his own brand and effectively communicating it, Alex can seize the opportunities that await him.