Episode 8 - Your Success Stories May Be Positioning You for the Wrong Role
A strong proof point can still be the wrong proof point.
Because the examples you use do more than show that you are capable.
They tell people what to consider you for.
In this episode, Elaine explores why experienced leaders can accidentally keep positioning themselves for work they are trying to move beyond.
A career may contain years of evidence: complex decisions, commercial pressure, board exposure, crisis management, growth, transformation and difficult stakeholder situations.
But not every example supports the next chapter.
Some prove that you were highly effective in a previous role while doing very little to show the judgement, perspective or contribution you now want to bring to NED, advisory or portfolio work.
Using examples from her own career and client work, Elaine looks at why a good success story can still be misaligned.
In this episode:
• Why an impressive example may still point people towards the wrong role
• How proof points shape what others remember and recommend you for
• The difference between showing delivery and showing board-level judgement
• Why old evidence can keep attracting work you no longer want
• How to choose examples that support the direction you are moving towards
This episode is for senior leaders whose experience is strong, but whose familiar examples may still be selling an earlier version of their career.
Because the proof that served your last chapter may not support the next one.
The right evidence helps people understand how you think, what you notice, what you challenge and where your experience belongs now.
Your success stories should not keep pulling you backwards.
They should help people see why you belong in the next conversation.
Further thinking
Elaine shares ongoing perspectives on executive visibility, positioning and commercial perception on LinkedIn.
