I do not get shocked anymore when approached by young professionals asking for my advice on how to be a CEO of a large company.
This is what I say:
1. Be an expert in at least three disciplines, and one of them should be Sales. Being in Sales improves the ability to be persuasive, and builds empathy.
2. Keep studying, keep learning about new trends such as data, AI and digitization. And read about leaders who did well in your industry.
3. Outperform your peers but do not be disagreeable. Volunteer for difficult tasks, particularly those that involve collaboration with other groups.
4. Take care of your health, exercise and sleep well. Your body needs to withstand stress and still perform.
5. Diversify your sources of happiness – family, pets, friends, etc. You will need them during times of difficulty.
All these will improve your chances to get to higher positions. But being CEO, well, is also dependent on luck, on positions opening up. For instance, there are years when no banks look for a new CEO.
Finally, don’t announce your grand objective. But work harder than your peers without calling attention.
#AIMAlumniThoughtLeader | She Wants to be a CEO by Eugene Acevedo, MBM 1987
