Corporate musings - An Introduction.

More often than ever, we strive for leadership roles and a successful career without giving much thought on the responsibilities that come with it.

We believe that the road to success is being promoted up the corporate ladder and acquiring a senior title.

Instant gratification is what most corporate seek; big titles, raises, promotions, a secret handshake, without putting much thought into the responsibilities and ask of the role.

A few months ago, I thought that seeking for a promotion would logically be my next step in my career. Unfortunately that was not in the cards for me. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and as we say in the Middle-East, 'maktoub' (whatever is yours will find its way to you).

A few days ago, I read a blogpost from “The Diary of a CPO - Chapter 4” published on 01-30-2024. Christinewords resonated with me.

"We are told that to be successful we need to advance in our career even if we are accelerating it by decades and taking on roles that are 2/3 levels above us.

Growing into a new role means more responsibilities and being held accountable for your success as well as your failure. Most people forget the latter and pay the price for it".

An interesting point she makes out is the fact "that accelerating your career might lead you to be a Director in your 20s, a VP in your 30s and the expectations of the role does not change just because you got it early in your career".

If you are succeeding in your role, then kudos to you! However, if you are not, you’re not the only one paying the price for it.

Looking back at my professional musings, I am grateful that it panned out the way it did. I am at a crossroad and pondering about my next steps. This last year has been a challenging one. I ignored my work-life balance and the early symptoms of a burnout. I am paying the price for it health wise. Upon the advice of a leader I value, I decided that 2024 will be different.

Success is not in the titles you collect nor in the positions that you hold especially if it does not match your experience and skill set.

Polishing your LinkedIn with buzz words will not make your skills real.

At the end of the day, it is your delivery that will lead you to succeed (or expose you).

Growing into a role should take time and experience.

Your time will come 'Maktoub'.