First, job hop. This is the quickest way to not only grow your job title, and your compensation, but it is also the quickest way to increase your skill set.
Second, every single place I worked, I figured out their learning and development plan, and I used that perk to increase my skills by taking courses. All paid for by my employer.
Third, I networked like crazy. I am the queen of coffee chats, both internally where I worked and externally among new people.
Fourth, I worked with an executive coach. I used three over my career to get to where I am today. And they helped me improve in so many ways.
Fifth, surrounded myself with brilliant women. I did not keep the friends that did not match my ambition. If they were small minded in their outlook on life, they are no longer in my life.
In my personal journey toward advancing my career rapidly, I found that a combination of deliberate actions made a significant difference. Job hopping, as mentioned, was crucial—not just to gain a better title or compensation but to expose myself to varied environments which accelerated my learning and adaptability. Taking full advantage of employer-sponsored learning and development programs often goes overlooked but can be a hidden goldmine. I made it a point early on to identify these opportunities with each new role and enrolled in courses consistently. This not only expanded my skill set but also demonstrated my commitment to growth, catching the attention of leadership. One of the most enjoyable yet productive habits I embraced was networking through coffee chats. These informal meetings allowed me to build meaningful relationships across different levels and departments. I recommend being genuine and curious—people appreciate authenticity and are often willing to share their insights and experiences. Executive coaching sessions were transformative for me. Having an unbiased, experienced perspective helped uncover blind spots and develop strategies tailored to my challenges. I encourage seeking out coaches who resonate with your goals and communication style. Lastly, surrounding myself with driven and positive-minded women created a supportive ecosystem. The ambition and mindset of your close circle can profoundly impact your motivation and outlook. It’s okay to re-evaluate friendships to maintain an environment that encourages growth. Overall, career advancement is a holistic process involving skill enhancement, relationship-building, and mindset cultivation. Combining these strategies can significantly increase your chances of reaching leadership roles like VP well before the typical timeline.