In short
The problem: Many ambitious professionals feel ready to take on greater responsibility but struggle to see a clear path to the C-suite. The problem is that hard work alone isn’t enough and without deliberate skill-building, visibility, and executive-level experience, talented leaders risk being overlooked for the top roles.
The solution: The solution lies in intentionally building the skills, mindset, and presence of a C-suite leader long before holding the title. Professionals can create a clear and credible pathway to the top by proactively seeking growth opportunities, expanding business acumen, and demonstrating executive behaviours early in their career.
The result: Reaching the C-suite is about intentionally building the leadership, business, and strategic skills that set executives apart. You create a clear pathway to higher responsibility, influence, and long-term success at the top by acting like a leader now and proactively shaping your impact.
View Kevin’s bio here
Kevin brings nearly 30 years of executive search and human capital experience, partnering with clients across Australia. He also has extensive experience working in Asia and the UK.
Kevin specialises in C-suite and senior-level, retained search engagements across a wide range of industries and functional areas. He has worked with venture capital and private equity firms, not-for-profit organisations, ASX-listed companies, privately owned high-growth businesses, and global corporations. His track record spans sectors including financial services, technology, retail, real estate, manufacturing, renewables, healthcare, aged and disability care, and professional services.
Let me guess — you’ve been thinking about what it really takes to reach the C-suite.
Maybe you're already managing teams, delivering results, and wondering when (or if) that next leap will come. I talk to professionals like you every day who are smart, driven people who feel ready to lead at a higher level but aren’t sure what the path looks like from here.
Yes, the perks are real, like the compensation, the influence, the chance to shape an organisation’s future. But what most people don’t see is the pressure: the tough calls, the accountability, the hours that can stretch into evenings and weekends.
Still, if you're reading this, I suspect you're not chasing a title. You're building a legacy. You're ready for more impact, responsibility, and growth.
I’ve helped many professionals navigate this very transition. If the C-suite is where you see yourself, these tips can help you start moving in that direction with purpose, clarity, and resilience.
What key skills do you need for a C-Suite role?
With so many talented people aiming for executive roles and only a few seats at the table, it’s not enough to just work hard and hope you get noticed. You have to prepare intentionally and early.
In my work as a Managing Director in executive search, I’ve seen firsthand what sets successful C-suite leaders apart. It’s not just pedigree or tenure, it’s a mix of mindset, adaptability, and strategic skill-building.
If the C-suite is your destination, here are the core capabilities you should start strengthening now:
1. True leadership (not just authority)
At the executive level, leadership has little to do with power and everything to do with influence. It’s about setting the tone, building trust, and bringing out the best in others. You’ll need to inspire alignment around vision, motivate through change, and build high-performing teams that can execute under pressure. Leaders who focus on people, not just performance, earn long-term loyalty.
2. Business acumen across functions
You can’t operate in a silo if you want to reach the top. The best C-suite candidates understand not just their specialty, but how the entire business runs from finance to operations, customer experience to market positioning. That means being fluent in metrics, strategy, and competitive dynamics, and knowing how to connect the dots to drive sustainable growth.
3. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
This is often the quiet superpower behind exceptional executives. The ability to read the room, handle high-stakes conversations with composure, and lead through empathy is crucial especially when navigating change, conflict, or crisis. You’ll also need EQ to build trust with boards, teams, and stakeholders who don’t want smart decisions; they want human ones.
4. Strategic storytelling
Vision without communication falls flat. Whether it’s rallying teams around a transformation or presenting to a board, C-suite leaders must know how to craft a compelling narrative that moves people to action. The ability to translate complexity into clarity, and data into direction, is a must-have skill in today’s fast-paced business environment.
5. Agility under pressure
Executives deal with ambiguity, fast-moving crises, and competing priorities every single day. What matters most is your ability to stay calm, make decisions with incomplete information, and adapt when the playbook gets thrown out the window.
6. Boldness with accountability
Reaching the top means being willing to take risks. Not reckless ones but bold, calculated moves that create real impact. It also means owning the outcome, good or bad. The C-suite doesn’t have room for finger-pointing. Leaders who take responsibility and learn from what doesn’t work are the ones who grow.
7. Goal orientation with vision
You’ll need to be both results-driven and vision-led. Set clear goals, track KPIs, and course-correct as needed but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. People will look to you for both stability and inspiration.
If you’re serious about making it to the top, these aren’t just boxes to check; they’re muscles to train. And the good news is, you don’t have to wait for a title to start acting like a leader. Every project, every decision, every team interaction is an opportunity to develop the mindset and presence of someone ready for the C-suite.
Related: Navigating the pathway to CEO
What can you do today to create a pathway to the C-Suite?
Explore Executive Search
I get it. Working toward the C-suite can feel like a catch-22. You’re told you need “executive-level” experience to earn the role, but how do you get that experience without already being there?
The good news? You don’t have to wait for a title to start leading like an executive. In fact, the most compelling C-suite candidates are the ones already behaving like they’re in the role long before it’s officially theirs.
Here’s what I often tell professionals who are ready to step up but unsure where to start:
1. Be proactive, not passive
No one gets tapped on the shoulder just for being good at their job. If you want to rise, you have to raise your hand. Volunteer for cross-functional projects, speak up in strategy meetings, and take initiative when you see something that needs fixing. Leadership often starts with simply stepping forward when others hang back.
2. Seek out growth opportunities
You don’t need formal permission to grow. Ask your manager for stretch assignments. Offer to lead initiatives that give you visibility and challenge your current skill set. Look beyond your role and see where your abilities might fill a gap or solve a problem no one else has touched. That’s how you build credibility and influence.
3. Learn the business, not just your role
Executives think across the entire ecosystem. So should you. Start learning how the company really runs, like how it makes money, where the risks are, and what matters most to your customers and stakeholders. The more you connect your work to broader business outcomes, the more you’ll stand out as someone who sees the big picture.
4. Build strategic relationships
It’s not just about networking, it’s about alignment. Build authentic connections with decision-makers, cross-functional leaders, and mentors who understand the business and can advocate for your growth. People champion those they trust and respect and that starts with showing up consistently and adding value.
5. Elevate your executive presence
Presence isn’t about wearing a suit or using big words. It’s about how you communicate under pressure, how you carry yourself in a room, and how clearly and confidently you share your ideas. Seek feedback, practice speaking to senior audiences, and hone your ability to listen deeply and respond thoughtfully.
6. Follow thought leaders and stay informed
Your learning doesn’t stop at the edge of your desk. Stay plugged into your industry by reading what the top minds are saying, joining relevant webinars or events, and understanding the trends shaping your field. It’s easier to be seen as strategic when you’re speaking the language of the future, not just the present.
7. Make yourself indispensable
Look for ways to add measurable value whether that’s improving a process, mentoring junior talent, or uncovering a hidden revenue opportunity. The people who get promoted to the top are often the ones who make the biggest impact without being asked.
The more you act like an executive now, the more others will start to see you that way too.
If you ever doubt whether it really is possible to make it all the way to the top, just look at Ruth Porat’s career journey for inspiration. Porat started at Morgan Stanley straight out of college, eventually becoming CFO, and later CFO at Google, and its parent company Alphabet.
Even if the goal may seem far away, having long-term career aspirations is a positive reflection of your commitment and attitude. It won’t always be easy and a promotion won’t just happen overnight. But the important thing is to stay determined and start making positive steps now.
Want to know how our executive search team can help you find your next leader? Explore our services and meet our team. We look forward to working with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do people get into the C-Suite?
People reach the C-Suite by combining proven expertise with leadership visibility. It usually involves consistently delivering results, taking on cross-functional responsibilities, building strong networks and mentors, and demonstrating the ability to think strategically beyond one’s function. In short, it’s about showing you can lead the business.
What is the average C-suite salary?
The average C-suite salary varies widely depending on the role, industry, and company size, but in Australia, total annual packages typically range from AUD $250,000 to over $1 million. CEOs and CFOs generally command the highest salaries, while roles like CIOs, CHROs, and COOs vary based on organisational complexity and sector.
What skills are needed for the C-suite?
C-suite leaders need a blend of strategic vision, financial acumen, and people leadership. Key skills include decision-making under pressure, stakeholder management, digital and AI literacy, and the ability to drive transformation while fostering a strong organisational culture.
