The path to leadership is rarely straightforward. In today’s fast-evolving job market, professionals must embrace adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic career moves to stay ahead. A compelling way to approach this journey is to treat it like a scavenger hunt—an adventure fueled by curiosity and guided by insightful mentors.
In a recent episode of Coding Temple’s Agile Leaders podcast, Evan Shy sat down with Sarah Alter, former CMO of General Growth Properties and past president/CEO of Next Up, to discuss key lessons from her unconventional career path.
If you missed the episode on YouTube or Spotify, or don’t have time to listen, here are some of the most valuable takeaways from their conversation:
- How to treat your career like a scavenger hunt, using calculated risks and mentorship to navigate opportunities.
- How to balance specialization with a broad skill set, ensuring career flexibility and long-term growth.
- The role of mentorship and feedback in climbing the corporate ladder—including what it takes to reach the C-suite.
In our conversation, Sarah takes us on a journey through her career, revealing valuable lessons learned along the way.
Sarah describes her career as a scavenger hunt, guided by mentorship and unexpected opportunities. She started as a truck dispatcher—far from traditional executive beginnings—and gradually built expertise in operations, marketing, and leadership. Each role she took on provided a valuable clue, helping her uncover the next move in her career puzzle.
For professionals looking to forge their own leadership path, Sarah highlights the importance of foundational skills. Early hands-on experience in areas like logistics, sales, and customer service lays a strong groundwork for future leadership roles. These core competencies, she emphasizes, equip professionals with problem-solving abilities and a practical understanding of business dynamics—essential attributes for any leader.
As Sarah advanced in her career, she realized that technical expertise and problem-solving skills (IQ) were just one piece of the puzzle. To succeed as a leader, she needed to refine her emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to connect, motivate, and inspire teams.
Leadership, she explains, isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. By actively listening, offering clear communication, and fostering collaboration, she was able to build high-performing teams and navigate the complexities of executive decision-making.
A pivotal moment in Sarah’s journey was her transition to the role of CEO, where she found herself managing a board of directors for the first time. Through this experience, she honed her communication skills and developed a deep appreciation for strategic thinking. Sarah’s ability to adapt quickly to new challenges underscores the importance of resilience and continuous learning.
In offering advice to those feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of learning new skills, Sarah suggests taking a focused approach. Rather than trying to tackle everything at once, she recommends choosing one skill or topic to prioritize. By setting clear goals and seeking support from mentors and colleagues, individuals can accelerate their growth and achieve their career objectives.
Sarah’s insights remind us that career development is not a linear path but rather a dynamic journey filled with opportunities for growth and discovery. As we navigate our own scavenger hunts, let’s embrace the challenges and uncertainties, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to our goals.
The journey to leadership isn’t just about career moves—it’s about continuous learning, adaptability, and building strong professional relationships. Whether you’re just starting your career or aiming for the C-suite, adopting a “scavenger hunt” mindset can help you navigate opportunities and develop the skills necessary for long-term success.
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Stay tuned for future episodes of Agile Leaders, where we explore even more strategies for success in today’s fast-changing professional world!
