The Art of Getting Executive Roles
As of a 2023 report from The Economist, ~62% of workers in the US can be classified as white-collar professionals. This gives us roughly 99.8 million individuals.
Of these 99.8 million people, a mere 69,694 are classified as business executives[1].
This means, the likelihood of a professional being an executive is ~0.069%.
Or in colloquial terms, only 1 out of every 1432 professionals get to become an executive.
Let’s call it a 1 in 1500 chance…
What does this mean? Is that any good?
Let’s unpack this.
On the one hand, with average compensation of an executive being $109,373 per year nationwide[2] and $17.1 million at top firms[3] – an executive job is a great retirement plan and definitely way better odds than winning the lottery.
On the other hand, a 1 in 1500 chance is not good odds…
For comparison, an average professional becoming an executive is twice as likely as being drafted by the NBA[4] or getting a perfect score on the SAT – which are both about 1 in 3000 odds. Becoming an executive is also 5 times less likely than getting your car stolen, which is a 0.3% chance.[5]
Easier than a perfect SAT score or an NBA career, but significantly rarer than having your car stolen…
When you put it that way… 1 in 1500 does not sound like a good deal!
And the reality is, it’s not.
It takes extraordinary skill to win the career game and get your first executive position. The conventional playbook of tireless dedication and meritorious performance, does not cut it.
The rules of engagement for executive jobs are counter intuitive. And the path to get there is rather “unusual”. It is as if there are obscured dynamics governing executive ascension – reminiscent of a clandestine game in which many competent professionals are unwitting participants.
Without access to the indispensable insights that reveal this corporate game for what it is, numerous managers, directors, and skilled professionals find themselves in a prolonged wait for executive opportunities. Sticking to conventional norms, they believe that diligence, networking, and self-promotion will inevitably lead to advancement.
1 in 1500 says that it rarely does…
Make no mistake: Many professionals diligently and dutifully invest their efforts, striving to enhance their managerial prowess and leadership capabilities while contributing value to their respective organizations. It’s not for a lack of effort.
However… Despite their earnest work and personal sacrifices, the anticipated breakthrough of an executive job seldom materializes. Remember, 1 in 1500…
In fact, a significant proportion of middle managers and directors find themselves trapped in a perpetual cycle of stagnation, unable to attain meaningful advancement or realize their full earning potential. Even transitions across job roles, industries, or disciplines often yield little respite, maintaining them just beneath the executive tier. Titles tend to stick, which makes an executive title a rare and valuable asset. (1 in 1500)
Ultimately, the reality is stark but straightforward…
The majority of careers exist in mediocrity while only a select few ascend to remarkable heights. It’s the nature of the zero sum career game, in which the competition for executive roles is the pinnacle – where the “winner takes all” nature of our business world becomes glaringly apparent.
In this “winner take all” world… We designed Executive Ascent to equip individuals with the requisite knowledge and strategies for success in attaining their first executive role. Rather than crafting a program of cliches and corporate speak, we built a program to contend with the ruthless and competitive nature of executive hiring.
It’s not a program for everyone. But for those who want executive advancement, this program empowers participants to navigate their career trajectory effectively and emerge as formidable contenders for executive roles.
It’s meant for those who see 1 in 1500 odds, and think “bring it on”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of Executive Ascent?
The aim of this program is to get every participant into an executive level position (Vice President, President, CEO, etc.) by the end of 12 months.
How does Executive Ascent work?
Executive Ascent is a 12 month program. It starts with three day event where participants go through various classes and workshops, while also creating their personalized strategy to get their first executive role.
After the event, participants attend monthly sessions, where they collaborate and receive individual guidance to further their careers.
Why is it a group? Why not a video program?
Executive Ascent is not only a series of classes. Participants also form a mastermind group and network with one another. This turns your individual effort into a group effort, and it lets you leverage the weight of our network.
How many people attend?
Each Executive Ascent is limited to 33 participants.
Where and when will it take place?
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, we transitioned Executive Ascent into a fully virtual experience. This also saves every participant significant time and travel expenses, while also helping with emissions. Our events will continue to remain virtual until further notice.
You will require a Google account (a gmail address) to participate.
How can I participate?
If you are interested, fill the application below.
What is “Chatham House Rules”?
All our events are held under the Chatham House Rules. This means, participants are free to use the information they receive. But they are not allowed to reveal the identity nor the affiliation (i.e. company, etc.) of any speaker(s), nor that of any other participant.
The rule comes from Chatham House, an international think-tank. It is designed to ensure privacy, and gives us the ability to talk freely.
Incidentally, precisely due to our strict adherence to the Chatham House rules, you will never see any testimonials or reviews about our work. We take privacy very seriously.
Apply for Executive Ascent
Legal Disclaimer
The job titles, salaries and accomplishments we describe are either personal achievements of our instructors or members of our network. Please understand our results are not typical, and we’re not implying you’ll duplicate them. We have the benefit of decades of experience and have an established network. The average person who buys any “how to” information gets little to no results. We’re using all references to success for example and motivational purposes only. Your results will vary and depend on many factors, including but not limited to your experience, background, abilities and most importantly, your work ethic. Professional success demands massive, consistent effort and action. If you’re not up to it, please DO NOT CONSUME OUR CONTENT. Please note that any content on this page, and any other information you can access through this page, is not a part of or affiliated with any website or app that links to this page, or displays advertisements for this page. We are not affiliated with Facebook, Google, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or any other online platforms, and the information presented on this page, or any other page accessed through this page, should not be interpreted as an endorsement by any such third parties. Career Insiders is dedicated to helping ambitious professionals achieve their career goals, and we do our best to present you with up to date and effective information and guidance. But we take no responsibility for your results, or lack there of, or any other consequences you experience after consuming our content. If you need specific advice, please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area. The information on this website, or any information you can access through this website, is not to be interpreted or construed as therapy or psychiatric, legal, medical, financial, professional, psychological, personal or tax advice. Seek professional advice where appropriate. Consume our content for purely entertainment and motivation purposes. Read our full Terms of Service for more details. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.