What Distinguishes Those Who Climb to the Top☀️


Good morning, Reader,
Rise & Thrive!

Before I became a Certified Career Coach and Executive Coach, I spent decades as an Executive Recruiter, interviewing thousands of candidates across industries. Over time, the one thing that became clear was that some people were simply better at navigating their careers than others.

And it made me wonder, why do some professionals continue to rise all the way to the top, while others with similar experience and talent never quite get there?

It wasn’t about being the smartest person in the room or attending an Ivy League school. Frankly, most of the candidates I placed came from state schools or local universities. Surprisingly, it wasn’t about having the right connections either. In fact, many of the executives who advanced the furthest did so by moving strategically from company to company, and not by knowing someone.

What I did notice though, was that the executives who built strong, upwardly mobile careers, (those who made it to the VP level and beyond), consistently demonstrated three key qualities:

1. They Took Full Responsibility for Their Path
No excuses. If a job required travel, they packed their bags. If an opportunity meant moving across the country, they figured it out. These people didn’t waste time waiting for perfect conditions. They made things work even when it was inconvenient or uncomfortable. It's that kind of ownership that changes everything.

2. They Didn’t Wait to Feel “Inspired” to Take Action
Let’s be honest, motivation is fleeting. But discipline and clarity? That sticks. These individuals understood that progress comes from consistent, thoughtful action. They didn't wait for a surge of motivation. They acted without inspiration, and that action created momentum. It’s not about being in the mood it’s about being in motion.

3. They Knew Exactly What They Wanted
No matter how busy they were or how many fires they were putting out, they never lost sight of the bigger picture. Their career goals weren’t vague they were laser focused. As a result, they could make decisions with intention. Every move was a step in the direction they wanted to go.

The truth is, these traits aren’t out of reach. They’re something you can work on, day by day.

Below are Three Ideas to Help you Advance Your Career

Be Ready When Opportunity Knocks
Sometimes the perfect job or project will come along at the wrong time. If your immediate thought is to pass on it because you're overwhelmed or can't be out of town, then think again. The person who takes your spot may very well get the job, raise or promotion. If you refuse too often it may not come your way again.

Act Without Inspiration
The workplace is always in action. Something always needs to be done. If you tend to hold back or put things off, then you need to keep yourself in a mode of constantly moving work off your desk. Start every day with completing three key tasks or projects that move things forward and must be done. Every step will bring you closer to where you want to go.

Reconnect with Your Vision
Take a moment to remind yourself why you’re doing this. What impact do you want to have in your career? What do you want your daily life to look like? What do you want for your future? Constantly remind yourself of your goals and complete the steps to get there.

If you would like to discuss your career strategy with me, or learn more about my Career Coaching, Executive Coaching and Resume Writing programs, as always, please sign up for a Complimentary 30-Minute session on my calendar below.

Also, feel free to forward my newsletter to anyone who you think might be interested in my advice.

I look forward to connecting with you further and helping you blaze New Career Directions!

Cheers!
Lisa Chubinsky, CPCC, CTS, CPC
Founder and CEO
New Career Directions
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Lisa Chubinsky, CPCC, CTS, CPC is an Award-Winning Certified Career Coach, Executive Coach, Executive Resume Writer, Career Strategist, Job Search and Promotion Strategist, Interview Preparation Coach, Former Executive Recruiter, Workshop Presenter and Keynote Speaker

Rise and Thrive

Hi, I’m Lisa Chubinsky — Certified Career Coach, Executive Coach, and Executive Resume Writer for Mid-to Senior-level executives. After decades as a Recruiter in Life Sciences and Manufacturing, I realized what I loved most was helping people reach their true potential. Some of my clients even said, “Lisa, you’re a great coach!” So I followed that path and never looked back. Every other Thursday, I send Rise and Thrive — a short, actionable newsletter to help you: ✔️Navigate your career with clarity and confidence ✔️Sharpen leadership and communication skills ✔️Build executive presence and personal brand ✔️Overcome challenges, drive results, and lead with purpose ✔️Balance success with well-being My signature program, Executive Career Accelerator™ has helped 1,000+ leaders across industries like finance, tech, law, healthcare, and manufacturing grow faster and feel more fulfilled in their work. Join 2,000+ professionals who get practical coaching insights delivered directly to their inbox every other Thursday and take one smart step toward your next big career breakthrough.

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