There are only two ways to manage your executive or senior management career.

1. The Reactive Way
2. The Bold Way

Most 6-figure figure senior managers and executives fall into the first category.

➡ You're hoping the quality of your work will speak for itself
➡ Quality opportunities are scarce because you're avoiding personal marketing
➡ You're successful but maybe not fulfilled
➡ You feel ready for the next level and are stuck on how to make it happen
➡ Or something happens to your job, and you don't have a net

Which is why you're feeling stuck and undervalued.

On top of that, you're probably struggling with a lack of career vision; "Is it too late to create something that fills me up and utilizes my potential?" "What do I want for my next chapter?"

Now, imagine that you're truly thriving in your career.

➡ You are in the right role for you now
➡ You get to do work that lights you up
➡ Your career is a fuel source for your life [lifestyle, energy, confidence]
➡ You're in the driver's seat of your career advancement

"How am I going to get to that stage?", I hear you ask.

Here's how.

The first step is getting you into the right job. If you're ready to make a career move, by following my proven 3-step program, we will take you from "stuck" to "starting your next-level role" in 3-4 months.

Phase 1 ➡ we'll remove Doubt and get you "Market Ready" by creating a winning strategy and materials
Phase 2 ➡ we'll remove Self-Promotion Fear to get you "Sales Ready" by helping you uncover and generate the right opportunities
Phase 3 ➡ we'll remove Interview Jitters and get you "Interview Ready" so that you'll interview and close confidently, ready to make the right decision

And we'll work with you until you land your next-level role.

The second step is managing the business of YOU. We have a unique, proven approach to advancing your career.

Our results speak for themselves:

"Two promotions since our first call - not bad." [Preston - VP & GM]

"Their transformative approach equipped me with high-impact assets, insights, and strategies, empowering me to take full command of my career journey and unlock my professional potential." [Lisa - CEO]

"Paid out 10X what I invested in services" [Matt - SVP]

"If you're looking to elevate your career, look no further!" [Brandon, Asst GM]

Back to you.

Are you tired of stagnating and not having the career journey you deserve? Are you ready to land your next-level role and advance your career?

Then let's talk.

I'm a 22-year executive career coach, ex. executive recruiter and MBA career centre director.

DM me here.

Ian Christie

Most of us try to earn trust at work by being perfect.

Spoiler alert: That's exactly what kills it.

I've spent years watching leaders struggle with this.

The ones who build the most trust? They do the opposite of what you'd expect.

Here are 11 "risky" moves that actually build massive trust:

1️⃣ Disagree with your boss (thoughtfully)
↳ "I see it differently - here's why..."
↳ Shows you care more about results than politics
→ Impact: Earns respect from both peers and leadership

2️⃣ Let others see you change your mind
↳ "I was wrong" are the 3 most powerful words in leadership
↳ Shows you value truth over ego
→ Impact: Creates a culture where innovation thrives

3️⃣ Take credit for mistakes BEFORE anyone notices
↳ "I made a call that didn't work out - here's how I'm fixing it"
↳ Speed of ownership = Speed of trust
→ Impact: Builds psychological safety team-wide

4️⃣ Bring conflicts into the open
↳ "We actually disagree on this approach..."
↳ Surfaces debates that others are afraid to have
→ Impact: Prevents costly misalignments later

5️⃣ Ask the "obvious" questions in meetings
↳ "Sorry, but can we define what success looks like?"
↳ Creates safety for real learning
→ Impact: Saves teams from assumption-based failures

6️⃣ Share your career uncertainties
↳ "I'm working on improving my strategic thinking"
↳ Vulnerability attracts mentors & sponsors
→ Impact: Opens doors to unexpected opportunities

7️⃣ Set clear boundaries
↳ "I don't work on weekends unless it's truly urgent"
↳ Clear limits prevent future trust breaks
→ Impact: Earns long-term respect and reliability

8️⃣ Celebrate when others prove you wrong
↳ "You know what? That's a much better approach"
↳ Encourages innovation & psychological safety
→ Impact: Creates an environment where best ideas win

9️⃣ Leave meetings you don't need to be in
↳ "You've got this covered - I'll step out"
↳ Shows genuine confidence & respects time
→ Impact: Demonstrates true leadership maturity

🔟 Share credit for ideas you improved
↳ "Building on Maria's brilliant insight..."
↳ Shows you amplify others' strengths
→ Impact: Builds a reputation as a multiplier

1️⃣1️⃣ Talk openly about what you're learning
↳ "Here's what I'm still figuring out..."
↳ Makes it safe for everyone to grow
→ Impact: Creates a continuous learning culture

The truth?
While others are playing it safe and chasing perfection...
...these "risky" behaviours create greater impact and make you stand out.

---
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💬 Which one feels scariest to you? Share below 👇

Career Coach ✦ Land your next-level role, Get promoted, Pivot to your Career 2.0 ✦ 2000+ management to C-suite clients ✦ Ex. Executive Recruiter & MBA Careers Director ✦ Follow for the career journey you'll celebrate

A page: The title reads "11 Counterintuitive Behaviours to Build Massive Trust at Work". What follows is a list of 11 ways to do that. 

You're not unlucky in your career.

You're unprepared.

Most people work frantically IN their job, then panic when they need to work ON their career.

They wait until the layoff notice. 
Until the toxic boss becomes unbearable. 
Until they're passed over for promotion again. 

Then they scramble. 

Update a dusty resume. 
Frantically message old contacts. 
Hope someone throws them a lifeline.

That's not bad luck. That's bad planning. I've seen it (and helped repair the damage) more times than I can count. 

Here's what "lucky" people do differently:

- They build while they're comfortable. 
- They invest in relationships before they need them. 
- They track their wins and amplify their visibility. 
- They make strategic moves during key career moments. 
- They consistently expand their opportunity surface area.

Small preparation habits compound: → Weekly industry reading → Monthly coffee chats → Quarterly skill investments → Annual strategic reviews

Bigger preparation moves create trajectory shifts: → Taking on high-visibility projects → Building cross-functional relationships → Developing your personal brand → Making smart, timely career decisions

Your track record becomes fuel. Your network becomes your safety net. Your reputation opens doors. 

Stop hoping for career luck.

Start creating it.

Ready to get "lucky" with your career? Get weekly career strategy in my free newsletter (see link in my profile) or DM me if you're ready for personalized help.

♻️ Repost to help others avoid this common trap. 
✅ Follow Ian Christie to ensure you feel "lucky" in your career.

💬 What's an example of when "luck" struck for you?

Image of a basketball player mid-leap for a slam dunk. The caption reads: "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. - Seneca"

Most people treat their careers like a neglected car:
Only looking under the hood when the engine starts smoking.

Not working ON your career proactively is THE biggest source of stalled, broken, and sub-optimal career journeys. 

Read that again. 

I have personally supported 2000+ senior professionals to C-suite executives with career planning, transitions and growth. And in an earlier life, I conducted hundreds of executive search assignments. 

Ignoring the journey while you're focused on your current job. I've seen this countless times. 

Here's what top performers do instead:

1. They Schedule Regular Check-ups
↳ Quarterly skill and risk assessments
↳ Weekly networking habits
↳ Weekly learning blocks

2. They Listen for Warning Signs
↳ Decreased project visibility
↳ Stagnant growth conversations
↳ Shifting industry trends

3. They Maintain Peak Performance
↳ Build relationships before needing them
↳ Document wins in real-time
↳ Invest in skills before they're required

4. And they create the conditions that generate new opportunities before it is needed. 

Don't let this be you. 

Prevention beats crisis management.
Your career deserves more than emergency response.

---
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💭 What's your best proactive career move? Share below 👇

Image of a man standing in front of his car. The hood is open and there is smoke pouring out. The caption reads: "If you want a great career, don't only work on it when it's on fire."

The "Why do you want to leave?" question isn't a trap.
It's your moment to show you're not running FROM something. 

You're running TO something.

Most people blow this question because they focus on what's wrong with their current role.

The frustrations. The limitations. The politics.

Or they provide a vague, uninspiring answer that leaves the interviewer thinking that they are talking to someone who is failing in their current role. 

But here's what hiring managers actually want to hear: Where you're going.

1️⃣ You're ready for MORE.

What bigger problems, scope, or leadership are you ready for?

2️⃣ What's PULLING you?

What about this company, mission, industry, or role attracts you? 
What do you want to do more of?

Try this framework: 

Start with what you've accomplished. 
"I've successfully led three major product launches and built a team from 5 to 15 people."
Then show your readiness for growth. "I'm excited about the opportunity to scale operations at a larger organization and take on P&L responsibility."

Multi-pronged answers win:
"I'm looking for three things: the chance to work in fintech, lead a larger team, and contribute to a company's international expansion."

Remember this:

As a passive candidate, you hold more cards.

You're not desperate.
You're selective.

You're not escaping.
You're elevating and/or pivoting.

The hiring managers see that you have confidence that comes from knowing exactly what you want next.

Want more?
1/ Try my free newsletter for actionable deep dives on creating your bold career journey. View my profile for the link. 
2/ Ready for help? DM me "LEAVE".

What's the best answer you've heard to this question? Share below. 👇

---
♻️ Repost if this was helpful
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An image of a man being interviewed by two interviewers. The caption reads "how to answer the 'why do you want to leave?' question."

The best networking moments aren't in your calendar.

They live in random thoughts you usually ignore.

Last week, I thought of a business acquaintance. We hadn't spoke in two years. The same afternoon, he calls me. 

Recently, a newly landed client reached out to share how well her new role was going two months ina. 
... I was going to check in on her the same day. 

These 'coincidences' are not random.

They're your network intuition working its magic.

Here’s how to turn these moments into meaningful connections and relationship builders:

1. Act immediately
→ Don't just log "i'll reach out later" and forget: send it within 5 mins
→ Quick voice note > Perfect email that never gets sent

2. Share the trigger
→ "I saw an article on AI ethics that immediately reminded me of our chats"
→ "That project you led last year popped into my mind when mentoring on something similar"

3. Make it easy to respond
→ End with a specific question
→ Offer a clear next step (15-min catch-up call?)

4. Create connection rituals
→ "Random reach-out Thursdays" to 2 people/week
→ Use your commute time for voice messages
→ My buddy makes calls to friends when he's walking the dog
→ Block an hour every second Thursday AM for a breakfast or coffee meeting and fill it

5. Add value first
→ Share a resource that's relevant to their current focus
→ Make an introduction they'd appreciate

6. Turn digital into real
→ When travelling, check who's local and grab coffee
→ Convert online conversations into real-world meetups

The strongest networks aren't built systematically (although you should do that too). 

They're built on serendipitous, organic moments of genuine connection.

Your network intuition is trying to help you.

Listen to it.
 
---
♻️ Share to help your connections network better.
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💭 What's your go-to networking / relationship building tip?

Photo by Heather McKean on Unsplash

Image of a woman on a sidewalk talking on her phone. The caption reads "Make a habit of reaching out to people, just because you thought of them." 

The most common phrase I hear from senior-level clients...

"I wish I had met you 10 years ago."

What they're really saying is they now feel the power of compounding on their careers: 
- How small, consistent career investments would have transformed their trajectory.
- How building their brand early would have opened doors they can't even see now.
- How developing executive presence at 35 would have changed their entire 40s.

They can see how their options narrowed year by year.
- How they optimized for comfort instead of growth.
- How they said yes to everything instead of being strategic.
- Now they're trapped by their own success, watching younger leaders leapfrog past them.

Career momentum works both ways. 
Forward or backward. 
There's no neutral.

I've helped thousands of senior professionals change the trajectory of their careers. Take an action today. 

1/ Try my free newsletter and get access to the resource vault to get the actionable insights you need to build your bold career journey. https://lnkd.in/gRWCABbn 

2/ DM me if you want to ensure you're not saying this same thing 10 years from now.

♻️ Repost to help others avoid the too-late wake-up call
✅ Follow Ian Christie to build your dream career journey

A quote that reads: Career momentum works both ways. Forward or backward. There's no neutral." 

| Led high-performing teams to develop client relationships and win service contracts, ensuring compliance and fostering trust with key stakeholders.
| Promoted twice to national leadership roles for Markets and for Assurance, driving strategic initiatives and enhancing client relationships.
| Championed national projects and co-developed the firm's strategy on Business Development
| Recognized for outstanding leadership and developed team member's skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

Client Executive  

DXC Technology

Develop teams of internal and external stakeholders to drive Digital Transformation where Executive decision makers see the value of making multi-million dollar investments in time and money.

Digital Transformation BC Public Sector

Sales Western Canada

Oracle

WON 7 figure strategic deals across North America with Utilities.

Solutions Executive Utilities 

Pulse Energy

Note: Pulse Energy was acquired by www.enernoc.com in 2014.

Strategic Partner Development

SIEMENS

WON 7 figure cross service line deals in  Western Canada with a team from around the world who have direct experience (Olympic infastructure, hospitals, stadiums, etc.) in the convergence of  control, eHealth, clinical access at the bedside, systems infastructure, nanotechnology, security, fire, asset tracking, Telecom, devices, software, etc.)

Sales Director Western Canada

Sage Software

Developed the Application Service Provider Model (ASP) for the ACCPAC Partner Channel (purchased by SAGE in 2004 from Computer Associates) and wrote the business plan to sell ASP services to the end customer. Brokered complex hosting deals with multiple stakeholders to WIN new business and exceeded monthly and annual sales targets.

Business Development ASP Solutions

TELUS Communications

Promoted twice at TELUS for the ability to develop compelling, strategic relationships with Mid-Market and Enterprise level CEO’s, CFO’s, CIO’s, VP Sales, and IT Directors that resulted in the negotiation and sale telecom and software solutions
Managed a team of seven unionized and non-unionized professionals for an account base of $7M and direct responsibility for funnel management, sales forecasts, contract renewals, account plans, territory plan, profit margin and billed revenue
WINS resulted in the Enterprise-wide MVP 2002 Award for the TELUS and recipient of the MVP 2002 Award for Business Solutions and honored at CEO’s Circle of Excellence ceremony for outstanding sales performance in 2001 and earned membership in the CEO’s 100% Club
Negotiated and closed single sale in 2000 of $3.2 million combined voice and data. Solution awarded feature story in the January 2001 edition of TELUS’s business magazine ONRAMP and recognized as eBusiness success story in the news magazine Business in Vancouver (BIV)

Account Manager

Information Technology Institute

Established new ITI Institutes in the Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland markets.
Recruited post-graduates who wanted to build web solutions and integrate back-end legacy systems using the top industry development tools such as Java, Oracle, and Visual Basic.
Produced a ninety-minute, award winning radio show on Vancouver's CFUN Biz Brainstorm, to brand ITI as an innovative, applied, post-graduate IT program, that directly resulted in a 20% increase in recruitment activity.

Manager

The University of British Columbia

Promoted to Manager of Career Services (held for four years) after developing a student recruitment and retention office at UBC.  Developed sales and marketing strategy for the delivery and integration of systems that significantly increased client access, tripled the number of job-postings available, and brought in new revenues.

I am brave leading in developing relationships, supporting complex pursuits and opening new areas of market growth.  I accelerate growth with my global cross-sector experience to identify opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of clients.   
My focus:
•	Market Analysis and Opportunity Identification
•	Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
•	Solution Development
With a commitment to excellence and a client-centric mindset, I strive to contribute to the success of both EY and our clients.

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