Have you ever looked at a fitness guru with the perfect physique on socials and wondered if there’s a short cut to looking like that? Spoiler alert: there isn’t. There’s no silver bullet to looking in peak physical condition; it’s about dedication and consistency over a long period of time. Doing the right thing, going the extra mile, and continually seeking improvement.

The same principle applies if you want to reach excellence in any area of your life, including if your ambition is to reach the C-Suite in your career.

Whether your discipline is marketing, technology, finance, or human resources, to have the word ‘chief’ at the beginning of your job title and ‘officer’ at the end, means you’ve been dedicated, consistent and professional over a long period of time. That you’ve pushed yourself in your career to the point where you lead a part of the business in their strategy and performance.

There are no short cuts to C-suite success. But there are smart moves.

Each particular discipline will have its nuances, and so the path to Chief Technology Officer will be different to that of Chief Financial Officer, but there are common principles. The steps to list could be endless, but we’ve concentrated on five broad pillars: the people you surround yourself with, how to lead people better, the skills you learn, the knowledge you build and the way you are perceived. Get these five things right and you’ll have a great career which could include earning a place on the C-suite.

Get the right people on your team

Very few people achieve greatness alone. There is a commonly held belief that if you want to be successful, then surround yourself with successful people. Networking and getting good people around you helps in several different ways.

Building a strong network of key relationships opens doors to opportunities, provides valuable insights, and offers support in times of challenge. A robust network connects you with mentors, peers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators, each offering unique perspectives and advice. These relationships can help you gain visibility within your field and allow you to showcase your skills and build a reputation..

Networking also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing. Through conversations and exchanges, you can stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, which are essential for professional growth. Additionally, strong relationships foster a sense of trust and credibility, which can be leveraged when seeking career advancements or considering new roles. Referrals and recommendations from within your network are often more effective than traditional job applications, as they carry a level of personal endorsement that hiring managers value.

Moreover, a well-established network can provide emotional and professional support, helping you navigate career setbacks or transitions. In many cases, it's not just what you know but who you know that makes a difference. Investing time in cultivating and nurturing relationships within your industry creates a foundation that supports long-term success and opens up a wider range of possibilities for career progression.

Within that network, having a good mentor is particularly important for career growth because they provide guidance, insight and support based on their own experiences. A mentor can help you navigate challenges, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and offer valuable advice on decision making and career planning. They also serve as a sounding board, offering objective perspectives to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Learn how to be a better leader

If you’re going to be part of the C-suite, then you’re going to be a leader. It might not be your leadership skills alone that get you there, but you are going to need them both at the top and on the way to the top.

To learn and develop as a leader in business, start by embracing continuous self-awareness and seeking feedback. Regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses, and ask for constructive criticism from colleagues, mentors, or employees. This helps identify areas for growth and enhances your leadership capabilities.

Next, invest in learning opportunities such as leadership courses, workshops, and reading on leadership theory and practice. Exposure to different leadership styles and strategies broadens your understanding and helps you adapt to various situations.

Practice active listening, offering clear guidance, and motivating teams towards shared goals. Building emotional intelligence allows you to connect with and inspire others.

Finally, led by example – demonstrate the values, work ethic and attitude you expect from your team. Leadership is an evolving process that thrives on adaptability, empathy and a commitment to learning.

Improve your communication skills

The technical skills in your particular field are a given. If you’re going to be a Chief Finance Officer you must have impeccable finance knowledge. But there will be plenty of your peers who share similar knowledge. What marks someone out as suitable to sit at the top is their soft skills.

Problem solving, strategic thinking, flexibility – there are a whole number that a leader has, but communication is arguably the most important of all.

Perfecting your communication skills is vital for advancing your career, as it enhances your ability to connect, influence and lead effectively. Start by practicing active listening – focus fully on the speaker, ask clarifying questions and avoid interrupting. This demonstrates respect and ensures you understand the message clearly.

Next, work on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Whether in meetings or emails, organise your ideas beforehand and avoid jargon. Being clear helps prevent misunderstandings and boosts your credibility.

Non-verbal communication also plays a key role. Pay attention to body language, eye contact, and tone, which can influence how your message is received.

Seek feedback on your communication style from trusted colleagues or mentors. Regularly practicing public speaking or participating in group discussions can also build confidence and refine your delivery.

Finally, empathy is essential. Understanding others' perspectives improves collaboration and fosters stronger relationships, making you a more effective communicator in all professional settings.

Become an expert in your industry and profession

If you want to be on the C-suite, then cultivate your inner nerd. Be that person who is the go-to when it comes to the latest industry knowledge. And there are plenty of ways to go about it, such as:

Online courses

These are an excellent starting point, with Hays own service Thrive offering courses in areas such as finance, marketing, leadership, and strategy.

Podcasts

Another great resource, providing insights from successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and thought leaders.

Books

Always timeless for deep dives into business principles and industry knowledge. Reading both classic and contemporary business books, as well as ones about your particular industry will always help.

Additionally, networking events, webinars, and conferences provide opportunities to learn from peers and experts. Engaging with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn also helps you stay connected to the latest business developments. And sign up to any industry newsletters or subscriptions that you need to stay abreast of.

Starting your day with half an hour of news gathering can be a great way to begin your working day

Build your brand

Improving how others perceive you in a business context requires a combination of professionalism, consistent performance, and emotional intelligence. First, focus on delivering high-quality work. Consistently meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, and demonstrating expertise in your field will build your reputation as a reliable and competent professional.

Use all the tools mentioned above to improve skills, learn knowledge, and have the right people on your side, and learn how to communicate all those positives.

Additionally, develop emotional intelligence by being aware of your own emotions and understanding others’ feelings. This enables you to manage conflicts, build trust, and navigate difficult situations with grace.

Build a list of successes you can point to which back up all the skills and knowledge you possess. Results ultimately will show how your potential has been realised.

And finally, remember there are no short cuts or silver bullets. It’s about consistently and professionally doing your job. And then it’s about more than just doing your job.