This year, I had the opportunity to interview for an executive-level position, an experience that was both challenging and illuminating. It pushed me to reflect on my leadership journey, articulate my vision, and stretch my strategic thinking. Along the way, I discovered valuable lessons that will stay with me, regardless of the outcome. Here are my top takeaways from this transformative experience:
1. Clarity is Power
When stepping into an executive interview, it’s not just about listing your accomplishments; it’s about demonstrating how they align with the organization’s vision and goals. I found it essential to clearly articulate the “why” behind my decisions and the impact of my strategies.
To prepare, I revisited my career milestones and identified key themes that reflected my leadership philosophy: innovation, alignment with broader priorities, and driving measurable results. This clarity gave me confidence and ensured my message resonated with the decision-makers at the table.
Takeaway: Understand the organization’s needs and craft a narrative that connects your experiences to their goals.
2. The Power of the Right Questions
Executive interviews are as much about assessing the organization as they are about showcasing your skills. I approached each conversation with a mindset of mutual discovery, asking thoughtful questions that revealed the organization’s culture, challenges, and opportunities.
For example, I asked questions like:
- What does success in this role look like in the first 90 days?
- How does this team prioritize competing demands to achieve long-term goals?
These questions not only demonstrated my strategic thinking but also helped me evaluate whether this role aligned with my own professional aspirations.
Takeaway: Asking the right questions shows you’re thinking beyond the role and focusing on the organization’s long-term success.
3. Authenticity Wins Every Time
There’s a temptation to present a perfectly polished version of yourself in high-stakes interviews, but I found that authenticity resonated more than perfection. Sharing my real-world challenges, lessons learned, and even areas of growth allowed me to connect on a human level.
For instance, I shared a story about navigating a particularly complex initiative at DaVita, where aligning cross-functional teams required resilience and adaptability. It was an opportunity to showcase not just the win but the process and personal growth behind it.
Takeaway: Vulnerability and authenticity make you relatable and memorable. People want to work with leaders who are real, not robotic.
4. Preparation Meets Opportunity
One of the most valuable aspects of preparing for this role was the chance to reflect on my career in a structured way. I created a “portfolio of leadership”—examples of projects I’ve led, strategies I’ve implemented, and the impact of my decisions. This portfolio not only served as a resource during the interviews but also as a reminder of the skills I bring to the table.
From rehearsing my answers to common executive-level questions to tailoring my pitch to the organization’s priorities, preparation made all the difference.
Takeaway: The work you do before you walk into the room is what sets you apart.
5. The Importance of Alignment
As I progressed through the interview process, I realized how critical it is for your personal values and goals to align with the role you’re pursuing. Beyond title and compensation, I reflected on whether the organization’s mission resonated with my own aspirations for impact and legacy.
For me, this role was not just about advancing my career but about finding a seat at the table where I could make meaningful contributions while staying true to my core values of empowerment, health, and community.
Takeaway: Success in any role depends on alignment between your values and the organization’s mission.
Closing Thoughts
Interviewing for an executive position is an enriching experience that goes beyond the pursuit of a title. It’s an opportunity to reflect, refine, and reimagine your leadership journey. Whether you land the role or not, the process itself can be transformative, offering clarity about who you are and where you want to go next.
For me, this journey reaffirmed my commitment to leading with purpose and staying authentic. If you’re preparing for a similar opportunity, lean into the process, stay true to your story, and trust in your ability to add value at the highest levels.
