The Traditional Executive Career Path – A Relic of the Past?
Dear Friends,
For a long time, executive careers followed a familiar path: build expertise, take on greater responsibility, earn the next title, and eventually “retire”. But traditional norms feel like an outdated relic. The times, as they say, are changing.
People are living and working longer, and the breathtaking rise of “unretirement” and “encore careers” is bringing experienced professionals back into the workforce through leadership roles, consulting, advisory work, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and other forms of meaningful work. At the same time, AI and rapid changes in the workplace are reshaping roles and organizations, making it harder, if not impossible, to map out a career five or ten years in advance.
As an executive coach, I see this shift as an exciting opportunity to rethink what career planning can look like.
Rather than asking, “Where do I want to be five years from now?” leaders can ask, “What do I want to be capable of five years from now?” That shift creates room for growth and flexibility across a career that may span decades and several distinct chapters. Titles and roles will evolve, while qualities such as curiosity, sound judgment, adaptability, communication, and self-awareness remain valuable across organizations, industries, and all stages of a career. Building those capabilities gives leaders a deeply solid foundation they can carry into whatever comes next, whether that means stepping into a larger role or returning to work after a period away. I’ve written before about the “unretiring” trend and the fight against ageism at work – and I think these topics are even more relevant now than then.
AI adds another important dimension. Leaders need to understand how technology is changing their organizations and their own roles while investing in the distinctly human capabilities that remain central to effective leadership. Strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, relationship building, creativity, and sound decision-making become especially valuable when the path ahead is difficult to predict. For leaders with longer careers ahead, staying curious and willing to learn –and even become a leader in new tech– may become one of the most important professional advantages they can develop.
Ultimately, your career is uniquely yours, and developing the judgment, curiosity, and flexibility to navigate each chapter with purpose can help you move forward with clarity. My advice– be nimble, be open, forget any preconceived notions you may have. If you are thinking through what your next career chapter could look like, reach out to explore how I can support you along the way.
Best,
Michael
