S7 Ep4: The CEO Mindset – Thinking and Acting Like a Senior Leader

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success!

In this 14-minute episode, we unpack what it really means to adopt the CEO mindset—because stepping into senior leadership starts long before the job title. Whether you're aiming for that next-level promotion or preparing for a bigger leadership leap, developing this way of thinking will set you apart.
🗂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • What the CEO Mindset Really Means – Going beyond confidence and into strategic, long-term thinking.
• Making Decisions Like a Senior Leader – Why taking ownership and focusing on value is key.
• Shifting from Doer to Leader – How to elevate your thinking and stop being stuck in the weeds.
• Influence and Visibility – How senior leaders build relationships, communicate, and lead through others.
• The Habits That Make a Difference – Practical mindset shifts to start making now to lead at the next level.

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
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🦉 You can also connect with me over on LinkedIn for more career strategy and leadership insights.
Stick around for more episodes that help you grow into the leader you were meant to be.

Useful Resources

📚 Book Recommendations
1.“The First 90 Days” by Michael D. Watkins
oIdeal for new leaders or those preparing for leadership.
2.“Multipliers” by Liz Wiseman
oTeaches how to lead with influence and amplify others’ performance.
3.“Executive Presence” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
oOffers a practical breakdown of gravitas, communication, and appearance.
4.“Playing Big” by Tara Mohr
oParticularly empowering for women stepping into senior leadership thinking before the title arrives.
5.“The CEO Next Door” by Elena Botelho & Kim Powell
oBased on research of over 2,600 leaders; gives practical habits of successful CEOs.

🧠 Articles & Reports
•McKinsey’s “The Mindsets and Practices of Excellent CEOs”
Available on mckinsey.com – Offers a research-backed view of key behaviours.
•HBR: “What Sets Successful CEOs Apart”
oTouches on decision-making speed and adapting boldly—core to your episode.

💻 Online Learning Platforms
•LinkedIn Learning
oCourses: “Developing Executive Presence,” “Strategic Thinking,” “Leading Without Formal Authority”
•Coursera
oRecommendation: “Strategic Leadership and Management” by University of Illinois
•MindTools.com
oQuick reads and templates for stakeholder mapping, decision trees, and communication strategies.

Transcript

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success, the podcast that helps you build the skills, confidence, and strategy to thrive in your career. 

I’m Kathryn, your host, and today, we’re diving into a topic that can truly transform the way you approach your career: The CEO Mindset – Thinking and Acting Like a Senior Leader.

Let’s talk about how to show you’re ready for leadership—before the title, the team, or the office with your name on the door.

Whether you’re aiming for your first leadership role or you’ve recently stepped up, this mindset shift will help you stand out from your peers and build trust with senior stakeholders.

I once worked with someone—we’ll call her S—who was a mid-level project manager. She started asking to sit in on senior meetings as an observer. After those meetings, she’d send short notes with useful feedback or suggestions. No one asked her to, but it made her stand out as someone who thinks like a leader. Within six months, she was promoted. Mindset really does precede the title.

So today, I want to walk you through five ways to think like a leader before the promotion comes. These are the habits I see in people who move up quickly and sustainably—people who earn trust, take action, and influence without formal authority.

In today’s episode, we’ll cover: 
✔️ How to develop strategic thinking and see the bigger picture like a senior leader 
✔️ Recognising your decision-making habits and making smarter, faster calls 
✔️ Building executive presence and communicating with confidence 
✔️ Leading with influence—how to inspire others without relying on authority 
✔️ Shifting to an ownership mindset to drive success in your career

But before we jump in, I invite you to grab your favourite beverage, find a comfy spot, grab a notebook or just sit back and relax and keep listening for those lightbulb moments to map out your leadership path!

What is the CEO Mindset?
The CEO mindset is not about holding a prestigious title or occupying a corner office. In fact, it's about how you approach your role, make decisions, and inspire the people around you. CEOs and senior leaders operate on a completely different level compared to those in more tactical roles. They look at the bigger picture, drive long-term strategic initiatives, and make decisions with the entire organisation's future in mind. They’re not bogged down by day-to-day tasks; they focus on creating value, managing risks, and setting the direction for growth.

The CEO mindset requires a constant balance between vision and execution, where you not only see where the company is headed but also understand the steps required to get there. It's about shifting your thinking from reacting to situations to proactively shaping them. And here's the key takeaway: 

You don’t need to be a CEO to start thinking like one. By adopting this mindset early in your career, you can stand out from your peers, demonstrate your leadership potential, and accelerate your path to senior leadership roles.

In fact, those who start thinking like senior leaders before they get to those positions are often the ones who get noticed, given more responsibility, and fast-tracked into roles with greater influence. It's about developing the habits and mindset of a leader today, regardless of where you are in your career.

So, what does it take to develop this CEO mindset? Let's break it down:

1. Strategic Thinking: The Bigger Picture
One of the most crucial shifts you need to make as you move into senior leadership is transitioning from being solely task-focused to thinking strategically. Senior leaders don’t just work in the business; they work on the business. This means you're not just ticking off your to-do list—you need to be thinking ahead, anticipating changes, and positioning the organisation for future growth.

This means lifting your head from the to-do list and looking at the why and the impact behind what you’re doing.
Start asking:
• “What are we trying to achieve?”
• “How does this align with our team or company goals?”
• “What might get in the way?”

Coaching Tip:
I often tell my clients that developing strategic thinking doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a muscle you have to exercise regularly. Set aside dedicated time for “big-picture thinking.” 

Start small: block an hour in your calendar each week to step back and look at the trends and shifts happening in your industry. 

During this time, ask yourself questions like: How do my daily tasks contribute to the company’s larger goals? and What potential risks could impact our business in the next 6-12 months? This will not only help you develop a more strategic perspective, but it will also help you anticipate challenges before they arise.

One of my clients, J, blocked out 30 minutes every Friday afternoon for what he called “Strategy Hour.” At first, he felt guilty—not doing “real work.” But soon, he began noticing patterns—customer issues, delays, gaps in process—and started flagging them. Eventually, he pitched a simple change that saved his team hours each week, and he’s now leading a broader transformation piece. That’s the power of thinking beyond your current workload.

Another powerful habit is to actively read industry reports and follow thought leaders. Staying informed helps you predict market trends and innovations, giving you the edge to implement forward-thinking strategies. 

Start thinking ahead, and you’ll quickly build your reputation as someone who looks beyond the day-to-day.

2. Decision-Making: Balancing Risk and Reward
Leaders aren’t always right, but they are decisive. If you want to show you're ready to lead, you need to build your decision-making muscle. That means weighing up your options, seeking input if needed—but then choosing a course and moving forward.  They don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis; they make calculated choices that propel the organisation forward.

Coaching Tip:
I often encourage clients to practice faster decision-making in their daily tasks. Don’t overthink every small choice. If it’s a low-risk decision, trust your instincts and move forward. 

For more significant choices, use a simple framework to streamline the process:
1. Gather the key facts – What do you absolutely need to know to make an informed decision?
2. Weigh the risks and benefits – What’s the worst-case and best-case scenario?
3. Take action – Move forward with confidence, but stay flexible if you need to pivot.

I remember one client—let’s call her L—who delayed sending a proposal for over a week. She kept tweaking it to make it “perfect.” By the time she sent it, her competitor had already pitched. That moment shifted everything for her. Now, she follows the 80% rule: if it’s 80% there, it’s good enough to send, and she refines later. She’s had more wins and more confidence ever since.

The more you practice, the more comfortable and decisive you'll become. Speed in decision-making is a skill that develops over time, and the more you make decisions, the better you’ll get at balancing risk and reward.

3. Developing Executive Presence
Executive presence is often cited as one of the most critical traits for senior leaders. It isn’t about being the loudest person in the room, it’s about how you communicate—calm, clear, confident—and how you carry yourself under pressure.

Coaching Tip:
I always tell my clients to think of executive presence as a combination of clarity, composure, and conviction.
• Clarity: Be concise and avoid jargon. Senior leaders need to get straight to the point without confusing their audience.
• Composure: How you handle stress is a huge factor in your executive presence. In high-pressure situations, remain calm and measured. Your team will look to you for cues on how to respond.
• Conviction: Speak with confidence, even when discussing challenges. When you communicate, speak as though you truly believe in what you’re saying. If you don’t, others won’t either.

I worked with someone we’ll call R, a finance manager who used to nervously read from notes during team updates. We practised a few subtle tweaks: making eye contact, pausing before answering, and trusting her expertise. A month later, her director said, “You’ve really stepped into your authority.” She hadn’t changed her job title—just her presence.

One great way to build your executive presence is by actively leading meetings. Don’t just show up—take charge. Come prepared with insights, pose thoughtful questions, and contribute to discussions. Lead the conversation rather than just following it. This positions you as someone who adds real value, which will enhance your credibility and presence.

4. Leading with Influence, Not Just Authority
As you advance in your career, the ability to lead with influence becomes far more important than relying on authority. Senior leaders understand that their success is built on the ability to inspire and motivate others, not just give orders.

Even without direct reports, you can lead. Think about how you bring people with you—how you build relationships, listen actively, and connect others to a shared purpose.

Coaching Tip:
Leading with influence starts with building strong relationships across the business. Take time to understand your stakeholders’ motivations and how they align with the organisation’s goals. 

One of my favourite examples is someone I coached who worked in compliance. She wanted to improve collaboration with another department that often resisted her requests. Instead of escalating, she invited one of their leads for coffee and shared a customer impact story that showed why her work mattered. That story changed the tone—and the relationship. Suddenly, it wasn’t “her” task—it was their shared goal.

Senior leaders often use storytelling to get buy-in, presenting ideas in a way that resonates emotionally and logically. Instead of just telling people what to do, show them why it matters and how it fits into the larger vision.

Improving your listening skills is also key to leadership by influence. Practice listening more than you speak. When you take the time to truly understand others' perspectives, you gain insights that will help you lead more effectively. The more you understand, the easier it is to inspire people and bring them along with you.

5. Thinking Like an Owner
This one’s big. Leaders don’t wait to be asked. They step up, spot problems, and take responsibility for outcomes—even if it’s outside their job description.  One of the most powerful shifts you can make as a senior leader is thinking like an owner. The best leaders act as though they own the company, even when they don’t. They’re proactive, accountable, and constantly seeking ways to drive the business forward.

Coaching Tip:
Ask yourself: If I owned this business, what would I do differently? This question helps you view your role through the lens of ownership. Think beyond your job description and take ownership of both challenges and opportunities. Don’t wait for instructions—anticipate what needs to be done and step up to make it happen.

I remember working with M, a customer service lead who said, “I’m just here to escalate issues.” We flipped that: “No—you’re the eyes and ears of the customer. You see what’s broken before anyone else does.” She started tracking issues and sending simple reports to her manager with recommendations. That proactive approach got her invited onto a service redesign team and eventually promoted. Ownership opens doors.

A practical way to cultivate an ownership mindset is by expanding your focus from personal performance to business results. Take time to understand the financials, customer feedback, and overall business strategy. 

By looking at the business as a whole, you’ll be able to spot areas where you can add value, whether it’s in efficiency, cost-saving measures, or innovation.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps
That’s it for today’s episode, let’s quickly recap everything we’ve covered today:
1️. Start Thinking Like a CEO—No Title Required
You don’t need a corner office to adopt the CEO mindset. It’s about how you think, make decisions, and lead. Begin seeing the bigger picture, focusing on long-term value, and approaching your role with strategic intent. Those who think like leaders early are often the ones who become leaders.
2️. Build Strategic Thinking into Your Weekly Routine
Shift from task-focused to future-focused. Set aside regular time each week to scan industry trends, analyse what’s ahead, and reflect on how your work contributes to broader business goals. Strategic thinking is a skill you build by doing.
3️. Sharpen Your Decision-Making—Fast and Smart
Great leaders don’t wait for perfect information. Learn to make informed, timely decisions by assessing risks and moving forward with confidence. Speed comes with practice, so start refining your decision-making process now.
4️. Develop Executive Presence—Be Clear, Calm, and Convincing
Leadership presence isn’t about volume—it’s about impact. Communicate clearly, stay composed under pressure, and speak with conviction. Step up in meetings, lead conversations, and show you’re someone people can trust to lead.
5️. Lead with Influence, Not Just Authority
The most respected leaders inspire, not instruct. Focus on building strong relationships, listening deeply, and telling compelling stories to win hearts and minds. Influence is built on trust and understanding.
6️. Think Like an Owner—Act Beyond Your Job Description
Take initiative. Own outcomes. Look at the business as a whole and ask yourself: “What would I do if this were my company?” The more you step up and take ownership, the more you’ll be seen as a senior leader in the making.

And most importantly – start today. Leadership isn’t a title; it’s a mindset. The sooner you start thinking and acting like a senior leader, the sooner you’ll become one.

You don’t need a leadership title to build a leadership identity.

And if you’re working on this—starting to think and act like a leader—tag me in your CEO mindset moments on LinkedIn or Instagram. Whether it’s taking initiative, owning a decision, or speaking up in a meeting—I’d love to cheer you on.

You’re closer than you think.

If you found today’s episode valuable, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your network. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn—just search Kathryn Hall, The Career Owl.

Until next time—keep growing, keep leading, and keep building your leadership pathway! 

Useful Resources

📚 Book Recommendations
1. “The First 90 Days” by Michael D. Watkins
o Ideal for new leaders or those preparing for leadership.
2. “Multipliers” by Liz Wiseman
o Teaches how to lead with influence and amplify others’ performance.
3. “Executive Presence” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
o Offers a practical breakdown of gravitas, communication, and appearance.
4. “Playing Big” by Tara Mohr
o Particularly empowering for women stepping into senior leadership thinking before the title arrives.
5. “The CEO Next Door” by Elena Botelho & Kim Powell
o Based on research of over 2,600 leaders; gives practical habits of successful CEOs.

🧠 Articles & Reports
• McKinsey’s “The Mindsets and Practices of Excellent CEOs”
Available on mckinsey.com – Offers a research-backed view of key behaviours.
• HBR: “What Sets Successful CEOs Apart”
o Touches on decision-making speed and adapting boldly—core to your episode.

💻 Online Learning Platforms
• LinkedIn Learning
o Courses: “Developing Executive Presence,” “Strategic Thinking,” “Leading Without Formal Authority”
• Coursera
o Recommendation: “Strategic Leadership and Management” by University of Illinois
• MindTools.com
o Quick reads and templates for stakeholder mapping, decision trees, and communication strategies.