The Key to Personal Success for C-Level Executives

April 8, 2025 – For C-suite leaders, it’s widely accepted that assembling a high-performing team is fundamental to a company’s success. While this is true, a more nuanced and often overlooked perspective is how team building directly impacts a leader’s personal career trajectory and professional goals, according to a new article from Wray Executive Search’s Ray Kelley. “The reality is that the best leaders do not just assemble teams to drive corporate results—they build teams that enable them to elevate their own influence, legacy, and long-term success,” he said.

“A C-level executive’s success is not just measured by quarterly earnings or shareholder value; it is also determined by their ability to lead effectively, scale their impact, and position themselves for greater opportunities—whether within their current organization or beyond,” Mr. Kelley said.

Wray Executive Search outlined how the right team plays a pivotal role in achieving these outcomes by enabling:

Leverage and Delegation: “Executives who assemble strong teams free themselves from operational minutiae, allowing them to focus on strategic vision, industry thought leadership, and high-value initiatives that elevate their professional standing,” Mr. Kelley said.

Enhanced Decision-Making: A well-structured team provides diverse perspectives, mitigating blind spots and ensuring that the executive consistently makes informed and impactful decisions—an essential component of maintaining credibility and authority, according to Mr. Kelley.

Sustainable Influence: “The best leaders understand that their influence is amplified through the people they empower,” said Mr. Kelley. “By nurturing talent, they extend their reach and create a lasting impact that enhances their reputation and career prospects.”

The Link Between Team Strength and Executive Career Growth

Leaders with high-performing teams are more likely to be recognized as transformational. Wray Executive Search notes that this recognition leads to several career-enhancing benefits:

Increased Board and Industry Visibility: Strong leadership teams enable C-level executives to dedicate time to external engagements, industry panels, and networking—key activities that open doors to board positions, speaking engagements, and strategic partnerships.

Internal Mobility and Promotion: Executives who build self-sufficient teams demonstrate their ability to scale leadership beyond their immediate function, making them prime candidates for expanded roles, CEO succession, or even transitions into other industries.

 With over 25 years of experience in executive search, talent acquisition, and business development, partner Ray Kelley specializes in retained C-Level search, functional leadership roles, and M&A integration, helping organizations build dynamic leadership teams that drive innovation, operational excellence, and sustained growth. He has a proven track record of identifying, attracting, and placing top-tier leadership talent across restaurant, hospitality, retail, consumer goods, and supply chain industries.

Exit Strategy and Future Opportunities: Wherever the next move is planned, a legacy of strong team building enhances an executive’s credibility and attractiveness to future employers and investors.

Building the Right Team: Key Considerations

To construct a team that not only drives corporate success but also enhances personal career growth, Wray Executive Search explains that C-level leaders should consider the following strategies:

Hire Complementary Strengths: Rather than seeking individuals who mirror their own skill set, executives should prioritize hiring leaders whose expertise fills gaps in their own capabilities, according to Mr. Kelley.

Empower and Develop Leaders: “The best executives cultivate a team of independent thinkers who can operate autonomously,” Mr. Kelley said. “This requires investment in leadership development, mentorship, and a culture of ownership.”

Align Team Goals with Personal Objectives: While company success remains a primary goal, executives should ensure that their team’s successes contribute to their own long-term aspirations, whether that’s becoming a recognized thought leader, preparing for a larger role, or expanding their professional influence, according to Mr. Kelley.

Foster a Succession Plan: Mr. Kelley also notes that a clear succession pipeline not only safeguards the company’s future but also positions the executive as a visionary leader who can build sustainable structures—a key credential for further career advancement.

“Building the right team is not just about driving company performance, it is a strategic lever for personal and professional success,” Mr. Kelley said. “For C-level executives, a well-structured and empowered team provides the foundation for greater influence, career advancement, and long-term professional fulfillment. By shifting the perspective from company-centric team building to a dual focus on corporate and personal success, executives can maximize both their immediate impact and their legacy.”

For 50 years Wray Executive Search has provided executive search and advisory services, recruiting leadership teams for many of the nation’s top restaurant, foodservice, hospitality, franchise, and retail companies. Wray is a purpose-driven executive search firm and human capital advisory, specializing in C-level, senior executive and functional leadership search. The firm is headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL.

Bob Gershberg is CEO and managing partner of Wray. He has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. Mr. Gershberg joined the company in 2004 as executive vice president to help lead the growth of the boutique search firm. In 2005, he became a partner, and in 2009, he was named CEO and managing partner. Mr. Gershberg specializes in searches for C-level positions, functional leadership roles, and M&A integration. He has knowledge and experience in restaurant, food service, retail and consumer industries and has completed assignments in finance, human resources, IT, supply chain, real estate, franchising, operations, and marketing.

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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media