The Most Important Career Advice You Haven’t Acted on Yet
October 17, 2025 – In an environment defined by constant change and heightened expectations, leadership has become as much about clarity of purpose as it is about capability. Organizations are reassessing what effective leadership looks like—seeking individuals who not only bring expertise but can communicate their impact with precision and authenticity. As business models evolve and competition for skilled talent intensifies, the ability to convey one’s unique contribution has become a defining advantage. Executives today are navigating one of the most competitive talent markets we have seen in years, according to a recent article from Steve Ziegler, founder of the Denver-based executive search firm Z3Talent. “Whether it’s retaining top performers or attracting new leaders, one theme consistently emerges: candidates who can clearly articulate their value rise to the top,” he said.
Given this market, Z3Talent offered some practical tips for approaching raises, promotions, and career moves with confidence. If you are an executive, two career moments often define your career trajectory. Asking for a raise or promotion in your current organization and interviewing and negotiating for a new role elsewhere.
“Both are high-stakes conversations,” Mr. Ziegler said. “Too many leaders rely on tenure or reputation, treat negotiation as adversarial rather than collaborative, assume the resume speaks for itself without preparing their career story, and underestimate the importance of presence and influence in the room. Success instead comes from preparation, narrative, and confidence.”
1. Asking for a Raise or Promotion.
Anchor the conversation with data. Quantify your impact through measurable data such as P&L improvement, market share growth, operational efficiencies, team retention, etc. Mr. Ziegler explained to come prepared with specifics.
Related: The Rise of Authentic Leadership
Frame it as a mutual benefit. “Employers respond best when they see how retaining and rewarding you accelerates overall organizational goals,” Mr. Ziegler said. “Position your request as a win-win for the organization.”
Steve Ziegler brings over 25 years of experience in retained executive search and has a successful track record partnering with client organizations to deliver best-in-class talent to companies that are entrepreneurial-led, private equity-backed, and family-owned businesses. Throughout his career, he has placed over 1000 professionals spanning most industries, geographies, and functions. He is passionate about partnering with entrepreneurs, private equity firms, and family businesses in identifying hard-to-find executives for their companies that are going through some sort of transformational shift.
Practice your delivery. Negotiation is as much about tone and timing as substance, according to Mr. Ziegler. “Rehearse your key points until you can deliver them with clarity and confidence,” he said. “Consider role-playing with a trusted colleague or mentor to fine-tune.”
Visibility matters. “Promotions often go to those who are not only strong performers but also recognized as influencers inside the organization,” said Mr. Ziegler. “Volunteer for cross-functional projects and look for opportunities to be seen as a leader beyond your immediate team.”
2. Interviewing for a New Role
Craft a compelling narrative. Hiring leaders want to see the trajectory, according to Mr. Ziegler. “Build a storyline that connects the dots: where you started, how you scaled impact, and what challenges you have solved,” he noted. “End with why this move is the natural next step in your career. Practice telling it in two to three minutes.”
Prepare for objections. Anticipate the tough questions, such as why you are leaving your current role, gaps in your résumé, and/or industry shifts. “Draft concise, confident responses and rehearse until they feel natural,” Mr. Ziegler said.
Negotiate beyond salary. Before the interview, determine what matters most to you besides salary, such as scope of role, resources, team composition, growth opportunities, etc. “Come prepared with a list of thoughtful questions to help you assess these variables,” Mr. Ziegler explained.
Manage the pressure. “Nerves are normal,” Mr. Ziegler continued. “Create a pre-interview routine: review your notes, do a quick breathing exercise, or take a short walk. Again, consider role-playing with a trusted colleague or mentor to fine-tune.”
How Candidates Can Thrive in These Moments
- Quantify your value: Back up your contributions with data and results, not just tenure.
- Treat negotiation as collaboration: Position discussions as a way to align your growth with the organization’s success.
- Own your career story: Practice telling a clear, compelling narrative rather than relying on your resume alone.
- Communicate with confidence: Being prepared and confident makes your impact memorable.
“Whether you are preparing to ask for a raise or interviewing for your next role, the same principles apply,” Mr. Ziegler said. “These are not just soft skills—they are career multipliers. We consistently see executives who master negotiation and communication accelerate faster both within their current organizations and in the job market.”
Related: Leading Your Team Through Change with Confidence
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
