The Fastest Way to Achieve Your Leadership Goals

 How Do You Answer, “What Do You Do?”

Most people respond with their job title and employer—“I’m a software engineer at a tech company” or “I’m a marketing manager at X.”

That makes it easy for others to categorize you, but does it actually tell them who you are? Not really. When I hear a title, I might think, Oh, they write code—but that doesn’t tell me anything about your potential, ambitions, or unique contributions.

And here’s the problem: in today’s world, your job title isn’t enough.

Why Titles Alone Won’t Set You Apart

A few years ago, when the job market was booming, your title might have been enough to move you forward. But now? There are hundreds of software engineers, data scientists, and managers in your company alone.

That’s why people tell you to be visible—raise your hand in meetings, present more, volunteer for projects. These are good tactics, but they only address the “how.”

But visibility alone isn’t enough. The key question is: Visibility for what purpose?

Leadership Isn’t a Title—It’s Your Vision

Many people say they want to be a leader. But if I ask them what that means, they struggle to answer.

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions or having authority. It’s about knowing:

✅ Where you think your team or organization should be heading

✅ Why that direction matters

If you can’t answer those questions, you’re not leading—you’re following trends instead of setting direction.

You can follow what others do, but you need a strong reason for why that’s the right path.

Imagine Two Presidential Candidates

Let’s put this into perspective. Imagine you have two people running for president:

🗳️ Candidate 1: “I want to be president because it’s the highest title I can achieve in this country.”

🗳️ Candidate 2: “I want to shape this country into [vision of the future], and if I get elected, I will do [specific plan] to make that happen.”

Who do you see as a leader? Who do you want to work for?

The same principle applies at work.

Leadership isn’t about chasing a title, it’s about knowing where you want to go and why.

Defining Your Own Path—Without a Title

Many struggle to describe what they do without their title. Even more struggle to describe where they want to go in their careers without using a title.

I know, because I’ve been there.

For a long time, I felt like I was mumbling my way through my ambitions, unable to articulate my career vision. I knew I’d recognize it if I saw it, but I couldn’t describe it. And that was frustrating.

But this process of finding your “what” and “why” is what sets you apart.

A Real-World Example of Leadership Thinking

I once spoke with a data scientist at a small company. I asked her, if you can do anything, what do you want to do?

“I want to restructure our entire data functions so all data flow is more streamlined. That way, we have more efficiency and better data quality. With that, we can create room for more advanced analytics that can drive revenue opportunities.”

That’s C-suite-level thinking. And because of that, I’m certain she will reach C-suite in her career.

What to Say When Someone Asks, “What Do You Do?”

So, next time someone asks, don’t just give your title. Try this instead:

🔹 What are you building? (Your vision)

🔹 Why is that important? (The impact you’re driving)

🔹 (And if applicable) What help do you need? (Your obstacles and how others can support you)

Instead of saying “I’m a software engineer,” say:

“I’m building a platform where people can learn, connect, and enrich their lives. Right now, I’m focused on minimizing the negative effects of social media—like addiction and depression—while maximizing its benefits for human well-being. Since you’re a product leader, I’d love your support in prioritizing user well-being, even if it doesn’t maximize short-term revenue. Let’s chat more if you’re interested!”

When you speak this way, people see you differently—not just as another person in a role, but as a leader shaping the future.

And that changes everything.

In today’s economy, opportunities come from people recognizing your unique perspective and potential. When you share your vision, you don’t just stand out—you create new opportunities, take control of your career path, and that’s the fastest way to reach your true career goals.

So, what do you do?

If you’re ready to articulate your vision, take control of your career path, and step into leadership on your own terms, join the Women Leaders Club. It’s a space where high-achieving women gain the clarity, strategies, and support they need to confidently shape their careers and create new opportunities for themselves.