3 minute read
How do I decide what role to pursue next in my career? How do I decide what role to pursue next in my career?
Start with the value you want to keep creating—not simply the title that looks like the next logical step.
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Practical perspective for the decisions that shape what comes next.
Direct, practical answers to the career questions experienced CPG leaders ask when the next move matters.
Start with the question in front of you
Strong careers still create difficult decisions.
Browse 25 substantive, easy-to-scan articles on career direction, positioning, job search, interviewing, and relationships.
Career Direction
4 articles3 minute read
How do I pivot within CPG without starting over? How do I pivot within CPG without starting over?
Position the move as a translation of existing value—not a break from everything you have already built.
2 minute read
How do I know if it is time to make a bigger career change? How do I know if it is time to make a bigger career change?
Look for a sustained mismatch between the work you are doing and the contribution you want to make—not one difficult week.
2 minute read
How do I stop overthinking my career and take the next step? How do I stop overthinking my career and take the next step?
Reduce the size of the decision and choose an action that produces new evidence.
Executive Positioning
4 articles3 minute read
What are hiring managers actually looking for in VP-level candidates? What are hiring managers actually looking for in VP-level candidates?
VP readiness is less about accumulated seniority and more about business judgment, leadership range, and trust.
2 minute read
How do I explain a career gap during a job search? How do I explain a career gap during a job search?
Explain it briefly, truthfully, and without apology—then move the conversation toward the value you are ready to create.
3 minute read
How do I position myself for a VP or executive role? How do I position myself for a VP or executive role?
Show enterprise judgment, consequential scope, and a repeatable leadership pattern—not simply readiness for a larger title.
3 minute read
How do I rebuild confidence in my CPG leadership value? How do I rebuild confidence in my CPG leadership value?
Use specific evidence of how you think, lead, and create outcomes—not generic encouragement.
Job-Search Strategy
6 articles3 minute read
What should I focus on in the first 90 days after losing a job? What should I focus on in the first 90 days after losing a job?
Stabilize first, then build a focused search around direction, positioning, relationships, and repeatable weekly action.
2 minute read
How long does it typically take an experienced CPG professional to land a new role? How long does it typically take an experienced CPG professional to land a new role?
Senior searches often take months, not weeks, because there are fewer roles, longer decisions, and more stakeholders.
3 minute read
How do I stay focused during a senior-level job search? How do I stay focused during a senior-level job search?
Create decision criteria and a weekly operating rhythm so every new possibility does not rewrite your strategy.
2 minute read
How do I keep rejection from defining my value? How do I keep rejection from defining my value?
Treat a no as information about one decision, then extract what is useful without turning it into a verdict on your career.
2 minute read
How should I manage my time during a job search? How should I manage my time during a job search?
Allocate time by strategic value, protect relationship-building, and review results weekly.
3 minute read
How do I use market feedback to improve my job search? How do I use market feedback to improve my job search?
Look for repeated signals at each conversion point, then change one part of the strategy at a time.
Interviewing & Negotiation
6 articles3 minute read
Why do I get interviews but no job offers? Why do I get interviews but no job offers?
Your background is creating interest, but something in the later-stage conversation is not yet creating enough confidence.
3 minute read
How do I explain my value clearly in a senior-level interview? How do I explain my value clearly in a senior-level interview?
Connect a specific business need to a leadership pattern you can prove with relevant outcomes.
3 minute read
How do I lead an interview without taking over the conversation? How do I lead an interview without taking over the conversation?
Create structure, clarify the business need, and connect your evidence—while remaining responsive to the interviewer.
2 minute read
How do I turn an interview into a real business conversation? How do I turn an interview into a real business conversation?
Understand the mandate, answer with relevant judgment, and ask questions that advance shared understanding.
2 minute read
How should I follow up after a senior-level interview? How should I follow up after a senior-level interview?
Reinforce relevance, address a meaningful point from the conversation, and make the next step easy.
3 minute read
How do I negotiate a senior-level job offer without damaging the relationship? How do I negotiate a senior-level job offer without damaging the relationship?
Start from enthusiasm, evaluate the whole offer, and make a businesslike request grounded in priorities.
Networking & Visibility
5 articles2 minute read
How do I stay visible in CPG while I am between roles? How do I stay visible in CPG while I am between roles?
Participate with useful perspective, consistent relationships, and real curiosity—not a stream of announcements that you are looking.
2 minute read
How can an interview strengthen my network even when I do not get the job? How can an interview strengthen my network even when I do not get the job?
Treat every interview as a substantive professional conversation and preserve the relationship after the decision.
2 minute read
How do I network without asking people for something? How do I network without asking people for something?
Begin with interest, context, and contribution rather than disguising a job request as a relationship.
3 minute read
How should I use LinkedIn to strengthen my CPG professional brand? How should I use LinkedIn to strengthen my CPG professional brand?
Make your value clear, contribute a recognizable point of view, and use the platform to deepen real relationships.
2 minute read
How do I write a networking message people will answer? How do I write a networking message people will answer?
Use a real connection, a clear reason for reaching out, and a small request that respects the other person’s time.
When the question is personal
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