Assert Your Future, Don't Appease Others

"What's next for you?"

A simple question that can derail even the most accomplished executive's interview. I’ve found that most folks misunderstand what's really being asked.

This isn't small talk. This is a power move. A test. A glimpse into whether you're a chess player or a chess piece.

Your answer doesn't just reveal your ambition, self-awareness, and strategic thinking. It exposes whether you're truly executive material or just wearing the title.

Here's the catch-22: Show too much ambition, and the hiring manager sees you as a threat. Show too little, and you're instantly forgettable. 

So what's the play?

Most executives choose between two losing strategies.

Either they water down their ambitions to appear "safe" or they try to read minds and say what they think others want to hear.

The top 1% of executives understand that this question isn't about finding the right diplomatic answer—it's about creating a shared vision so compelling that your ambition becomes an asset, not a threat.

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