The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director/VP, Change Management & Adoption
5-10 years at this levelSkills to master
- Leading large-scale transformation programmes, building and managing high-performing teams, influencing senior stakeholders, P&L management for a significant function.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led 3+ enterprise-wide transformation programmes from end-to-end, delivering measurable business value.
- Built and scaled a change management function or practice within a large organisation.
- Consistently received feedback on exceptional executive presence and strategic influence.
- Managed budgets exceeding £5M and consistently hit financial targets.
- 2
Chief People Officer (CPO) or Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
5-10 years at this level, with a strong focus on organisational development and talent strategy.Skills to master
- Enterprise talent strategy, HR technology, employee relations, cultural transformation, executive compensation, board engagement on people strategy.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrated ability to drive significant cultural change initiatives across an entire organisation.
- Deep expertise in talent management, organisational design, and workforce planning.
- Proven track record of advising the CEO and Board on complex people-related issues.
- Managed a large, global HR function with diverse specialisms.
- 3
Partner/Principal in a Top-Tier Management Consulting Firm (specialising in Change/Transformation)
10+ years as a consultant, leading major client engagements.Skills to master
- Client relationship management at the C-suite level, complex problem-solving across diverse industries, business development, thought leadership, managing large consulting teams.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple multi-million-pound transformation engagements for Fortune 500 clients.
- Recognised as an industry expert and thought leader in change management.
- Proven ability to generate significant new business and grow a practice area.
- Managed large, multi-disciplinary consulting teams across complex projects.