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
VP / Director of Corporate Innovation (Large Enterprise)
5-10 years at VP/Director level prior to CINOSkills to master
- Managing multi-million pound innovation portfolios, leading large innovation teams, driving cross-functional change, securing executive sponsorship for major initiatives, and demonstrating clear ROI from innovation programmes.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully launched and scaled 2-3 new ventures that generated significant revenue.
- Built and led a high-performing innovation team of 20+ people.
- Consistently secured and managed a multi-million pound innovation budget.
- Proven ability to influence C-suite and board-level stakeholders on strategic innovation initiatives.
- Recognised internally and externally as a leader in corporate innovation.
- 2
Head of Strategy / Corporate Development (Large Enterprise)
7-12 years in strategic roles, with 3-5 years focused on innovation/new venturesSkills to master
- Deep understanding of market analysis, M&A strategy, strategic planning, competitive intelligence, and identifying white space opportunities. Needs to develop strong execution and venture building capabilities.
You're ready to move on when
- Led major strategic planning cycles and identified new growth opportunities for the enterprise.
- Successfully executed 1-2 M&A deals or major strategic partnerships.
- Developed a strong understanding of innovation methodologies and venture building.
- Demonstrated ability to translate strategic vision into actionable initiatives.
- Built strong relationships across business units and with external partners.
- 3
Successful Founder / CEO of a Scaled Venture
10-15 years building and scaling a successful startup, followed by a transition to corporateSkills to master
- Entrepreneurial mindset, rapid execution, product-market fit, fundraising, team building, and scaling a business. Needs to develop skills in navigating large corporate structures, influencing without direct authority, and managing internal politics.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully founded, scaled, and exited (or significantly grown) a venture-backed company.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead a high-performing team from scratch.
- Strong understanding of market dynamics, customer acquisition, and business model innovation.
- Proven ability to secure significant funding and manage investor relations.
- A clear desire to apply entrepreneurial energy and expertise within a large corporate setting.