The VP Mindset: How To Think Like an Executive to Become The Obvious Choice

One of the biggest challenges for aspiring VPs is transitioning from supervising work to influencing strategy. They get bogged down in day-to-day tasks, unable to step back and focus on strategic growth.

After working with 100s of executives I know this to be true: It’s not a skill or talent problem. It’s a mindset blocker. The Pitfall: Staying stuck in the weeds and failing to think like an executive We attach our worth to how hard we work, or how many hours we put in and disregard things that don’t deliver immediate outcomes like networking, self promotion, strategic thinking.

I pushed back on "schmoozing" for years and opted to stay in the office and work instead.

I passed on invitations to join leadership meetings because they were “not helpful”.

I had great ideas for the company, but I never had the time to write them down.

And the result was getting stuck, unable to cross the chasm to executive leadership.

Your value as an executive doesn’t come from being the hardest worker. It comes from being able to think strategically, connect the dots, see the big picture, communicate and influence others to drive business results.

And until you believe that and act on it - you won’t get out of the weeds.

Let’s talk about how to make this shift

1. Give Yourself a Promotion

The real transformation starts with believing you’re ready. If you don’t see yourself as VP material, how can anyone else? Confidence is key to leadership.

Stop questioning if you belong and give yourself a promotion. Start acting like you are already operating at the next level, and your mindset will follow.

2. Shift the Balance Between Tactics and Strategy

To think like a VP, you need to spend more time on the big picture—beyond your team or even your organization. “I’m too busy” is the biggest lie you tell yourself. Strategic thinking doesn’t happen by accident—you have to carve out time for it.

Ask yourself:

• How does my work align with the company’s long-term goals?

• What external trends or risks should we be preparing for?

• How can I position myself as someone who solves strategic problems, not just operational ones?

This shift will show senior leaders that you’re ready to lead at the next level.

3. Delegate to Elevate Your Impact

Let go of tasks that don’t require your unique skills. This doesn’t just free up your time—it demonstrates your ability to empower others and focus on higher-level responsibilities.

Ask yourself:

• What are the most impactful things I can do?

• What can I delegate to my team to help them grow while I focus on strategy?

Delegation isn’t a loss of control—it’s a sign of leadership.

4. Invest in Yourself

The best executives stay at the top of their game by continuously learning and growing. Whether it’s through executive coaching, industry conferences, or studying the greats, reinvesting in yourself is essential for long-term success.

Ask yourself:

• What skills do I need to develop to operate at the VP level?

• What resources or mentors can help me get there faster?

Action Steps: Your VP Game Plan

Take a few minutes to reflect and create your VP Game Plan:

1. Identify if you have a mindset problem. Do you believe you have what it takes to level up into a VP role?

2. Are you stuck in the weeds, finding it hard to shift from “doing” to “leading”?

3. What do you need to believe in order to break the cycle?

The best way to prepare for a VP role is to start acting like one now.

Show up as the leader you aspire to be—strategic, confident, and focused on impact.