This page distills the most essential insights and approaches for those aspiring to step into executive leadership. Whether you lead a team, manage projects, or influence stakeholders informally, this guide will help you chart a path toward a top-tier leadership role. Yvonne Cohen has worked with over 2,000 leaders—including first-time managers and emerging executives—helping them prepare for promotions, lead with influence, and shape their leadership identity.

At the end of this page, you’ll find a complete list of all the articles Yvonne has written on this topic.

What is Aspiring Leadership?

Aspiring leadership refers to the mindset and action of individuals who want to move into higher levels of leadership. These are individuals who have a deep desire to grow, contribute more strategically, and influence decisions at a broader scale. Aspiring leaders often face the challenge of visibility, proving readiness, and building trust with those already in power.

But aspiration alone is not enough. Moving from middle management or project leadership into the executive space requires deliberate planning, visibility, and expanded strategic thinking. That’s where executive mentoring becomes a key catalyst.

The Journey from Aspiration to Executive Presence

Aspiring leaders don’t just need more skills—they need refinement. Here are five focus areas Yvonne uses to help future executives accelerate their development:

1. Strategic Visibility – Learn how to be seen as a value creator by those above you.
2. Communication Clarity – Speak with executive presence and influence across levels.
3. Performance Framing – Present your work and wins in ways that build trust and open doors.
4. Decision Discipline – Strengthen your ability to navigate high-stakes decisions.
5. Mentor Magnetism – Attract sponsors and mentors who can champion your progression.

Are Executive Skills Innate or Learned?

It’s a myth that executives are born with leadership traits. While personality plays a role, executive readiness is built over time through feedback, experience, reflection, and guidance. Many of Yvonne’s clients come to her with strong capabilities but limited pathways. With the right mentoring, they accelerate rapidly.

Read more: How to Position Yourself for Executive Roles Even if You Haven’t Been Tapped Yet

Lessons from Leaders Who’ve Risen

Yvonne has guided hundreds of professionals through their leap into executive roles. Here are three transformational patterns that often make the difference:

• Stop Leading Like a Manager: Executives lead systems, not just people. The mindset must shift from control to clarity.
• Build a Leadership Scorecard: Track how your leadership adds value beyond your team—across departments, strategy, and culture.
• Know the Executive Decision Lens: Start thinking like an executive now so you’re not learning on the job later.

How to Accelerate Your Executive Readiness

Step 1: Seek Cross-Functional Challenges
Don’t just do more work—do the right kind of work. Seek exposure outside your function.

Step 2: Lead Strategically, Not Tactically
Learn how to set direction, create clarity, and influence outcomes.

Step 3: Document Your Value
Executives document and communicate their results. You must too.

Step 4: Mentor Others
The fastest path to senior leadership? Develop the people behind you.

Step 5: Be in the Right Rooms
Your growth accelerates when the right decision-makers see you in action.

Read more: What Stops Talented Leaders from Advancing and How to Fix It

Best Leadership Books for Aspiring Executives

• The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins
• Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
• Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
• The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Explore more Organisational Mentoring insights and mentoring strategies [HERE]