check

Career Optimization Roadmap Inventory

Yes — let’s set the stage for powerful, targeted work together.

Before we move into strategy, I want a clear read on your top priorities and the specific leadership landscape you’re operating in. This assessment gives us the precision we need to sequence the exact accelerator steps that will create meaningful lift — fast.

This approach has equipped some of our most advanced clients to generate rapid momentum, not through volume, but through strategic clarity and customized action that matches their environment and their ambitions.

By the time you complete this, you’ll be positioned to leverage:The first strategic moves that will generate immediate momentum — the high-impact levers that shift perception and trajectory quickly.

Guidance calibrated to your environment so every action strengthens your Differentiator-Based Advantage.

Clear insight into where your opportunities lie — and where you’re already operating on a leadership trajectory.

A set of executive-level practices you can integrate seamlessly into your day-to-day, strengthening your Empowerment Pivot and positioning you to move from contribution to leadership with precision.

This is the foundation for how we accelerate your ascent — intentionally, elegantly, and in alignment with how senior decision-makers evaluate talent.

This will give us the clarity to see what’s already landing powerfully — and where a few targeted shifts can immediately elevate your trajectory. Click the button below to begin.

Start

Welcome and Kick Off

*

Question 2 of 58

0. A. Your name, email and phone number:

Question 3 of 58

0. B.  Tell me a little bit about what you do in your current role - your title, level, a headline or two about the way you spend most of your time and the high level result you're meant to produce.

Question 4 of 58

0. C. Imaging yourself standing in the near future (12-18 months out) and see yourself having already met your current near-term career goals. Describe in a few sentences your vision for what this looks like AS IF IT’S ALREADY HAPPENED:

 

What results have you produced?

What impact is that having?

What resources has that make available for the fun part of your life?

What does all that feel like?

Question 5 of 58

0.D. Back to the present. What's already working about your career? What do you love most about it? What feels right and good about it now? 

I've Set Myself Up for Success

Step 1

Question 7 of 58

1.A. I have created a clear vision of where I’m headed in my career, what results I want to produce and contribute, and how that’s wonderful for me in the broader context of my life.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 8 of 58

1.B. I know what I need to support my health and well-being. I have incorporated these non-negotiables into my routine.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 9 of 58

1.C I have carved out and honor dedicated time in my calendar to determine and implement career optimization actions.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 10 of 58

1.D. I’ve identified a group of advisors - at least one or two people (preferably both a male and female) I trust who understand my organization and can help me customize my implementation efforts to be effective in this specific context, I’ve requested they act as a sounding board, and they’ve agreed to work with me. I've considered an HR person and my manager as possible members of this group.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 11 of 58

1.E. I've determined how I want to show up at work, i.e., how I want to be BEING, I check in periodically with myself to see if I'm showing up that way, and course correct as appropriate.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 12 of 58

1. F. I have given myself permission to go all out for what I really want for my career. I am clear about the difference between when I am in an empowered vs. disempowered mindset. When I identify that a disempowered mindset is at play, I can reliably pivot to a state of mind that makes the most of the efforts I'm putting forward.

 

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

I’ve made my current role an effective launch pad for what I want next

Step 2

Question 14 of 58

2.A. I am clear about the specific outcomes that are expected of me in my current role by my mangers and other stakeholders, in terms of approach, relationships and results.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 15 of 58

2.B. I am aware of my manager’s goals and how I can best use my energies to align and support his/her desired outcomes. I have made it explicit in conversations with him/ her how I’m doing that.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 16 of 58

2. C. I have clarity about the degree to which I am perceived by manager and key stakeholders to have delivered on expectations thus far in my current role, what's on target and where I can close perceived gaps.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 17 of 58

2.D. I am aware of what it looks like to consistently demonstrate the basic differentiators of successful performers in my role. I am aware of those considered rock stars in my role, discover what they are doing well, and seek to incorporate best practices into my work.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 18 of 58

2.E. I have agreements in place with informal coaches who observe me in action in my current role and give me specific feedback about what's working well and how I can take my performance to the next level.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 19 of 58

2.F. I’m actively working to build win-win relationships with people who can help me produce results in my current role.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 20 of 58

2.G. I have thought through concise speaking points about the results I'm producing that matter to others which I routinely sprinkle in conversations as appropriate. I have devised additional methods to engage others that effectively showcase my results to help me manage my image and exposure.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 21 of 58

2.H. I am clear about the areas where it would be most advantageous for me to build my skill set and I have a concrete plan outlined and in progress to develop in these areas.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

I use my understanding of how my company's talent/promotion system works to carve the right strategic plan for moving forward

Step 3

Question 23 of 58

3.A. I know who the key decision-makers are around promotion and talent decisions in my organization.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 24 of 58

3.B. I’m aware of how the decisions are made in my organization about which players are selected to be groomed for higher level leadership, what our leadership team consider to be high potential attributes, and what behaviors they value.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 25 of 58

3.C. I have identified those in my organization who are considered to exemplify those attributes and I observe those with the company's high potential profile in action.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 26 of 58

3.D. I've looked and I feel comfortable that my values are represented well enough in the way the company customarily behaves.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 27 of 58

3.E. I have spoken to others (both men and women) who have successfully navigated through the company's leadership development/promotion process and understand the best practices they learned from that journey, including what they might do differently if they had it to do over.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

I ethically and authentically position myself to align with the model my company uses to pick future leaders

Step 4

Question 29 of 58

4.A. I have established open communication channels and demonstrated interest in receiving and utilizing feedback about my alignment with the desired behaviors and capabilities.

 

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 30 of 58

4.B. I understand the difference between the different levels in my organization and what distinguishes them from each other. I know how I am perceived by key decision-makers with respect to those markers. 

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 31 of 58

4.C. I am aware of my biggest fans and my biggest detractors. I'm clear about any relationships with key influencers that need to be rehabilitated. I am consulting with my manager and mentors about how to best get that done, and am implementing the agreed-to plan.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 32 of 58

4.D. I understand where I'm demonstrating the concrete aspects of my company's promotable leader model and where I have further opportunity to develop/align. I have a plan to close any performance or perception gaps and am implementing that plan.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 33 of 58

4.E. I am working on identifying potential sponsors that I can build a reciprocal relationship with to help me optimize my  impact, engagement, and compensation in my current role.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

I’ve constructed a team of supporters who have the interest and investment in me to pull me forward.

Step 5

Question 35 of 58

5.A. I have had a clear and concrete conversation with my manager about my future goals, how I’d like to contribute to the organization and the difference I think I can make with my unique set of experiences. I have requested his/her partnership and  input on what would be required to help me grow in that direction.

 

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 36 of 58

5.B. I have made my hopes and intentions clear about moving forward in my career in a series of conversations slowly and gently over time engaging key decision-makers and key sponsors to highlight my contributions and to correct any visibility or image disconnects. I continue to build positively on these relationships.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 37 of 58

5.C. I have carved out time in my routine to focus on specifically advancing relationships and agendas that are mutually beneficial for myself, my manager, my sponsor, my mentor and/or my colleagues and work to understand their agenda, what would constitute win-win outcomes for them, and how I can best support those outcomes.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 38 of 58

5.D. I’ve asked for support with the appropriate people after having built the requisite credibility making my investment in the relationships and in the organization. I have secured the support of key stakeholders and uncovered any mission critical support or perception gaps.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 39 of 58

5.E. I have initiated a promotion conversation with my manager mentors and potential sponsors understanding and allowing for the appropriate lead time- be it one or even two years.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

I’ve operationalized the career management routines that I need to execute and I've integrated their implementation into my work practices.

Step 6

Question 41 of 58

6.A. I’m scheduling career management practices  time and just implementing them alongside my work goals, ensuring that I deliver on my work deliverables but also keeping the career development deliverables as top priority.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 42 of 58

6.B. I have operationalized my Career Development Routine – both how I will be showing up and what actions I will  take weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually. I’ve estimated how long each takes and blocked time in my calendar to execute. I'm fine tuning it to ensure it's sustainable.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 43 of 58

6.C. I use existing networking structures both inside and outside my organization, i.e. committees and taskforces, conferences, industry groups, women's groups, etc.) to connect periodically with others and build relationships over time.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 44 of 58

6.D. I take advantage of visibility opportunities to put my knowledge out there in a way that both helps others and enhances my perceived level of expertise and contribution.

 

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 45 of 58

6.E..I have  sketched out a list of the people I want to stay in contact that’s appropriate for my organization and my role and level.

 

 

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

I’ve discovered more about how developing leadership works by mentoring or sponsoring another woman

Step 7

Question 47 of 58

7.A  I’ve identified potential mentees and checked to verify my choices are considered appropriate and in line with company’s talent perspective

A

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 48 of 58

7.B. I have understood how to mentor in a way that’s effective in my organization. I'm prepared to collaborate with my mentee on structuring a sound career development plan. 

 

 

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 49 of 58

7.C. I have engaged in mentoring, coaching and sponsorship activities as appropriate for up and coming talent in my company. I’ve explained the general career management roadmap, engaged my mentee in the steps of the process to assess their baseline foundation and support them to install the process steps that will make the most difference for them.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 50 of 58

7.D. I have updated and consulted with my managers, mentors and sponsor about mentoring and sponsorship best practices and have incorporate their suggestions into my work with my mentee.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

I’ve bumped up my learning agility and made myself a more marketable leader by processing the lessons from this experience and preparing them for application in my next go around

Step 8

Question 52 of 58

8.A. I have extracted key lessons from this whole process, planned how to apply lessons going forward, claimed wins and determined the best timing to repeat the process.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 53 of 58

8.B. I have discussed lessons learned with others to engage additional perspective to enhance my learning and ensure so I’m not leaving any lessons on the table. This also helps integrate what I’ve learned into for application in my future responses to challenges and areas of ambiguity.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 54 of 58

8.C. I am continuing to build a diverse, inclusive set of win-win relationships that enables me to connect the dots across groups, departements, to gain a broader perspective, cross pollinate ideas across the organization, tod to find common ground all to help my company serve customers well and compete and win in the marketplace.

 

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Question 55 of 58

8. D. I continue to schedule time routinely to connect with important people in my network to build relationships to develop my skills to be apprised of what’s new in my field continue to build my unique knowledge and problem-solving ability and to understand what future problems are coming down the road that I can apply my expertise to solve for my company.

A

Not started - It wasn’t on my radar screen

B

Not started – I know to do this, just haven’t gotten there yet

C

In progress - I’ve done the preliminary work to get it going

D

In progress - I’m having challenges and I’m working through them

E

For this one I feel kind of stuck

F

Implemented - Consistent, effective practice embedded in my routine

Wrap Up and Thank You

*

Question 57 of 58

What questions, comments or reactions do you have after working through this survey?

Question 58 of 58

Thanks for working through the responses to all the questions. I hope the exercise was valuable.

 

When you think of taking your career to the next level with the most velocity and least friction, what occurs to you as the highest priority item to start with? Where can you build on positive momentum you already have going?

Confirm and Submit