What will I learn about: take control of your career trajectory by mapping your own path and understanding where real power lies in your organization?

Learn how to take control of your career trajectory by mapping your own path and understanding where real power lies in your organization.

What will I learn about: why consistently executing on your promises and going just one step beyond the minimum effort is the most reliable way to build trust and stand out?

Discover why consistently executing on your promises and going just one step beyond the minimum effort is the most reliable way to build trust and stand out.

What will I learn about: the strategic advantage of choosing visible, revenue-generating roles over support positions to ensure your hard work gets noticed by top decision-makers?

Understand the strategic advantage of choosing visible, revenue-generating roles over support positions to ensure your hard work gets noticed by top decision-makers.

What will I learn about: the mindset of acting like an owner before you have the title by prioritizing customer needs and tackling challenges proactively?

Master the mindset of acting like an owner before you have the title by prioritizing customer needs and tackling challenges proactively.

What will I learn about: how to elevate your reputation as a leader by sharing credit and creating opportunities for senior executives to recognize your team's hard work?

Find out how to elevate your reputation as a leader by sharing credit and creating opportunities for senior executives to recognize your team's hard work.

How to Become CEO

The Rules for Rising to the Top of Any Organization

Jeffrey J. Fox

★ 4.3 / 5(4 ratings)

Start ListeningDownload QR code that opens AudiobookHub on the App Store

Try free on iPhoneScan to start in 5 seconds

Categories:

Entrepreneurship Personal Development Career & Success Management & Leadership

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡Did you know that taking work home might actually be sabotaging your chances of reaching the corner office?
💡What if you could accelerate your climb to the top by intentionally breaking some of the most common 'unwritten rules' of office life?
💡Have you ever wondered why the secret to becoming a CEO often lies in what you *don't* do during your standard work hours?

Listen to How to Become CEO — Free Audiobook

Loading player...

Key Takeaways from How to Become CEO

✓Learn how to take control of your career trajectory by mapping your own path and understanding where real power lies in your organization.
✓Discover why consistently executing on your promises and going just one step beyond the minimum effort is the most reliable way to build trust and stand out.
✓Understand the strategic advantage of choosing visible, revenue-generating roles over support positions to ensure your hard work gets noticed by top decision-makers.
✓Master the mindset of acting like an owner before you have the title by prioritizing customer needs and tackling challenges proactively.
✓Find out how to elevate your reputation as a leader by sharing credit and creating opportunities for senior executives to recognize your team's hard work.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from How to Become CEO

Mind Map

How to Become CEO

Take Career Ownership+

Drive Results+

Maximize Visibility+

Adopt a Leadership Mindset+

Cultivate Daily Discipline+

Communicate Clearly+

Avoid Career Pitfalls+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8

Why does the author suggest saying 'yes' to requests from senior leaders, even if the tasks seem beneath you?

A. It guarantees an immediate promotion within your department.
B. It shows reliability, which matters more than your title or background.
C. It prevents other coworkers from stealing the spotlight.
D. It allows you to bypass formal HR development plans.

Question 2 of 8

According to the text, what is a powerful way to stand out when it comes to execution and results?

A. Crafting the most clever and innovative memos.
B. Consistently following through on promises, even small ones.
C. Taking sole credit for team successes to ensure high visibility.
D. Waiting for the perfect moment to execute a flawless project.

Question 3 of 8

Which types of roles does the author recommend choosing to maximize your chances of getting promoted?

A. Support roles that allow you to operate quietly behind the scenes.
B. Roles that require the most advanced academic degrees.
C. Roles that have the lowest expectations and least pressure.
D. Roles that generate revenue or have a direct impact on business outcomes.

Question 4 of 8

How does the author view the relationship between a job's salary and career advancement?

A. Higher-paying jobs usually come with more exposure and put you on leadership's radar.
B. Higher-paying jobs are risky because they make you a prime target for layoffs.
C. Lower-paying jobs are better because they allow you to exceed expectations easily.
D. Salary is irrelevant to career progression as long as you work hard.

Question 5 of 8

What is described as one of the simplest ways to signal an 'owner' mindset before you get a leadership title?

A. Delegating all minor tasks to junior employees.
B. Making customer feedback and retention a primary focus.
C. Focusing heavily on internal office politics.
D. Demanding a higher budget for your department.

Question 6 of 8

What specific daily habit does the text suggest to build a competitive advantage through discipline?

A. Showing up 45 minutes before most of your coworkers.
B. Working late into the evening after everyone else has left.
C. Skipping lunch to maximize productivity.
D. Replying to all emails within five minutes.

Question 7 of 8

Why does the author recommend using plain language instead of corporate jargon?

A. Plain language takes up less space in emails and memos.
B. Senior leaders rarely understand complex industry terms.
C. Complicating things with jargon can make people feel left out or suspicious.
D. It forces you to speak more slowly in meetings.

Question 8 of 8

What is the author's advice regarding handling bad news or mistakes at work?

A. Wait until you have a complete solution before mentioning the problem.
B. Minimize the issue so leadership doesn't panic.
C. Shift the blame to external factors whenever possible.
D. Speak up early, own the issue, and work toward solutions.

How to Become CEO — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2Take charge before someone else does
3Results are the quickest way to stand out
4Position yourself where attention is focused
5Act like a leader before you have the title
6Discipline gives you a competitive edge
7Clear communication creates lasting influence
8Avoid the mistakes that hold careers back
9Final summary

How to Become CEO Summary & Overview

How to Become CEO (1998) offers practical, no-nonsense advice for professionals aiming to rise to the top of the corporate ladder. It presents 75 concise rules that emphasize personal discipline, strategic thinking, and career ownership. It encourages people to break away from conventional workplace norms and make bold, intentional moves toward leadership.

Who Should Listen to How to Become CEO?

Ambitious mid-level professionals seeking executive roles
Strategic young managers aiming for rapid growth
Career-driven people interested in leadership success

About the Author: Jeffrey J. Fox

Jeffrey J. Fox, a Harvard MBA and founder of the marketing consulting firm Fox & Company, is a business author and speaker. He is best known for his accessible, results-driven advice on career advancement and corporate leadership. His best-selling books include How to Become a Rainmaker, Secrets of Great Rainmakers, and How to Make Big Money in Your Own Small Business.

How to Become CEO

If You're Curious About These Questions...

Listen to How to Become CEO — Free Audiobook

Key Takeaways from How to Become CEO

Learning Tools

Mind Map

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

How to Become CEO — Full Chapter Overview

How to Become CEO Summary & Overview

Who Should Listen to How to Become CEO?

About the Author: Jeffrey J. Fox

Books Similar to How to Become CEO