I've sometimes been a little jealous of specialists who are amazing at one thing. But, since I am more of a generalist, it's made me more valuable at different times.
I've already started exploring generative AI because I know that's where skills will be needed in the near future.
It's an age-long debate about generalists vs specialists. Your experience probably explains the career progression in super-large firms (P&G being the example) but in smaller companies ($100m-low $b's valuation) generalists progress faster towards C-level roles.
I think you are right generally. At smaller companies being “generally smart and able to figure things out and get stuff done” is really important.
That said, it is a lot easier to get hired as a CMO or CFO or COO op CTO if you have a specific skill set. Companies know when they are missing a CMO and need the spot filled. They are less likely to hire someone who is “good at getting things done”. (Once you are hired and working somewhere it is a different matter.
I have a post half written on external vs internal career equity. This may be the push to get me to finish it.
I've sometimes been a little jealous of specialists who are amazing at one thing. But, since I am more of a generalist, it's made me more valuable at different times.
I've already started exploring generative AI because I know that's where skills will be needed in the near future.
It's an age-long debate about generalists vs specialists. Your experience probably explains the career progression in super-large firms (P&G being the example) but in smaller companies ($100m-low $b's valuation) generalists progress faster towards C-level roles.
I think you are right generally. At smaller companies being “generally smart and able to figure things out and get stuff done” is really important.
That said, it is a lot easier to get hired as a CMO or CFO or COO op CTO if you have a specific skill set. Companies know when they are missing a CMO and need the spot filled. They are less likely to hire someone who is “good at getting things done”. (Once you are hired and working somewhere it is a different matter.
I have a post half written on external vs internal career equity. This may be the push to get me to finish it.