Building a Career in Strategy or Innovation: How Rising Leaders Earn Their Place in C-suite
If you’re building a career in innovation and strategy, you know the path upward is shifting. The move from mid-level leader to executive has always required more than strong execution,it demands vision, influence, and the ability to navigate complex corporate systems.
Now, that challenge is getting even bigger. Generative AI is reshaping how companies operate, how strategies are formed, and what leaders must bring to the table. Success today means more than knowing your function—it means being able to ask new questions, manage change, and guide your organization through uncertainty. For many ambitious leaders, the big question is: what skills really matter for advancing into the C-suite in this new environment?
This month’s roundtable takes on that question directly. We’ll be joined by two executive members of Outthinker Networks who have spent their careers both making that leap and helping others prepare for it. Together, they’ll share what executives really look for when identifying the next generation of leaders, and how AI is reshaping that profile.
You’ll gain insights on:
The skills that distinguish leaders who are ready to move into senior executive roles
How to manage the politics and professional support Network
How generative AI is changing the expectations of corporate leadership
What executives see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for rising leaders
Practical steps you can take to prepare yourself for the next stage of your career
🔹 Featured Speakers
Stephen Von Oehsen – Senior Vice President, Office of Strategic Management at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
For nearly two decades, Stephen has advised the company’s leadership team on strategy, growth, and business development—helping drive over $10B in revenue opportunities. Beyond business outcomes, he is most proud of stewarding talent: the internal strategy group he built has developed and promoted dozens of professionals into senior executive roles across the company.
Nadia Gil – VP of Strategic Growth at Ulteig
Former Head of Business Strategy at Google Cloud, and former SVP of Strategy at Hitachi Digital. Nadia is a recognized expert on AI, leadership, and strategy, as well as the host of the Strategy + AI podcast and newsletter. She brings a unique perspective at the intersection of technology and leadership, helping organizations and leaders navigate disruption and opportunity in the AI era.
🗓️ Agenda
🔹 Welcome & Introductions – Connect with peers navigating similar leadership challenges
🔹 Group Conversation – What does it really take to move from mid-level to executive today?
🔹 Executive Insights – Stephen and Nadia share their experiences, lessons, and advice
🔹 Q&A and Takeaways – Practical guidance for accelerating your own leadership journey
📌 This session is a chance to hear directly from executives about what matters now, and how you can position yourself to succeed in an era defined by both human leadership and AI-driven change. Join Us!