Climbing to the C-Suite: Insights from Mission One's Gerard Miles
New year, new exciting job opportunities? Or maybe it’s time for a fresh perspective on your career?
Also, did you know that staying in a role for 3 to 5 years can often do more for your career than hopping between shiny new opportunities every couple of years? Longevity allows you to showcase your ability to create meaningful impact, develop deep expertise, and build a legacy—qualities that are highly prized in C-level executives.
It’s easy to slip into the trap of viewing work as purely transactional—chasing titles, compensation, and quick wins. But if you’re picturing yourself in those boardroom meetings, it’s time to shift the mindset. As we get tangled in the day-to-day grind, sometimes all it takes is a small nudge (or maybe a big one) from an outsider’s perspective to give us the clarity we didn’t know we needed.
That’s exactly what this conversation between Mishka and Gerard Miles delivers. Whether you’re dreaming of breaking into executive roles in gaming or tasked with hiring for them, this discussion dives into the strategies, insights, and challenges that can help you level up.
Podcast overview:
In this episode of the Deconstructor of Fun podcast, Mishka sits down with Gerard Miles, Co-CEO of Mission One, to explore the intricacies of executive headhunting within the gaming industry. Gerard shares his insights on what makes for an effective hiring process, from overcoming branding challenges for startups to leveraging global talent pools.
The discussion highlights critical topics such as the overlooked power of strategic referencing, the benefits and challenges of relocating executives, the most common mistakes the candidates make during the hiring process, and the evolving demand for skills like AI expertise in leadership roles.
So, you want to break into the C-suite? Here’s what to focus on:
1. Leadership Isn’t Enough
…it's just the tip of the iceberg. True leadership involves crafting a strategic vision and steering the entire organization toward it. As Gerard highlights, while excelling as an individual contributor is vital, effective leaders must expand their perspective and think beyond their immediate roles.
Questions to ask yourself:
Are you identifying and solving cross-functional challenges?
Are you thinking beyond your immediate role?
Are you positioning yourself as someone who contributes to organizational success?
Pro Tip: Imagine you’re a game designer—don’t just design great levels. Think about how those levels connect to the studio’s monetization strategy, player retention goals, and the company’s roadmap. That’s the mindset of a future exec.
2. Climb with Purpose
Climbing the ladder to executive roles requires deliberate and purposeful growth at every stage. As an individual contributor, your focus should be on mastering your craft and becoming the best at what you do. When you transition to managerial roles, the emphasis shifts to organizing teams, setting objectives, and delivering results. At the VP and executive levels, the game changes entirely—your focus must broaden to include strategy, organizational influence, and long-term alignment with company goals. Think of it as leveling up in a game, where each stage unlocks new abilities but comes with increasingly complex challenges.
3. Build Your Brand—The Right Way
Personal branding isn’t about LinkedIn posts or a polished headshot. It’s about reputation, results, and relationships. Here’s how:
Grow Talent: Your real legacy is the success of the people you’ve nurtured. Teams you’ve developed will speak louder than any self-promotion.
Deliver Consistently: Excellence isn’t a one-hit wonder. Build trust by showing up, solving problems, and collaborating well.
Stay In Touch: don’t underestimate the power of connections—long-term professional relationships can open doors you never anticipated.
Think of it this way: Your brand isn’t what you say—it’s what others say about you when you’re not in the room.
4. Make Career Moves Strategically
Making career moves strategically is essential for anyone aspiring to the C-suite. Not every new job is a step up. Gerard advises being intentional with your choices. Look for roles that offer opportunities to work with exceptional leaders and teams. Avoid the temptation of short tenures: staying in a role for three to five years allows you to show meaningful impact and build credibility. While job-hopping may seem adventurous, it can raise red flags when vying for leadership positions.
5. Mentorship Is a Game-Changer
Finding the right mentor can accelerate your path to the C-suite. Here’s how to make it work:
Find the Right Mentors: Look for individuals whose careers you admire and who are willing to invest time in your development, including trusted colleagues and industry veterans.
Ask for Feedback: Mentors are there to offer constructive criticism. Let them challenge you on your blind spots, and be open to hearing what you need to improve.
Create a Two-Way Relationship: The best mentorships are reciprocal. Share your insights, ask smart questions, and show gratitude for their time and guidance.
Playing the Long Game
Breaking into the C-suite is as much about mindset as it is about skillset. It requires a shift from thinking about what you can achieve for yourself to considering how you can drive success for an entire organization. The path is not linear, nor is it transactional. It’s a journey of growth, resilience, and forging authentic relationships.
At its heart, leadership is about making others better and leaving things stronger than you found them. The leaders who succeed are those who inspire, build trust, and never stop learning. They balance ambition with humility, strategy with empathy, and persistence with adaptability. Success isn’t just a destination but an ongoing process of learning, connecting, and building trust.
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, the C-suite is waiting for those who can rise to the occasion.
Have anything to add that propelled your career to the executive level? Leave it in the comments below!
