Rethinking Career Advancement: Beyond the Corporate Ladder

I’ve always believed there are multiple pathways to success. The problem is that our organizations were built on an outdated belief that the only way to succeed is to climb the corporate ladder toward leadership roles. But here’s the reality: we can’t all be climbing toward the CEO position, and more importantly, that path doesn’t match everybody’s career goals.

In this video, shared with us by the City County of Denver’s Learning and Development team during a leadership training, Keyanna Schmiedl challenges this outdated vision with a perspective that deeply resonated with me. She introduces the idea of career development as a rock wall instead—with multiple routes, opportunities to move laterally, and the flexibility to define success on your own terms. Whether that means expanding your scope horizontally, building new skills, or even strategically stepping back, all paths are valid.
What I found particularly compelling is her emphasis on leading with your strengths and creating space for professionals to thrive without following a traditional leadership trajectory.

I’d encourage you to watch the full video. Schmiedl’s insights offer a liberating framework for sustainable career growth that honors your individual goals and circumstances.