Dear Mike:

I’ve built my career in a specific sector, most recently serving in a hybrid CIO/COO role. I’ve led large teams, pioneered innovative programs like security-as-a-service and AI in support services, and even received national recognition for digital transformation work.

Now, I’m ready for a new challenge. But every time I apply or speak with a recruiter, I get boxed in by my past. The response is often, “you don’t have experience in our space.”

It’s frustrating, especially when the leadership challenges across sectors are so similar.

I’ve been actively networking, publishing leadership content, and reaching out directly to hiring managers. I’m even open to interim roles or consulting work. But I’m not sure if I’m positioning myself the right way, or if I need to shift focus entirely.

Should I lean more into my leadership strengths, or pivot to emphasize technical depth?

What else can I do to stay visible and viable?

Thanks,

Linus

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Hi Linus,

You’re facing something that a lot of leaders run into when they’re ready for their next chapter: you’ve outgrown the labels, but the market hasn’t caught up.

First off, your experience is broad and impressive. You’ve led at scale, embraced innovation, and brought a cross-functional lens to your work. You’ve also done something many don’t, you’ve stayed relevant, plugged in, and visible.

All of that is huge. Now it’s just about positioning.

Here’s what I’d recommend:

Build a Business-First Portfolio: Your résumé may open the door, but a business portfolio can help you walk through it. Create a separate one page document that highlights 8–10 transformation stories in a way that removes industry labels and focuses squarely on business value. Frame the stories around impact: How did you improve service? Cut costs? Modernize infrastructure? Drive growth? Use clear, results-oriented language. When hiring managers stop seeing “where” you worked and start seeing “what” you delivered, you begin to break through the industry bias.

Blend Leadership With Technical Credibility: You’ve done an excellent job building your voice as a leadership-focused executive, but don’t neglect the technical side of your story. Many organizations are looking for CIOs who are both strategic and hands-on when needed. Start sharing commentary on emerging tech, digital operating models, or vendor risk, anything that shows you’re engaged with what’s happening on the ground. These posts don’t need to be long or overly technical, but they should show you have a pulse on the current tools and trends shaping today’s decisions.

Keep Showing Up, Not Just Applying: Online applications can feel like they’re going into a void, and in many cases, they are. Keep doubling down on your direct outreach strategy. Reach out to decision-makers with a brief, targeted message. Mention one or two of your portfolio wins. Your goal isn’t to ask for a job, it’s to spark a conversation. That’s often enough to move you from overlooked applicant to valued candidate.

Fill the Gap With Action, Not Explanation: If you’re between roles, don’t wait for the next opportunity to validate your momentum. Create it. Consulting or advisory work, even short-term engagements or strategic projects, can serve multiple purposes: they keep your skills sharp, expand your network, and most importantly, they shift the narrative from “in transition” to “in motion.” Whether it’s a formal LLC or informal advisory work, it sends the message that you’re active, engaged, and still adding value.

You’re not boxed in, Chuck. You’re just between chapters.

And depending on your timeline, don’t rule out continuing in the sector where you’ve already built deep credibility. Sometimes your highest and best use is right where you are, just at a higher level, with a different lens, and a leadership scope that plays to your full range.

Keep shaping the story you want to tell, and don’t be afraid to knock on doors that others assume are closed.

I’m rooting for you!

Mike

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TNCR Community – what advice would you add to this thread? Do you have a perspective that you can share? Have a career question for Mike? Email him directly at mike.burgett@burgateglobal.com