Screw incremental, it’s a game of snakes and ladders

Remember the childhood game Snakes and Ladders (or Chutes and Ladders, for some)? The excitement wasn’t in moving incrementally—it was in finding ladders that propelled you forward. This analogy reflects your career: sometimes, a single event, decision, or connection can catapult you years ahead.

Here’s how to recognize and create those “ladders” for yourself:

Reflecting on Your Past Ladders

• Think back to moments that accelerated your growth. Was it a chance meeting, a new connection, or an unexpected opportunity?
• Example: Meeting someone at an event who introduced you to a new role, client, or company. These pivotal moments often lead to transformative career shifts.

How to Create Ladders for the Future

1. Recognize Common Themes:
   • Were certain people, networks, or environments central to your past ladders?
   • Example: Joining a specific group, attending key events, or engaging with influential mentors.
2. Build Conditions for Success:
   • Don’t wait for ladders to appear—create the conditions for them.
   • Example: A startup founder met a VC informally, leading to a mind-blowing shift in their Series A funding target from $2M to $15M. This wasn’t a pitch but a serendipitous conversation.
3. Invest in Strategic Relationships:
   • Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and challenge you.
   • Be proactive in networking and seek out environments where opportunities flourish.

The goal isn’t to play life as a slow, dice-rolling game. Instead, identify opportunities to leap forward. By reflecting on past breakthroughs and actively setting up conditions for future success, you can create the “ladders” that propel you toward your goals.

So, take a moment to reflect: What have your ladders been, and how can you build more of them?