We have all been caught up in the whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and the occasional crisis that seems to follow us around like a bad smell. As we climb higher in our careers, it is easy to think that if we keep delivering results for the company, we are set for some specific period of time. Surely, our loyalty, dedication, and impeccable PowerPoint slides will mean something. While we see others in many industries being “let go”, we think it will not happen to us because the company* is doing great, and we are doing great work for that great company. Loyalty and performance must count for something we say.
Well, let us face it, those days have been long gone for quite some time. Today, “security” is no longer about the company’s loyalty to us but our loyalty to ourselves. Here is how I see it: your company is not your retirement plan. You are. Stock options or other “incentives” notwithstanding.
And the way to stay loyal to yourself is to stay marketable. Whether you have been in your role for five months or 15 years, keeping yourself relevant and valuable is not just a good idea; it is a must. The business world is evolving, and so we must as well. The reality is that regardless of your current title or the prestige of your office (corner or otherwise), the one thing you truly own is your brand—and it needs continuous investment.
Caveat: The insights below come from my own experiences navigating the ever-evolving landscape of my career. While I believe these strategies have broad applicability, every career journey is unique. I encourage you to tailor these suggestions to fit your own path and circumstances.
Why you need to stay marketable
The corporate world (and nowadays, public sector as well) is like a game of musical chairs. The music might stop at any time, and you need to make sure there is a seat for you—preferably a well-padded one. Even in leadership positions, it is a mistake to focus solely on one organisation, thinking that is where you will stay (no matter how much you love it). Industries change, markets shift, and companies pivot. Whether it is a merger, restructuring, or that dreaded downsizing email, the ground beneath us is always moving.
But I do have some good news: when you invest in yourself, you are building a foundation that can withstand or at least buffer the winds of change. Your skillset, your network, your knowledge—those are your actual assets. And unlike a company’s stock price, those assets are entirely within your control.
So here are my thoughts on how you keep yourself marketable and help to inoculate yourself, as much as possible, against the vagaries of industry changes.
The brand you can take anywhere
If you want to inoculate yourself, I strongly suggest that your reputation never be confined to the walls of your company. If people only know you because your name pops up in internal memos, you have some work to do. The goal is to build a personal brand that is recognised both within and beyond your company. It will work better for you in the long term if your influence extends beyond your immediate circle, and if your name comes up at an industry event, it need not be followed by, “Wait, who’s that again?”
Start with simple things like maintaining an active LinkedIn presence—posting thoughts on industry trends, engaging with content, and showcasing your expertise. Then, move up to attending (and eventually speaking at) conferences or contributing to publications in your field (if that is your jam). By the way, do not underestimate the power of a well-placed comment on a peer’s article or another leader’s comments. It is a form of networking without leaving your desk.
It is not about being a social media influencer or a LinkedIn lurker; it is about positioning yourself as someone with insights and experience worth sharing. People need to know you because of the value you bring, not just the title on your business card. Here is an article on brand vs reputation posted a few weeks ago that you might enjoy.
Learning never stops (even at the “top”)
Ah, the sweet spot of success: you have climbed the corporate ladder (or some kind of ladder), maybe to the top. So, why do you need to keep learning? Well, here is the thing as I see it: the business world does not wait for anyone to catch up (especially fast-moving industries). Technology, strategies, and even leadership styles are constantly evolving. If you are not keeping pace, you risk becoming that person at a meeting who is still talking about strategies from 2001.
There is no shame in admitting that you do not know everything, even if you are at the C-level. In fact, the best leaders recognise that learning never stops. Sign up for courses, stay curious about emerging technologies, and keep reading (books, articles, research papers—whatever sharpens your mind). The more you learn, the more you can bring to the table, not just in your current role but in any role you may take on in the future. Plus, staying up to date makes you adaptable, which, in today’s world, is as valuable as any hard skill.
Diversify your value
Being a one-trick pony is fine for a magician, but in leadership, it is limiting. Too often, people get so deep into their specific niche that they lose sight of how valuable a broad skill set can be. If your entire identity is tied to one department, one industry, or one style of leadership, you are putting all your eggs in one basket. And we know how risky that can be.
Diversify your value by expanding your knowledge base. Maybe you are great at operations, but could you learn more about finance? Or perhaps you are a marketing guru but could use some knowledge in data analytics. The goal is not to become an expert in everything but rather to have enough proficiency in other areas that you can speak intelligently about them. That way, if the time comes to pivot—whether by choice or by necessity—you are not starting from scratch.
Some experts talk about the T model. One can be a generalist in many areas but have a deep domain in one specific area. I personally have always liked this model because I think generalists are the ones who can see the big picture and connect the dots between departments, markets, and strategies, but also have some expertise to have credibility. So, the next time someone asks if you want to take on a project outside your wheelhouse, say yes. You never know where it might lead.
Networking: it is more than just business cards
Real networking is not about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections, as if we are playing an adult version of the Pokémon Go game. It is about building meaningful relationships with people who can help you grow and who you can help in return.
Building a network beyond your company is essential for long-term success. Attend industry events, yes, but also take the time to nurture those connections. That does not mean sending the occasional “Hey, just checking in” email—it means actually adding value to those relationships. Share articles that might interest your contacts, introduce them to others in your network, or offer advice when it is relevant. Networking is like tending a garden—you do not water it once and walk away. It needs constant care.
And do not wait until you are job hunting to start networking. By then, it is a little too late (or at least it will take more time than perhaps you want to spend). The best time to build your network is when you do not need anything from it. That way, when you do need it, you have a solid foundation to lean on. Trust and credibility have already been established which are cornerstones in networking effectively.
Your career safety net
Something to consider: what if everything at your current company changed tomorrow? The people, the culture, the client set, the vision—it could happen. Now, ask yourself: are you prepared for that?
Investing in yourself is about creating a career safety net. It is about knowing that no matter what happens at your current company, you have the skills, the knowledge, and the connections to land on your feet. You are marketable. This does not mean you are disloyal to your employer; it means you are being practical. Just like any good business plan has a risk management strategy, your career should have one, too.
Think of your career as a long-term investment portfolio. You would not put all your money into one stock, would you? Of course not. You diversify. You manage risk. You stay informed. The same logic applies to your professional life. By investing in your personal growth, you are ensuring that you are marketable anywhere, not just at your current company.
Self-reflection: the most valuable tool in your kit
One of the most powerful habits you can cultivate is regular self-reflection. This means taking time to step back and assess where you are, what you have accomplished, and where you are headed. It is easy to get lost in the daily grind, but self-reflection allows you to course-correct before hitting a wall.
Ask yourself: Am I still growing? How am I challenging myself? Am I building skills that will serve me beyond my current role? If the answer to any of these is “no,” it is time to make some adjustments. Self-reflection does not just keep you grounded; it ensures that you are always moving forward, even if it is in a new direction.
Last week, I was at an event where the keynote speaker talked about how companies and individuals “cement” themselves into fixed pathways. The metaphor resonated with me. We get so stuck in what we have already invested in that we do not take the time to reflect on whether it is still needed or relevant. So “uncement” where it makes sense and learn something new.
The real legacy
When it is all said and done, I do not believe my legacy will be the number of deals or projects I completed or the titles I held. What I will remember, will be the impact I made—the people I mentored, the knowledge I shared, and the value I brought to my industry.
And if you desire and choose to, by staying marketable, you are not just securing your future; you are positioning yourself to leave a lasting impact wherever you go for as long as you want to.
The company you work for is not necessarily going to ensure your career longevity—you are. Do not get me wrong, your company can facilitate it for sure, but ultimately, the responsibility sits with you. Start thinking about your marketability today. Whether learning a new skill, expanding your network, or simply taking time to reflect on your goals, now is the moment to act.
And as always, if you invest in yourself, the rewards will be unfathomable.
Until next time.
*company here means private or public, commercial or government, small or large.
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