Lead Like a CEO Without the Title
Leadership isn’t about the title you hold, it’s about the influence you wield and the ownership you take. In this insightful episode of The Leadership Toolkit, we had the privilege of speaking with Jim Saliba, an executive leadership coach, former tech VP, and author of Lead Like a CEO. He’s someone who has walked the leadership journey from being a programmer to managing 200 people at a multibillion-dollar software company. Jim joined us to share actionable strategies for stepping into your leadership potential, even if you don’t have a formal title.
So, how do you start leading without waiting for a promotion? How do you shift from a doer or fixer to a true leader? Let’s dive into Jim’s key takeaways and advice that could transform how you lead and grow in your career.
From Programmer to VP: Jim’s Leadership Journey
Jim’s story is one of growth, adaptation, and continuous learning. Starting as a programmer, he never imagined becoming a vice president responsible for 200 people. However, leadership opportunities often come unannounced. In Jim’s case, he was thrust into the role of managing managers without formal training. What did he do? He sought out his own path to learning.
“I had to unlearn and relearn things along the way,” Jim shared. When his company didn’t provide structured leadership training, he took the initiative to find it elsewhere, eventually benefiting from Dale Carnegie programs that helped him understand his own leadership style.
Jim’s story is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with intentionality and a willingness to learn, anyone can rise to the occasion.
From Doing to Leading: The Mindset Shift
One of the most common challenges for new leaders is transitioning from a hands-on executor to a high-level strategist. Jim emphasized that you must learn to “let go” of doing the work yourself and instead focus on leading your team.
“If you’re a doer, more doing will always come to you. If you’re a fixer, more fixing will always come to you. But you’ll never be brought to the strategy table if that’s all you’re seen as,” Jim explained.
Here are two key steps to making this mindset shift:
- Redefine accountability: As a leader, accountability isn’t about doing the work—it’s about owning the system in which the work gets done. Focus on how tasks are executed and how your team operates.
- Delegate effectively: Delegation isn’t about dumping tasks on others. It’s about empowering your team to take ownership. Ask questions to ensure alignment and provide guidance, but resist the urge to micromanage.
Why Leadership Isn’t About the Title
Jim believes you don’t need a title to start leading. Leadership is about ownership, influence, and impact, qualities that can be demonstrated at any level. He referenced a book, Promotions Made Easy by Stacy Mayer, which differentiates between entitlement-based promotion seekers and trust-based leaders.
“People need to trust that you can operate at the next level. The only way to do that is to start doing it now,” Jim advised. Whether it’s helping colleagues, improving processes, or taking initiative, you can lead by example in your current role.
Small Experiments Lead to Big Change
One of Jim’s most actionable insights is the concept of running small experiments. Leadership can feel overwhelming when you think about making sweeping changes, but small, focused actions can have a big impact.
“The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time,” Jim noted. He suggests trying new approaches in 30-day increments. These experiments allow you to gather data, refine your strategies, and build momentum without overwhelming yourself or your team.
Lessons from the CEO Mindset
Jim’s latest book, Lead Like a CEO, unpacks what it means to think and act like a CEO—even if you don’t hold the title. CEOs own everything—from their team’s talent to the systems that drive success. Here’s how you can adopt this mindset:
- Own your area: Take responsibility for your team’s outcomes and processes, not just your individual tasks.
- Build trust: Show your team and leaders that you’re capable of managing at a higher level by demonstrating strategic thinking and leadership skills.
- Improve continuously: Use small experiments to refine your approach and drive results.
Start Leading Today
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, there’s always room to grow. As Jim said, “Try something different. Even small experiments can create momentum and lead to big changes.”
If you’re ready to elevate your leadership game, check out Jim’s latest book, Lead Like a CEO, and his free resource, The Six-Step Leadership Challenge. Visit jamessaliba.com for more insights and resources. And don’t forget to tune in to his podcast, Building Legendary Leaders, for more conversations on leadership growth.
What’s one small experiment you’ll try this month to step into your leadership potential? Share your thoughts in the comments or with your team!
Check out this full episode of The Leadership Toolkit podcast with Jim Saliba on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or my YouTube Channel – OR – click to watch below.
Check out past episodes of The Leadership Toolkit on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform!
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Our host, Mike Phillips is a seasoned leadership educator and expert. He has a knack for extracting the most valuable insights from his guests. His passion for helping individuals reach their leadership potential shines through in every episode. Thank you for reading and watching. Please share this with someone who needs this message today!
