Hi there,

You’re delivering. You’re dependable. But deep down, do you ever feel like there’s more in you — and you’re not quite sure how to get seen differently?

This week’s video is all about the small mindset shift that helps you stop being overlooked… and start being seen as the strategic leader you already are.

We’re talking about the CEO mindset — and how to start using it today, even if you're not the boss (yet).

Here are three practical strategies I break down in the video, and how you can apply them right away:

1. Anchor your team in the bigger picture

One of the most overlooked leadership habits is helping your team understand why their work matters.

It’s not just about tasks. It’s about translating strategy.

Ask yourself:

• What is our team’s unique role in delivering the organisation’s goals?
• What’s our vision?
• How do our company values actually show up in the day-to-day?

Here’s an example, say a value was Drive For Results, explaining it could sound like:

This kind of clarity transforms how your team sees their work — and how others see you as a leader.

2. Schedule your thinking time

Strategic thinking doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you make space for it.

97% of senior leaders say strategic thinking is critical. But 96% say they don’t do it enough because they’re too busy.

Sound familiar?

I learned this the hard way in corporate life — constantly chasing my tail. Everything changed when I built a system that gave me time to step back and lead with clarity. This framework guides me today, and forms the heart of my Manager OS course.

Try this:

• Define 3–4 leadership priorities for the quarter
• Then ask yourself when doing your weekly planning: Where am I spending time? Where should I be? Am I managing — or am I leading?

If you want to be seen differently, you have to think differently — and it starts with carving out space.

3. Build future-fit skills

There are two skill sets that will separate the managers from the future CEOs:

1. Tech-savviness

This isn’t just about AI tools — it’s about working in smarter, more streamlined ways.

Don’t default to face-to-face meetings or siloed communication. Learn to work asynchronously, use collaborative tools well, and start experimenting with Ai and understand how it can be used in your workflow.

If you want to lead in the future, you need to know where tech helps — and where human connection is still key.

2. Coaching-style communication

As tech speeds everything up, your ability to slow things down and connect becomes even more important.

Leaders who ask better questions, guide performance, and build trust are the ones people choose to follow.

If these two skill sets aren’t already on your development plan, now’s the time.

If you’ve ever wondered how to go from “safe pair of hands” to “strategic leader” — this mindset shift is how you get there.

Watch the full video here: How to Develop a CEO Mindset (Even if You're Not the Boss Yet)​

Let me know which mindset shift you’re working on — I read every reply.

Have a brilliant week,

Helen

P.S. I’m working on some new content around AI — not the hype, but the real, practical stuff that helps managers like you feel more confident using it day to day. I’d love to know: what would you find most helpful to learn about AI right now? Just hit reply and let me know — even one line would be really useful.

​ Want to work together? ​Manager OS Course - Reclaim Your Time & Accelerate Your Career with Manager OS - A Proven System to Help Managers Lead with Confidence & Ease Work with me 1:1 - Book a coaching session​ ​The Leadership Vault: Your Private Access to Every Issue. Every strategy, tip, and lesson shared in past newsletters—now available in one place. Stay ahead, stay informed, and lead smarter. ​Visit my website to find out more. ​

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