In the latest episode of the Pay-It-Forward Society, I had an inspiring conversation with Bryan Liles, who’s shown us that scaling the ranks doesn’t always require a management title. This episode is a must-listen, especially for those of you who’ve wondered if there’s a place at the top for the experts who prefer to stay hands-on.
I invited Bryan to the podcast because I’ve noticed a trend: so many skilled professionals think the only way up is to become a manager. But what about the experts who fuel their teams with deep knowledge and passion without leading from an executive position? Bryan’s experience proves that there's significant room for growth and influence as an IC.
In our discussion, Bryan shared insights on how to climb the ladder while staying true to your role as an expert. Here are some golden nuggets from our conversation:
Own your niche and your work will speak for itself.
Sharing wisdom can make your entire team stronger, it is not a competition, everybody can win.
Asking the right questions can sometimes be more impactful than providing all the answers.
Leading by example is a silent yet powerful form of mentorship.
And here's why this matters: stepping up as an IC is stepping up for your team. It's about being a beacon of guidance and a pillar of support. As Simon Sinek puts it, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” And as we learned from David Marquet, sometimes leading effectively means distributing control and creating leaders at all levels.
Bryan's experiences brought these lessons home for me, and they’ve shaped how I want to help my team mates step up in their roles, too. Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and the path to impact can wind through the ranks of individual contributors.
Before wrapping up, I want to hear from you:
Have you ever taken the lead on something big, without being the boss?
What’s something you’ve done that felt like a step up in leadership?
Are there challenges you’re facing as you try to take on more leadership as an IC?
Which areas of leadership as an IC would you like to explore further?
I’m all ears and want to hear your stories and questions. Your experiences matter and they could be the guide someone else needs to step up in their role.
So, let’s keep the conversation going. Reach out, share your thoughts, or suggest new topics you’re interested in. Our journey is shared, and every step you take as a leader enriches us all.
Until next time, remember that your impact isn’t measured by your title but by the actions you take and the lives you touch.
Romain
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