Looking for the next promotion in your career? Are you hungry for growth, but not sure if you're interested in managing people? We've got you covered.

On this week's episode, Claire Pockell-Wilson, CS2's Senior Manager of People Operations, joins Xander to discuss how to shift career development talk into a new perspective. We're challenging conventional wisdom, discussing not just career growth, but how you can lead, inspire, and instigate change, regardless of your current job title.

We break down some alternative routes for professional growth that don't have to necessarily involve conventional ladder-climbing, such as:

• Self-Driven Growth: Own your 1-1s, separate career discussions from tactical talks, and identify opportunities for skill enhancement. Make your growth journey your own adventure.
• Fostering a Growth Culture: Understand how clear progression paths, learning and development budgets, and feedback cycles contribute to a robust growth culture. And bonus - learn how to evaluate these aspects right from the first interview.
• Helping Others Level-Up: Dive into the world of delegation, succession planning, and stretch assignments. Discover how promoting others' work and effective escalation can accelerate team growth.

We'll also delve into the skills and challenges that come along with assessing readiness for growth, figuring out what you want out of your career, and the role of skill assessments in shaping career trajectories.

If you've ever wondered "what's next" in your career, this episode is tailored to you.