Seeking success, shining brightly

The up-and-comer.

For young executives, earning that status can mark the sweet spot of a career, a time when they are admired by others but not yet viewed as threats. Even for those who rise to a C-level position, the early years can also be a magic stage when opportunities and dreams seem to have unlimited room to run.

But to fulfill the potential often requires a careful balancing act that doesn't follow a defined path. Senior executives, for example, unswervingly cite hard work and commitment to the company as an essential trait. But piling up the hours within the narrow confines of a job description and not showing broad interests could leave a junior executive stuck in the same cubicle into middle age.

Although career experts advise drafting a personal advancement plan, flexibility also can play a huge role, as shown by the widely varying routes taken by the 10 people chosen as this year's Las Vegas Business Press Rising Stars of Business. Max Jacobson-Fried studied a plethora of subjects in college, before taking on and revamping the family's bakery business almost by default. Nikki Giroux just wanted to fulfill a long-time dream of living in Nevada -- then found she liked banking. Paul Wassgren was fascinated by investing before he could even drive and has parlayed that interest into a job as a securities attorney.

"It's a lot of work, it's tough and it take a lot more than a college degree," Las Vegas career coach Christine Wunderlin said.

Experts tick off several critical traits to adopt in moving up the executive ranks, including:

•Education, formal or picked up on the job. For someone interested in ultimately reaching a high level of responsibility, that normally entails learning several facets of a business on top of a specialty. An attorney who understands how to tailor his opinions to mesh with marketing, production or financial goals, for example, will probably win more promotions than one who sticks to narrow interpretations of statutes.

"It is important to have 360-degree knowledge," said Med Yones, a principal at the International Institute of Management in Las Vegas. "It's not important to have degrees, but it is important to have training and knowledge," particularly in leadership and project management.

•Attitude and motivation. After a few months in an entry-level position, Giroux asked her boss for a transfer into the lending side of Nevada Commerce Bank because she though that was the best path to a CEO's position. Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer Jeff Nicholl granted her request, he recalled, because "I was very impressed with the outlook and determination of someone, especially that age (23 at the time), to have the foresight to set a goal that high."

He also gave high marks to her willingness to work for a position and not, as he finds other members of her generation, regarding advancement as an entitlement.

•Appearance and demeanor. This ecompasses dressing and acting the part of a serious executive, both in the office and in cyberspace. E-mail addresses like beerguzzler@hotmail.com, Facebook pictures of spring break debauchery or over-the-edge blogs can tarnish a young executive's image quickly and permanently, Wunderlin said.

•Culture. Learning about the company and its people is important. This means cementing ties with people beyond an immediate department, learning the personalities of key managers and understanding a company's stated and actual direction, Oakland, Calif.-based career coach Bob Gardner said.

"If you want to work your way up, you absolutely have to be able to manage relationships," he said.

In tandem with that, Wunderlin advises sidestepping office politics at least initially and gossip altogether. Although some top executives reached their positions largely through intraoffice maneuvering or even treachery, she said, young managers should shun this until they become secure in their footing.

•Communication. Expertise that exceeds that of everyone in the company may never become apparent if someone keeps his head down during a meeting or presentation while reading jargon-laden index cards. In a corporate world top-heavy with meetings, the delivery can make as big an impression as the message and can display leadership talent.

•Plan. Have one with options.

"Do not be afraid of lateral moves," Wunderlin said. "You can get ahead without every step being up the ladder."

Contact reporter Tim O'Reiley at toreiley@lvbusinesspress.com or 702-387-5290.