Culture
9 Year Anniversary: Deborah Wilson and Deborah Saunders
Nine years. Two Debs. One shared starting point that sparked very different but equally impactful journeys. From OnTalent’s early days
January 30, 2026
Can you explain your value in 30 seconds?
You may be missing out on jobs because you can’t answer this confidently.
Use our hints and tips to develop your elevator pitch and position yourself at the top of the list for that next executive opportunity.
Start with a message that feels Real. Confident. Compelling.
Here are clear, practical tips to help you craft a strong elevator pitch for a senior or executive role. The aim is to sound grounded, commercially minded and confident without drifting into clichés.
1.Lead with your value, not your job title
Skip the full career history. Open with a sharp statement about what you do for businesses.
Example:
“I help organisations scale sustainably by lifting performance, strengthening culture and driving long-term growth.”
This positions you as a problem-solver, not just a role holder.
2. Highlight your scope of leadership
Executives are measured by the size and complexity of what they lead.
Call out:
This signals capability at the right level.
3. Use one or two standout achievements
Choose results you can summarise in a sentence, ideally with a measurable outcome.
Think: growth, transformation, turnaround, digital uplift, restructuring, cultural impact.
Keep it tight.
Example:
“I delivered a 25% uplift in operating performance during a major restructure while improving engagement across the business.”
4. Make your strengths feel commercial
High-level roles are about strategy, people, risk and financial outcomes.
Frame your strengths in simple language:
Avoid generic statements like “I’m passionate about leadership.”
5. Tailor your pitch to the audience
Executives care about the problems they’re trying to solve.
Consider:
6. Keep the tone confident and calm
You’re not selling; you’re signalling readiness.
Use steady language. Avoid bragging.
Make it sound like this is simply the level you operate at.
7. End with where you’re headed
Close with the type of opportunity you’re targeting.
Keep it open enough to spark conversation.
Example:
“I’m now looking for a senior leadership role where I can lead a business unit, build capability and lift performance across a large team.”
8. Keep it short enough to remember
Aim for 20–30 seconds.
If someone can repeat it back later, you’ve nailed it.
9. Test it with people who know you well
Ask them:
If they hesitate, tighten it.
10.Have two versions
Consistency matters, but delivery style should shift with the setting.
If you would like career coaching, mentoring or career development email the team at [email protected] or call 07 3305 5807.
Nine years. Two Debs. One shared starting point that sparked very different but equally impactful journeys. From OnTalent’s early days
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