Armstrong balances the importance of being career-driven and persistent on the journey toward success with the need for individuals to shift their focus inward, as well, making the case that it takes more than business savvy and mastery of the “golden pyramid” to be prepared for an executive role. That also demands a strong will, a positive mindset, and understanding of how to make your value tangible to others. It takes sound well-being to overcome fear, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt. She urges readers to generate results, generate relationships, and cultivate resilience—the three organizing principles of this guide, and each crucial at the start, middle, or height of a career. “You don’t have to wait for someone else to make you an executive,” Armstrong writes. “You already are, and you can bring this forward on day one.”
The general advice here, such as “Exude presence” or “Don’t derail” (as in don’t thwart your own ambitions through neediness, arrogance, risk aversion, eccentricity, and more), always comes with rundowns of clear, practical specifics, presented with the kind of succinct directness that is itself a model for executive communication. Armstrong’s own anecdotes are supplemented by inspirational (sometimes familiar) tales of executive success that demonstrate her principles. Throughout, she lays bare what it takes to succeed—and to protect one’s position— in volatile times, both from an aspirant’s and an executive’s perspective.
Takeaway: An empowering self-help guide to achieving success as an executive leader.
Comparable Titles: Suzanne Bates’s All the Leader You Can Be, Bella Rushi’s The Innovative Executive.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
"You essentially have at your fingertips a guide that will fast track your career success. April has nailed it with unique research, cases, and insights. She's written a 'must have' reference for leaders everywhere. The content in this book is too valuable for a single book."
"The Day One Executive brings a fresh perspective on how technical leaders can navigate the path from subject matter expert to executive. Smart people often get left behind when it comes to advancing in the ranks of leadership because they have not invested in their people and relationship-building skills in the same way they have developed their technical knowledge. April provides a great resource to help aspiring leaders take control of their careers and increase their influence on Day One."
"If you work, whether you just started or are a seasoned leader, this is a wonderful resource. Comprehensive, well researched, and exquisitely written indispensable advice makes The Day One Executive your best guide to success!"
"The Day One Executive is full of practical, easily understandable leadership wisdom that anyone can apply to their own life, starting immediately. Having learned many of these lessons the hard way through the trials and tribulations of life experience, I wish I'd had this book when I was starting out as a young professional. April's advice will help readers to become more self-aware and intentional about their decisions and behavior and to build confidence and agency that will, in turn, lead to a greater sense of control and purpose throughout their lives and careers."
"For those aspiring to sit in the executive suite—a must read! April has provided a clear playbook for a successful career by providing great examples and tips to build on your strengths, recognize your blind spots, and embrace change."
"April writes from extensive research, direct observation, and lived experience. The Day One Executive translates a lifetime of experience into accessible, actionable, and authentic advice that can help individuals and organizations achieve real change and effective outcomes—beginning on Day One."
"This book is a field guide to success for any aspiring executive. I had the pleasure of working with April on challenging projects for almost a decade, and I recognize her keen insights throughout. With nearly 300 research citations, The Day One Executive is jam-packed with insight yet is accessible and easily readable. An aspiring executive will gain awareness, get pragmatic ideas for thorny problems, and add some new tools to their toolbox for leading change from even a single chapter."
"This book compresses a decade of learning to help you fasttrack your success without taking any shortcuts: Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned professional, The Day One Executive is a must-read! Make tomorrow your own Day One—you will thank you."
"April has, in the most clear, direct, and relatable language, captured the essence of what it takes to be a successful executive. In these disrupted, complex times, exceptional leadership will carry the day—and now, we all have a 'secret decoder ring' to help us on our way."
