Luck Or Hardwork To Be the C-Level??

I am reading this book recently about the journey of Robert Iger, the CEO of Disney. You can't believe that he got his first job from his cousin as a junior staff at ABC Channel then moved up to be the CEO. Some people would think that most C-level executives get their current titles and packages because of their strong network, relationship or 'Guanxi in Chinese', or luck. Yes all these contribute but most importantly is they are capable to be in their roles and win the hearts of their peers, ex-bosses and investors.

I have a friend who is the same age as me. He was the CFO few years ago already and even assisted the company to be listed in New York. He was one of the executives to be on the stage in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Amazing. Right? Most people would think that he got this opportunity from luck or his strong network. For me, I was thinking about my capabilities. If I got this opportunity, could I manage all what he was doing? He needed to compete with his peers within and outside the organisation to be the CFO which means he must be able to manage both up and down, and investors very well. Also, he must have the skillsets to help the company to be listed. We are not talking about HK where he is based but New York. Though we have technology nowadays, you still need the skills to succeed and connections in the city that you are not familiar. It is not only about luck but hardwork that most people can't see.

From this book, I can see that Robert is very hardworking so that his bosses recognised and gave him the opportunities. He was the TV producer but moved to COO and CEO. Only Luck and good timing? I don't think so. His successes required lots of courage, time to learn new skills and faith to himself to sort out all failure to win the hearts of all people around him.

Recently I talked to an old friend. He indirectly said that I got my current job in Singapore because of luck and outlook (though I am not handsome but tall and big). Sometimes people can only see your outcomes but not your hardwork. Personally I should say that I am a very hardworking person. On top of my work and taking care of my kids (I should say that I spend quite a lot of time with my kids because they grow up very fast and I don't want to regret), I sleep less and spend my remaining time to learn new things from books, podcast, YouTube, Google Academics, etc. Without all these hardwork, I would not be able to be in my current role (from a PR practitioner to a digital expert to the head of marketing to lead all marketing functions). Robert said that he woke up at 4am every morning so that he can exercise and sort out his own stuff before the world is moving.

So before envying others' luck and success, we should think again whether we have spent enough time to get the skillsets they have. Only luck will not bring us frame and money but hardwork.

Hopefully I can be like Roger one day to lead a large organisation and I am preparing for this. You can wish me luck and I will play my part for sure until I can be there:)