From consulting back to product leadership with a 40% compensation increase
Program Manager at Cloudious
Lead Product Manager at Seagull Scientific
100%
40%
Overview
Malcolm had built a strong career leading product and program initiatives around Microsoft, with a focus on helping businesses scale. After several years in consulting, he was ready to return to a full-time job where he could grow, mentor others and make a deeper impact.
He wasn’t starting from scratch, but the path forward wasn’t clear. Within two months, he transitioned into a leadership product job that aligned with both his experience and long-term goals.
The Challenge
Most of Malcolm’s search was focused on online applications, with little traction. He knew networking mattered, but didn’t have a clear sense of who to reach out to or how to approach those conversations.
Underneath that, the bigger issue was a lack of focus. His search wasn’t anchored to a clear goal tied to his strengths and interests, which made the process feel frustrating and scattered.
The Shift
Instead of continuing to apply broadly, Malcolm stepped back and clarified what he actually wanted in his next job—the type of company, the work itself and the kind of impact he wanted to have.
From there, the search became more structured. He focused on targeted networking, learned how to navigate informational conversations and built a more intentional approach to getting referrals and introductions.
He also prepared more deliberately for interviews, treating them as a skill to practice rather than a one-off event.
The Outcome
Malcolm landed a lead product manager job at Seagull Scientific with a 40% increase in compensation.
Beyond the numbers, the job marked a successful transition out of consulting into a full-time leadership position that aligned with his goals. He joined a team where he could contribute meaningfully, work with strong peers and maintain balance in his day-to-day work.
“Try to establish a focus, a place that you would like to get to — and then do what it takes to accomplish it, one little task at a time.” — Malcolm D.
How This Result Was Achieved
This outcome came from narrowing the search and building a clear direction first, then executing with consistency. Once Malcolm shifted from broad applications to focused networking and preparation, the process gained momentum quickly.
Clarify the Criteria of the
Next-Level Target
Define what a true step-change looks like—scope, role, and trajectory—not just the next logical move.
Reposition the Leadership Narrative
Translate past experience into a compelling executive story that aligns with higher-level opportunities.
Access Off-Market Opportunities
Target and create conversations with roles that aren’t visible through traditional job search channels.
Convert the
Right Opportunity
Navigate the process strategically to land a role that is not just bigger—but more aligned and energizing.
Ready for your next-level role?
You’ve already built a strong career—but if you’re aiming for a meaningful step up in scope, impact, and compensation, it requires a more strategic approach than a traditional job search. The right opportunities aren’t always visible—but with the right positioning and strategy, they’re absolutely accessible.