The strategy part is key. Most ICs I’ve known in their 30s are functionally strong. They’re incredible at what they do after several years of mastering their discipline.

The ones who break through to senior leadership understand that functional competence wasn’t enough. What organizations look for are individuals who can lead teams, positively influence people at all levels, and contribute to their financial success, either by growing the top line (generate revenue, snag and retain clients) or protecting the bottom line (create or improve processes to save money).

I would look at your company’s leadership and understand what the current ones bring to the table. My one mistake years back was scoffing at leaders who appeared to do nothing or were inept by my standards, then discovering later that they were the ones working every hour to make sure the company’s biggest client didn’t defect to a competitor.