How to Make the Leap from Individual Contributor to Executive, with Dr. Mehul Mankad

What does it take to move from individual contributor to C-Suite and from the public to the private sector? This conversation reveals the hidden mistakes that keep smart people stuck and the mindset leaps required to succeed. In this powerful episode, Dr. Mira Brancu sits down with forensic psychiatrist and CMO, Dr. Mehul Mankad, to explore the real journey from being a high-performing technical expert to becoming an effective executive leader. It dives deep into the mindset shifts required to move from simply doing the work to leading others, including how to handle responsibility, prioritize what truly matters, and influence decisions at a higher level. You’ll also learn the stark differences between working in structured environments and stepping into fast-paced startup roles where there’s no safety net and accountability is entirely on you. More importantly, this discussion highlights why continuous learning and adaptability matter far more than collecting degrees, and how understanding people, systems, and decision-making can redefine your career path. Whether you’re aiming for leadership, considering a career shift, or feeling stuck despite working hard, this episode offers insights that can completely change how you approach growth and success.Ready to stop over-doing and start leading? Subscribe to The Hard Skills for weekly strategies on clinical and corporate high performance.Referenced Episodes and Links:The Science and Future of Great Coaching, with BetterUp’s Chief Coaching Officer, Dr. Woodward: https://youtu.be/3X3xs_B6L4M?si=bhzJVgSF2sJx8Xt6How to Build a Career That Actually Serves Your Life, with Dr. Sharon Hull: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wdfa3axn0TI https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmankad/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psychiatry-and-law-podcast/id1352806975https://www.novumhealth.com/ IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE, CAN I ASK A FAVOR?We do not receive any funding or sponsorship for this podcast. If you learned something and feel others could also benefit, please leave a positive review. Every review helps amplify our work and visibility. This is especially helpful for small women-owned boot-strapped businesses. Simply go to the bottom of the Apple Podcast page to enter a review. Thank you!Subscribe to my free newsletter at: mailchi.mp/2079c04f4d44/subscribeWork with me one-on-one: calendly.com/mira-brancu/30-minute-initial-consultationConnect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/MiraBrancuLearn more about my services: www.gotowerscope.comGet practical workplace politics tips from my books: gotowerscope.com/booksAdd this podcast to your feed: www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-hard-skills-dr-mira-brancu-m0QzwsFiBGE/