I remember my first meeting with C-level executives and I quickly realized I was out of my league. The principal at the firm where I worked told me to sit in the back and just listen.

The people at the meeting were more polished, more focused, clearly expressing their thoughts, and always to the point. Being prepared was not optional. Despite times of easygoing banter and fun, there was an underlying seriousness to their demeanor, signaling that work was a matter of life and death. For them, it truly was, with money, people, contracts, clients, and relationships always hanging in the balance.

I quickly realized that if I wanted to be in this kind of room at some point in my career, I’d have to make changes.

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We each inhabit a personal bubble shaped by our surroundings, actions, and words.

Advancing in your career—to tackle more significant roles, manage larger projects, or lead more people—requires a transformation into a better version of yourself. Past strategies may not be enough at higher levels of responsibility.

Escaping your current bubble and creating a new one could mean shifts in location, habits, and communication methods. Laying the groundwork for this new reality begins with crafting the context—the narrative you adopt regarding your identity and potential.

For me, I wanted to be the consultant in the room working with the C-level executives and sought out the experiences and skills that enabled me to survive and thrive in that environment. This became the filter through which I decided what to do, or what not to do, along the path of evolving into the person I wanted to be.