The Executive Career Playbook

The Executive Career Playbook is the podcast for senior leaders, executives, and board candidates who want to stay competitive, increase their visibility, and land career-defining opportunities in this competitive market.

Hosted by executive career expert Debra Boggs and featuring executive recruiters, board directors, leadership experts, and accomplished business leaders, each episode delivers practical strategies to help you navigate career transitions, strengthen your executive brand, expand your network, and position yourself for your next leadership opportunity.

Whether you're pursuing a VP, C-Suite, or Board Director role, you'll gain insider insights on executive hiring, leadership trends, personal branding, networking, interviewing, compensation negotiation, board readiness, and career growth.

Because landing your next opportunity isn't just about experience. It's about positioning, visibility, and knowing how to stand out when it matters most.

AND;

If this podcast helps you think differently about your career, leadership, or next opportunity, follow the show and leave a 5-star review.

Every rating helps more executives find these conversations and keeps bringing world-class insights from recruiters, board members, executive coaches, and leadership experts directly to you.

Your next opportunity may be one conversation away.

Follow, rate, and enjoy the journey.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/
https://dscareermanagement.com/

Episodes

7 days ago

9 min

A potential layoff is not the time to wait and see. Learn five critical steps senior executives can take now to protect their career, strengthen their resume and LinkedIn presence, prepare for an executive job search, and negotiate severance and outplacement support.
Facing uncertainty in your role? Book a complimentary call with D&S Executive Career Management and build your strategy before you need it: https://dscareermanagement-47519192.hs-sites.com/schedule-a-call-with-us
Take our Executive Job Search Readiness Assessment here: https://debraboggs.typeform.com/to/pqW9pR8d
Download your Executive Job Search Diagnostic now: https://share.hsforms.com/2VJfQD8HKQqO5RfB76q_ovQsai1k
Access our Layoff Preparation Checklist here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/22ejwl7b-SVSkauZ8TrR9wQ
Download your board readiness guide here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2LANY6QsvSNmAdYd7ZuQytg
Request our free Unique Value Proposition Worksheet Here: https://share.hsforms.com/2SM4-7WEmQDur1LqRR2a6Qwsai1k
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insightslinkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement/posts/?feedView=all

7 days ago

9 min

Aug 2, 2026

42 min

Success doesn't protect you from burnout.
In this candid conversation, Debra Boggs and Lesley Hunter explore the hidden mental health challenges many high performers face but rarely discuss. From perfectionism and burnout to vulnerability, resilience, and redefining success, they share practical insights for executives, senior leaders, and ambitious professionals navigating demanding careers.
Whether you're leading a team, rebuilding after a setback, or simply trying to balance performance with wellbeing, this episode offers honest conversations and actionable strategies to help you move forward with confidence.
🎧 Follow The Executive Career Playbook for conversations on executive leadership, career growth, board readiness, and the realities of leading at the highest level.
If this episode resonates with you, follow the podcast, leave a 5 star review, and share it with a leader who needs to hear it. Your support helps us bring more conversations like this to executives around the world.
Visit us at: https://www.dscareermanagement.com/ to learn how we can help you stand out, stay visible, and move your career forward.
Book a call with us today here: https://dscareermanagement-47519192.hs-sites.com/schedule-a-call-with-us
Take our Executive Job Search Readiness Assessment here: https://debraboggs.typeform.com/to/pqW9pR8d
Download your Executive Job Search Diagnostic now: https://share.hsforms.com/2VJfQD8HKQqO5RfB76q_ovQsai1k
Access our Layoff Preparation Checklist here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/22ejwl7b-SVSkauZ8TrR9wQ
Download your board readiness guide here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2LANY6QsvSNmAdYd7ZuQytg
Request our free Unique Value Proposition Worksheet Here: https://share.hsforms.com/2SM4-7WEmQDur1LqRR2a6Qwsai1k
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insightslinkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement/posts/?feedView=all

Aug 2, 2026

42 min

Jul 26, 2026

29 min

Join board positioning expert Debra Boggs, CEO of D&S Executive Career Management, for a tactical and practical workshop.
You will leave with a draft of your own board value statement, ready to use in networking conversations, warm introductions, and with board chairs and Nom/Gov committees.
This episode is for senior executives actively pursuing their first board seat, or looking to expand their board service.
About the speaker: Debra Boggs is an award-winning entrepreneur and nationally recognized expert in executive career strategy as CEO of D&S Executive Career Management. Debra’s thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and dozens of other media outlets. She’s also a sought-after speaker for national conferences and private leadership events. Her firm has a decade-long reputation for supporting C-suite leaders in navigating complex career transitions, landing board seats, and maximizing compensation in competitive markets.
Visit us at: https://www.dscareermanagement.com/ to learn how we can help you stand out, stay visible, and move your career forward.
Book a call with us today here: https://dscareermanagement-47519192.hs-sites.com/schedule-a-call-with-us
Take our Executive Job Search Readiness Assessment here: https://debraboggs.typeform.com/to/pqW9pR8d
Download your Executive Job Search Diagnostic now: https://share.hsforms.com/2VJfQD8HKQqO5RfB76q_ovQsai1k
Access our Layoff Preparation Checklist here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/22ejwl7b-SVSkauZ8TrR9wQ
Download your board readiness guide here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2LANY6QsvSNmAdYd7ZuQytg
Request our free Unique Value Proposition Worksheet Here: https://share.hsforms.com/2SM4-7WEmQDur1LqRR2a6Qwsai1k
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insightslinkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement/posts/?feedView=all

Jul 26, 2026

29 min

Jul 19, 2026

11 min

This episode explains why well‑qualified executives often get no response or rejections when applying online, covering common issues like being perceived as overqualified, making a career pivot, job scope changes, internal referrals, and the rise of mass applicants driven by AI.
Practical takeaways include focusing on strategic networking, positioning your unique value, preserving confidence during a long search, and using targeted go‑to‑market strategies (or executive career support) to win interviews and offers.
Ready to accelerate your search?
👉Visit us at: https://www.dscareermanagement.com/ to learn how we can help you stand out, stay visible, and move your career forward.
Book a call with us today here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen
Download your Executive Job Search Diagnostic now: https://share.hsforms.com/2VJfQD8HKQqO5RfB76q_ovQsai1k
Access our Layoff Preparation Checklist here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/22ejwl7b-SVSkauZ8TrR9wQ
Download your board readiness guide here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2LANY6QsvSNmAdYd7ZuQytg
Request our free Unique Value Proposition Worksheet Here: https://share.hsforms.com/2SM4-7WEmQDur1LqRR2a6Qwsai1k
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insightslinkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement/posts/?feedView=all
Listen to our Podcast - The Executive Career Playbook:https://theexecutivecareerplaybook.podbean.com/
 
 

Jul 19, 2026

11 min

Jul 15, 2026

6 min

You've spent decades building your career. Leading teams. Driving growth. Solving complex business challenges.
So why aren't the right opportunities turning into interviews?
The reality is that AI can help you write a resume, but it can't define your value. It can't tell your story. And it can't position you as the leader a company needs right now.
In this episode of The Executive Career Playbook, Debra Boggs and executive recruiter David unpack why so many qualified executives are struggling to gain traction, what recruiters are actually looking for, and how to stand out when everyone on paper looks impressive.
If your search isn't moving as quickly as you'd hoped, this conversation will help you rethink how you're presenting yourself and where you may be unintentionally blending in.
Listen now and discover why the goal isn't to have a better resume. The goal is to become the obvious choice.
Want the full conversation? Listen to the complete episode here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zvrs2-19e16ad?utm_campaign=embed_player_share&utm_source=embed_player_pb&utm_medium=dlink
Book a call with us today here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen
Download your Executive Job Search Diagnostic now: https://share.hsforms.com/2VJfQD8HKQqO5RfB76q_ovQsai1k
Access our Layoff Preparation Checklist here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/22ejwl7b-SVSkauZ8TrR9wQ
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insightslinkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement/posts/?feedView=all

Jul 15, 2026

6 min

Jul 12, 2026

21 min

Corporate board opportunities rarely go to the most qualified executive. They go to the executive who is visible, positioned correctly, and connected to the right decision-makers.
In this session, Debra Boggs shares the strategies executives use to secure corporate board seats, strengthen board readiness, build board visibility, and position themselves as valuable contributors in the boardroom.
You'll learn:
✔ What board readiness actually means
✔ How to reposition executive experience for board opportunities
✔ The difference between an executive resume and a board resume
✔ How to optimize LinkedIn for board searches
✔ Why networking remains the most effective path to board opportunities
✔ Common mistakes that prevent qualified executives from being selected
Whether you're pursuing your first corporate board seat, an independent director role, an advisory board position, or expanding your board portfolio, this discussion provides practical strategies to strengthen your board candidacy.
Subscribe and follow us for more executive career strategy, board readiness guidance, executive branding insights, leadership visibility tactics, and corporate board opportunities.
Visit us at: https://www.dscareermanagement.com/ to learn how we can help you stand out, stay visible, and move your career forward.
Book a call with us today here: https://dscareermanagement-47519192.hs-sites.com/schedule-a-call-with-us
Download your board readiness guide here: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2LANY6QsvSNmAdYd7ZuQytg
Request our free Unique Value Proposition Worksheet Here: https://share.hsforms.com/2SM4-7WEmQDur1LqRR2a6Qwsai1k
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insightslinkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement/posts/?feedView=all
Listen to our Podcast - The Executive Career Playbook:https://theexecutivecareerplaybook.podbean.com/
Follow, rate, and enjoy the journey.https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/https://dscareermanagement.com/

Jul 12, 2026

21 min

May 27, 2026

29 min

What do senior recruiters look for when reviewing an executive resume or LinkedIn profile, and what makes them stop scrolling? Join Debra Boggs, D&S CEO and Matilda Cole, Lead Coach and 20-year executive recruiting veteran, for a candid conversation that takes you behind the curtain of the executive hiring process. Matilda has worked inside Fortune 500s, private equity firms, and FAANG companies, and as a power user of LinkedIn Recruiter and multiple AI platforms. She now uses that insider knowledge every day to help C-suite executives and board candidates stand out, get noticed, and land the roles they deserve.
In this episode, you will learn:
What recruiters genuinely notice first, and what immediately gets ignored • Why most executive LinkedIn profiles miss the mark (and how to fix yours)
How AI systems evaluate your resume before a human ever sees it
The language and positioning shifts that move you from candidate to top contender
What board-readiness looks like through a recruiter's lens.
Whether you are actively in search, open to the right opportunity, or building toward a board seat, this conversation will give you the insider intelligence to position yourself with confidence and clarity.
Visit us at: https://www.dscareermanagement.com/ to learn how we can help you stand out, stay visible, and move your career forward.
Book a call with us today here: https://dscareermanagement-47519192.h...
Follow, rate, and enjoy the journey.https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/https://dscareermanagement.com/

May 27, 2026

29 min

Mar 17, 2026

31 min

The executive search landscape has shifted dramatically. What worked even 18 months ago may now work against you. In this candid conversation, Debra Boggs sits down with Amber Schleinkofer, President & Strategic Talent Partner at AS Talent Advisors, LLC, to pull back the curtain on what actually matters when recruiters are evaluating C-suite candidates today.You'll discover:-How AI and automation have changed the way recruiters find and vet executives-The red flags that immediately remove candidates from consideration-How to position yourself when you're currently employed vs. in transition-The truth about working with multiple search firms simultaneously-What makes an executive's LinkedIn profile truly stand out to recruitersThis is not a recruiting pitch. This is a strategic conversation designed to help senior leaders understand the current market reality and position themselves accordingly.Whether you're actively exploring opportunities, passively open, or simply want to understand how the executive search world operates in 2026, this session will give you practical intelligence you can use immediately.
 
 
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sai1k.share.hsforms.com/2q3qZvHrGTmWhDwaxJCl3gA
 
Learn more at our website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com
 
Book a call with us today here:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen
 
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement
 
Follow, rate, and enjoy the journey.https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/https://dscareermanagement.com/
 

Mar 17, 2026

31 min

Jan 20, 2026

33 min

The executive talent landscape is shifting faster than ever. AI expectations are reshaping hiring criteria. Generational transitions are opening C-suite doors. Board opportunities are at unprecedented levels. The skills that got you where you are now may not be the ones that get you where you want to be in the future.
Join Debra Boggs and Ascentria Search Partners’ Ken Schmitt for a focused 30-minute look at what 2026 holds for senior and C-level executives and how to position yourself for success in this evolving market. Listen in and take control of your next opportunity.
 
Subscribe for weekly leadership and career insights. Reclaim your opportunities today.
 
Learn more at our website:
https://www.dscareermanagement.com
 
Book a call with us today here:
https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen
 
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement
Follow, rate, and enjoy the journey.https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/https://dscareermanagement.com/
 

Jan 20, 2026

33 min

Jan 6, 2026

33 min

For executives navigating career transitions or pursuing board appointments, courage isn't optional. It's the differentiator between settling and strategic advancement.
In this conversation with Debra Boggs, Christopher O.H. Williams, NACD.DC, author of C.O.U.R.A.G.E.: 7 Choices for Living a Life Without Regret, draws from his leadership roles at Nike, Adidas, Goldman Sachs, and as the first president of African Leadership University to explore how everyday courage transforms hesitation into principled action.
Whether you're contemplating your next executive role, pursuing board service, or leading through significant change, this conversation will equip you with actionable insights on leading without regret. Listen in and learn how to lead courageously without regret.
 
Learn more at our website:
https://www.dscareermanagement.com
Book a call with us today here:
https://meetings.hubspot.com/cpoff/intro-call-with-carmen
Follow Us on LinkedIn for more executive insights:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dscareermanagement
 

Jan 6, 2026

33 min

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