Outwit, Outplay, Outlast: Building Your Executive Brand Like a Survivor
You may not be stranded on a tropical island in wet socks and a buff, but let’s be honest - executive leadership can feel a lot like the reality TV show, Survivor.
There are alliances (cross-functional teams), immunity challenges (KPIs), tribal councils (quarterly reviews), and yes, the very real threat of being quietly voted off the island (or just…looped out of the next strategy meeting).
The real winners - on the show and in leadership - aren’t just the last ones standing. They’re the ones who influence how others see them from Day 1. They don’t leave their brand to chance. And neither should you.
Here’s how to build your executive leadership like a Survivor champion:
Outwit: Clarify What Makes You Unforgettable - On Survivor, the best players win by being strategic, not just strong. They don’t try to do everything - they do the right things at the right time, and they’re known for it. Ask yourself:
What’s the thing people count on me for in a crisis?
What strengths do I bring to the team that are hard to replicate?
What kind of leadership problems am I uniquely wired to solve?
Strategy: Your title is not your brand. Your impact is. Craft a reputation that does the talking, even when you’re not in the room.
Outplay: Be Visible, Not just Valuable - One of the great tragedies of Survivor (and the workplace): brilliant players get booted because no one saw their genius in time. The same goes for leaders who “keep their heads down” and assume their work will speak for itself. It won’t. That’s your job. Ways to play it smart:
Speak up in meetings with clarity and conviction.
Share your team’s wins without sounding like a walking Linkedin trophy.
Create thought leadership that reflects your point of view - not just your resume.
Strategy: Visibility isn’t self-promotion. It’s storytelling. And if you’re not telling your story, someone else is - probably with less nuance.
Outlast: Lead Like the Cameras Are Always Rolling - Survivor is a masterclass in composure. One meltdown, one ill-timed blindside and your credibility takes a nosedive. Same goes for executive leadership. The people who last? They’re consistent. They own their impact. They don’t need a spotlight to show up like a leader. To outlast:
Stick to your values, even when they cost you.
Take responsibility before it’s required.
Show up steady in chaos, because someone has to, and it might as well be you.
Strategy: Executive branding isn’t about being the loudest voice or the flashiest résumé. It’s about shaping the perception of your leadership with clarity, presence, and strategic repetition. In other words: Be the player they want on their team - even when the game changes.
Now go make Jeff Probst proud.