Building Your Experience to Gain an Executive Role

Why It Matters

The insights reveal how blending technical expertise, formal qualifications, and emotional leadership can fast‑track project professionals into executive roles, driving higher‑value, client‑centric delivery for firms.

Key Takeaways

• New chief project delivery role emphasizes integrated global client service.
• Balancing extraversion with focused work boosts senior leadership effectiveness.
• Prioritizing “good enough” over perfection prevents burnout and delays.
• Continuous qualification (MBA, chartered status) fuels strategic career progression.
• Engaging teams emotionally ensures alignment and project success.

Summary

The APM podcast features Dave Corbyn, Gleeds’ newly created Chief Project Delivery Officer, discussing how he built a career from gas‑engineer apprentice to senior executive. He explains that his role unites service lines, client accounts, and global delivery teams to present a seamless, trusted partner for clients.

Corbyn stresses three practical lessons: integrate people and processes rather than rely on rigid methodology; manage personal energy by alternating extroverted collaboration with focused, solitary work; and adopt a “good enough” mindset to avoid perfectionism that stalls progress. He also highlights the importance of formal qualifications—chartered engineering, APMP, and an MBA—to unlock strategic leadership opportunities.

Memorable remarks include, “I would never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” and “Energetic Dave needs both crowds and quiet time.” He describes emotional check‑ins after meetings to gauge team buy‑in, and he admits that influencing stems from transparent plans and willingness to be challenged.

For aspiring project leaders, Corbyn’s journey underscores that career acceleration hinges on cross‑functional experience, continuous credentialing, and a balanced leadership style that blends charisma with disciplined focus. Companies that cultivate such hybrid talent can expect stronger client relationships and more resilient project outcomes.

Original Description

Emma talks all things leadership with Dave Corbin ChPP, Chief Project Delivery Officer at Gleeds. Dave started his working life as a gas engineer before switching into project and programme management and working his way up to the top. He shares his career advice on getting ahead, and explains why clarity matters in project leadership. Dave was a finalist for APM's Chartered Project Professional of the Year Award in 2024 – so what has he learnt about project and programme leadership? And how can you go about building your own experience to gain an executive role?