[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ValerieM-scaled.jpg” custom_padding=”0|0px|30px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” background_color_phone=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_phone=”on” use_background_color_gradient_phone=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_phone=”rgba(0,0,0,0.09) 0%|rgba(1,10,8,0.25) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image_phone=”on” background_color_gradient_start_phone=”rgba(0,0,0,0.09)” background_color_gradient_end_phone=”rgba(1,10,8,0.25)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||223px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_line_height=”1.1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”582px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|-42px||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”0px|2px|0px|2px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
From Operator to Authority: How Senior-Level Public Sector Professionals Advance Their Careers<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-77px|||||” custom_padding=”27.2344px|0px|0|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_padding=”20px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Valerie-Martinelli.jpg” title_text=”Valerie Martinelli” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#02b875″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.2em” header_text_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]VALERIE MARTINELLI<\/a><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10px||60px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Valerie is currently the CEO and owner of Valerie Martinelli Consulting, LLC. in which she offers Life, Leadership, and Career coaching for women as well as various Management and Human Resource consulting services such as program development, management, and evaluation, human resource audits, and employee handbook and other policy developments.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”720px” min_height=”929px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n As a Career Coach, I advise my clients on many principles. However, there is one truth that has become clearer over the years. At the senior-level, the game changes dramatically. It is no longer about working hard and doing more. It is about moving an operator to an authority. This may not sound like a big deal when you read that, but it is a layered, complex principle. Moving from an operator to an authority doesn\u2019t just require a new strategy for your career- it also requires a mindset shift. It is in the mindset shift that many professionals get trapped- and that causes the strategy to fail. This is particularly difficult for public sector professionals because no one teaches this.<\/p>\n The career trap that everyone faces is that we are taught to constantly hustle and do more. However, doing more doesn\u2019t mean recognition, promotions, and raises. Doing more at this level oftentimes leads to burnout and frustration because a professional hasn\u2019t shifted strategies or their mindset. Early on your career, many tend to be reactive to what occurs- a layoff, stalled growth, boredom, an opportunity for a new challenge or to prove yourself. We tend to work more and more and take on more projects and stretch ourselves- all in the name of proving ourselves, our work ethic, and the fact that we get results.<\/p>\n But once you reach the senior-level that no longer works. You feel like you are no longer being seen or valued. Many oftentimes get frustrated and start looking for new roles for a better organizational fit. I am not saying that this is always wrong. However, organizational fit is not always the issue- it is the fact that we haven\u2019t changed the way we are driving our careers. Instead, it leads to feelings of frustration and lack of appreciation.<\/p>\n In the public sector, professionals are oftentimes promoted based on execution. However, senior-level roles require influence, visibility, and narrative control.<\/p>\n I find that when professionals are taught to execute, they do not always consider the results or the impact of their work. The results and the impact that it has it very important at the senior level because these roles require influence, visibility and narrative control. What does this mean?<\/p>\n It means that when in a position of leadership, it is important for authority to be translated into action. This enables leaders to motivate, persuade, and gain buy-in for important initiatives. This is particularly important in government because the public also needs to be motivated, persuaded, and provide buy-in. Influence also builds trust, drives organizational change, improves team performance, and fosters a collaborative culture, which allows leaders to achieve goals without relying solely on formal, top-down power.<\/p>\n It also enables strategic execution, creates a positive culture, and facilitates decision-making.<\/p>\n Visibility is critical for leaders to boost credibility, build trust, and drive organizational culture. Leaders can reduce uncertainty, foster connection with staff, and demonstrate their expertise by being present and communicating transparently.<\/p>\n Visibility allows leaders to influence industry conversations, attract top talent, and align with stakeholder values. It also ensures that a leader’s work, expertise, and contribution to strategic goals are recognized, amplifying competence rather than just behind-the-scenes work. When leaders are visible, employees feel motivated, supported, and connected to the company mission, which boosts retention.<\/p>\n Visibility is crucial in the public sector because it is part of building a recognizable leadership brand- both internally and externally. This brand will help leaders earn trust in a time when public trust and confidence in government officials and public sector leaders is very low.<\/p>\n Narrative control in leadership and senior-level management is critical for building trust and shaping organizational culture. It allows leaders to align stakeholders, maintain reputation, and effectively navigate change by creating a cohesive, shared understanding of events. Proactive narrative management prevents stakeholders from defining the story themselves.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f7f7f4″ custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”680px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3-5-scaled.jpg” alt=”A woman smiles and shakes hands with a man in an office setting, while several colleagues sit at a table in the background clapping and smiling, celebrating her achievement in government leadership.” title_text=”A woman smiles and shakes hands with a man in an office setting, while several colleagues sit at a table in the background clapping and smiling, celebrating her achievement in government leadership.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_margin=”1px|||||” animation_direction=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#efefe9″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2-5-scaled.jpg” alt=”Five professionals in business attire sit and stand around a glass meeting table, engaged and smiling, as one man stands and another gestures toward him\u2014reflecting effective government leadership\u2014in a bright, modern office with large windows.” title_text=”Five professionals in business attire sit and stand around a glass meeting table, engaged and smiling, as one man stands and another gestures toward him\u2014reflecting effective government leadership\u2014in a bright, modern office with large windows.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_margin=”1px|||||” animation_direction=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#818178″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”16.3%|10%||10%||” custom_margin_tablet=”|10%||10%” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The career trap that everyone faces is that we are taught to constantly hustle and do more. However, doing more doesn\u2019t mean recognition.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#888888″ text_font_size=”12″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20%|” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|||” custom_margin_phone=”20px||3.7%|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]VALERIE MARTINELLI[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||10px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”37px||2px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”40px||0px|” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Managing the narrative ensures the company’s public image is protected, especially during crises. Without control, others may shape a narrative that hurts the brand. By providing a clear sense of purpose and direction, leaders can guide behavior, enhance employee engagement, and ensure consistent messaging across the organization. During mergers or strategic shifts, well-crafted narratives reduce anxiety and align employees with the new direction.<\/p>\n Narrative control is imperative in the public sector because public image is public perception, especially during crises. If there isn\u2019t control, then others, particularly the public, can shape the story themselves. This can be damaging and harmful to a senior leader\u2019s career in the public sector.<\/p>\n So, how can senior-level public sector professionals learn to move from an operator to an authority?<\/p>\nThe Career Trap<\/em><\/h4>\n
Making the Strategy and Mindset Shift<\/h4>\n
The Solution: ASCEND Advisory<\/h4>\n