Virtual event
Career Moves | How to Get Your First Senior Role
A monthly session to advance your career
Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026
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Speakers
What to do next
- Catch up on the 10-minute highlights above or dive into the full recording
- Join the Career Development Community
- Check out our upcoming events Futures Thinking Fundamentals for Busy Public Servants and Career Moves | How to Interview Excellently
Resources
Join the Career Development Community
The Career Development Community is a collaborative space designed for conversations, insights, ideas and resources on career development in government from your peers across the global public service. This community is open to all Apolitical members.
Event Description
Are you ready to step into your first senior role, and looking for actionable advice to help you get there?
Progressing from mid-level to senior positions in government is challenging. Hierarchies are often rigid, and advancement can depend on more than strong performance alone. Building visibility, demonstrating strategic behaviours and preparing for senior responsibilities before a vacancy arises are key to making the leap.
In this session, experienced leaders will share how they positioned themselves for promotion and how they now identify and support future leaders. You’ll learn how to recognise and close skills gaps, showcase your potential and have effective career conversations with your line manager.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Speakers
David Brownstein
Senior Facilitator, Coach and Design and Facilitation Lead, Partnership for Public Service
US
Harry Phinda
Special Projects Lead, Chief Executive's Office, Croydon Council
UK
David Brownstein, whose approach to leadership and organisation development is centered around a philosophy that helping clients understand how their personal growth also positively impacts those around them will change the world. This “pay it forward” mentality promotes a unified and productive workforce for the client and helps them recognize their leadership potential. He is the lead designer for the Partnership’s leadership development programming, an executive coach (ACC), and facilitates programs aimed at empowering government employees and teams to achieve their goals.
Harry Phinda, a Special Projects Lead at Croydon Council. He has previously held roles in policy and strategy in the Home Office and the Cabinet Office. He is a co-Founder of The Unofficial Guides CIC.
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