As of 27 August, there are just 126 days left in the year. That’s a very short runway if you are:
- a senior executive looking to make a career move,
- a founder trying to close a capital raise, or
- an aspiring director seeking that critical first or second board seat.
In today’s volatile market, those who move decisively in the final quarter can set themselves up for an extraordinary 2026. Those who hesitate risk falling behind.
“You will only succeed in these final months if you have a clear strategy and the discipline to execute.”
Why the Pressure is Real
The corporate landscape is under stress. Across Australia, large companies are announcing restructures and cost-cutting measures. The Australian Financial Review recently noted that “corporate restructuring is hitting executive teams hard, with leadership roles disappearing in key sectors” — a reality that makes the job market more competitive than ever.
This environment demands what I call a career portfolio mindset. That means diversifying your income streams, broadening your networks, and securing side opportunities that can act as insurance. If one part of your professional life falters, you are not left exposed.
“There will be executives who regret not putting in the effort to secure that extra board seat, side business, or network refresh.”
The Final Quarter: A Window of Opportunity
While others slow down heading into year-end, top performers accelerate. The last four months of the year present unique opportunities:
- Networking events: Conference season is in full swing, with finale events and industry gatherings. This is the prime time to meet Chairs, Non-Executive Directors, and decision-makers face-to-face.
- Capital raising: Investors are seeking to place funds before the end of the year. Having your materials and networks ready can mean the difference between securing commitments now and waiting until mid-2026.
- Career shifts: Hiring often slows over Christmas, but smart candidates secure offers now, ready to hit the ground running in the new year.
The lesson is simple: act now, and you’ll avoid the scramble in January when everyone else wakes up to the same reality.
Why Job Boards Won’t Save You
Too many executives waste time scrolling through SEEK, LinkedIn, or even the AICD portal for board roles. The reality? The best opportunities are rarely advertised.
“Forget the advertised job market. Quality board appointments come through networks, referrals, and visibility — not job boards.”
If you’re serious about landing a board seat, you need a strategy that goes beyond job ads:
- targeted networking with Chairs and directors,
- thought leadership that positions you as an industry authority,
- visibility at the right events where conversations turn into opportunities.
The Hustle Factor
If you’re actively job-hunting, now is the time to double your activity. That means more outbound reach, more conversations, more interviews. The Sydney Morning Herald has highlighted that “executives are finding they need to apply for more than twice the number of roles compared to just two years ago” to secure a meaningful appointment.
This is not the time to sit back and wait for headhunters. It’s the time to create momentum, to hustle, and to take control of your narrative.
Setting Up for 2026
The smartest leaders are already looking beyond December. They’re asking: “Where do I want to be positioned in 2026? What do I want to achieve in the next 18 months?”
Use this time to:
- refresh your networks,
- sharpen your value proposition,
- secure additional income streams, and
- position yourself for the roles and opportunities that align with your long-term vision.
Final Thought
The clock is ticking. With only 126 days left in the year, you cannot afford to drift. This is the time to:
- secure that board seat,
- close that raise, or
- execute that career transition.
Those who put their heads down now will enter 2026 ahead of the curve. Those who don’t will regret the missed opportunity.
“The people who put their heads down in this final quarter can do incredibly well.”