PwC US CEO Paul Griggs on the career habits that fuel promotion

Griggs advocates for a proactive mindset, encouraging early-career professionals to volunteer for opportunities and embrace curiosity. He recalls a mentor who split his notebooks in half—one side for meeting notes, the other for research questions—a habit he suggests is still essential for modern advancement. By dedicating time to independent learning on weekends, employees arrive on Monday with a clearer understanding of complex problems, which naturally leads to greater responsibility.

This cycle of preparation and output is how individuals distinguish themselves, eventually transitioning from horizontal growth to vertical promotions. While artificial intelligence is reshaping the professional landscape, Griggs argues that the value of high-agency behavior remains constant. Executives like Visa’s Oliver Jenkyn and Chipotle’s Jason Kidd share this perspective, prioritizing candidates who actively seek to learn and say yes to unglamorous tasks. As organizations adapt to new technologies, those who consistently demonstrate initiative and self-directed skill building remain the best positioned to climb the corporate ladder.