More Than a Slash: How to Successfully Navigate Multi-track Leadership

Today’s issue of The Executiv was written by Mojgan Fay, Executiv member and multi-track leader in tech, marketing and product design.

The term slash careerist popularized by Marci Alboher in One Person/Multiple Careers captured a moment in time. It gave legitimacy to people, myself included, who wrote strategist / designer / marketer in their bios, juggling roles with creativity and hustle.

But we’re past that moment now.

Today, organizations aren’t just looking for people who do many things. They need leaders who can think across systems, act across domains, and implement insights. That’s not just a slash. Or just a personal passion outside of work that shows dynamism or creativity.

I call this multi-track leadership.

So what’s the difference?

A slash is descriptive. A track is intentional.
A slash says, “I’ve worn many hats.” A track says, “I’ve charted a path and here’s where it’s going.”
A slash shows breadth. A track shows integrative thinking. 

Here's what I've learned from my own multi-track path:

I started in software development, where I learned to think in systems and solve complexity with logic. In corporate communications, I translated between technical and human contexts, shaping intuitive narratives. Marketing taught me how to generate pull, how to make people not just understand, but care. All of it converged in product design with the understanding that crafting your multi-track story is key. 

1. Craft your strategic narrative

 Here are three questions that help me ground my multi-track story:

•  What did I learn?

• What did I want more of?

• What guided my next move?

 The best multi-track leaders connect their moves into a system of thinking, not just a sequence of jobs.

2. Commit to lifelong learning

Those who successfully cross disciplines and step into roles in different fields have successfully cultivated a habit of up-skilling and re-skilling. They’re continuously taking courses, reading, or seeking mentors to acquire the knowledge needed for their new roles. This isn’t about chasing certifications though. It’s about becoming adaptable.

Whether it’s AI fluency, product intuition or storytelling, leaders who continuously prioritize learning will be ready for anything that comes next. The multi-track leader’s range requires continuous re-skilling, up-skilling and even un-learning. 

3. Leverage networks and mentors

Treat mentors and your network as credibility bridges. When you pivot into drastically different roles, or even industries, you’re asking people to take a chance on you. That’s where relationships come in. Your network will help people see your potential before you’ve “been there”.

Multi-track leadership isn’t about doing everything, it’s about strategically building range across contexts and demonstrating your ability to implement across disciplines. With a strong narrative, this range is the multi-track leader’s edge.

Accelerate Your Career Growth with Executiv

To learn more about our private network for women in leadership (Directors to C-Suite), as well as our coaching programs, community, and events, email us at [email protected] or visit www.executiv.ca 

Our invite-only network brings together 100+ top women in leadership from global Fortune 500 companies like Google, Amazon, and Colgate, as well as leading Canadian organizations including RBC, TD, Scotiabank, Loblaws, Canadian Tire, Lactalis, and many more.

We are a community that is highly vetted, deeply connected, and committed to each other’s success.

Our services are made available on-demand through our platform and app!

Follow Executiv on LinkedIn and IG.

“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”

Oprah Winfrey