How Senior Leaders Manage Their Reputation Before They Arrive

Episode notes

Lucas and Luna dive into the concept of 'reputation pre-loading'—the deliberate work senior leaders do to shape how they're perceived before they even start a new role. Using the case of a former McDonald's executive who moved to Sweetgreen, they explore why a leader's reputation is 80% set in the first 90 days, and how preparation before day one determines whether you're seen as a visionary or a liability. The episode covers specific tactics: planting signals through trusted intermediaries, curating your digital footprint, and crafting a narrative that frames your arrival as inevitable rather than risky. Lucas shares data from a 2025 LinkedIn study showing that executives who actively manage their pre-arrival reputation are 3x more likely to survive their first year. Luna pushes back on whether this is just PR spin, and Lucas explains why authenticity and strategic framing aren't opposites. The hosts also reflect on how the concept applies to any career move, not just C-suite roles. No ads—listener-supported at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo.