★★★★★ Loved by readers on Amazon

Stop waiting to be noticed. Build the executive career you have earned.

The Executive Career Handbook is the step-by-step playbook Tom Cox used to land 5 executive roles, and that has helped hundreds of mid-career professionals reach Director, VP, and the C-suite. No office politics. No selling your soul.

Get the Book + 3 Bonuses → Just $14.99 · free US shipping
Physical + DigitalPlus 7-hour audiobook
3 free bonusesWorkbook, diagram, audio
7-hr audiobookRead by the author
The Executive Career Handbook by Tom Cox, 3D book cover
Hundredsof professionals coached to the executive ranks
Up to 90%of executive roles are never
posted online
30-50%typical comp increase, Director to VP
4-6 monthstypical path from stuck to executive-ready
What got you here will not get you there

You are doing everything right, and still getting passed over.

If you are a high performing mid-career professional who feels stuck below the executive line, you are not short on talent. You are playing the wrong game.

"I work harder than anyone, and watch others get promoted."

Hard work earned you a plaque and a steak dinner, not the title. The executive game runs on different rules than the one that got you here.

"I submit resumes and hear nothing back."

It feels like shouting into the void. Up to 90% of executive roles are never posted, so the resume game was rigged against you from the start.

"I refuse to play political games to get ahead."

Good. There are two ways up: manipulation and leadership. This book shows you how the quiet good leaders win without the games.

Tom Cox holding The Executive Career Handbook
Why I wrote this

I spent 15 years learning what nobody tells you.

In 2007 I was a mid-career professional working hundred-hour weeks, convinced that effort alone would earn the promotion. It did not. So I spent $100K and two years on an MBA. My boss told me plainly that it would not get me promoted. He was right.

After three years of waiting for "good things" to come, I built my own company instead, and learned the hard way what it takes to lead at the top. Over the next 15 years I figured out what actually works, and why so many talented people get stuck.

This is the handbook I wish someone had handed me the day I decided to move up.

Inside, I share the exact process my team and I have used to coach hundreds of professionals through the glass ceiling and into Director, VP, and C-suite roles.

Inside the book

What you will discover.

The Executive Career Handbook is built on the Whole Executive Framework, with self-assessments, exercises, and examples you can put to work today.

The Whole Executive Framework

Five stages from stuck to executive.

The book walks you through the same framework we use to coach clients, one stage at a time.

1

Clarity & Foundations

Get absolute clarity on where your career is going and who you are as a leader.

2

Executive Skills & Mindset

Build executive presence, intrinsic confidence, and the mindsets the top demands.

3

Brand & Hidden Market

Build a brand that gets you noticed and tap the roles that never get posted.

4

Interview & Negotiation

Nail the executive interview and negotiate the package you deserve.

5

The First 90 Days

Start strong, build trust fast, and prove you were the right call.

Everything you get today

One book. One small price. Everything included.

Order today and get the physical book shipped free in the US, instant digital access, and all three bonuses at no extra cost.

What is included

  • The Executive Career Handbook, physical copy
    Shipped free within 2 business days in the US.
    $24.99
  • Instant digital / PDF copy
    Read it the moment you order, on any device.
    $14.99
  • Bonus: Companion Workbook
    Exercises and self-assessments to apply the framework.
    $29
  • Bonus: The Key Influencer Diagram
    Map the people who actually move your career forward.
    $19
  • Bonus: 7-hour Audiobook
    Read by Tom. Listen anywhere, anytime.
    $24

Total value $111

$14.99 one-time

Free shipping for US customers

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1-year money-back guarantee
What readers are saying

Real reviews from real readers.

Mid-career professionals and executives describe the same thing: language for something they always felt but could never name.

★★★★★

A real-world playbook for breaking into the C-suite

Hands down one of the most practical and insightful guides I've read on advancing into senior leadership. Instead of vague motivational talk, Tom Cox delivers a clear, structured framework that actually shows you how to think, act, and communicate like an executive. If you're serious about moving into executive leadership, this book should be on your desk. It's not theory. It's a roadmap.

Verified Purchase · Paperback · Oct 6, 2025
★★★★★

Why didn't I know this sooner?

I've watched Tom's videos for a while and his observations on the realities of becoming an executive are spot on. This book does a great job explaining the why behind executive positions and gives tactical strategy to change your mindset. MBA programs don't address these realities. They should. Excellent book.

Verified Purchase · Mar 24, 2025
★★★★★

Executive skills are different from professional skills

Tom created a clear, concise, easy-to-read resource that helps you identify the skills needed to be an executive, develop them, and find executive-level positions. This book led me to real self-reflection about where I had to improve. To quote page 142: "Inaction is worse than bad execution when it comes to self improvement." So take action, read the book, and get better.

Verified Purchase · Mar 22, 2025
★★★★★

Helped me unlock my full potential

A powerful guide for anyone looking to elevate their career and life. It offers practical advice, useful exercises, and motivational principles that help you break through barriers and reach your potential. This program helped me grow into my current role, negotiate better, and propose new strategies for both my company and myself.

Verified Purchase · Apr 9, 2025
★★★★★

Career essential for anyone breaking past mid-level

Having owned a business and then re-entered the corporate world, I thought I'd stay below my full value for the rest of my career. This handbook helped me see a clear path back to my full professional potential and career satisfaction. Tom is kind and professional, and has truly found his calling as an expert in executive growth.

Verified Purchase · Kindle · Feb 8, 2026
★★★★★

Highly recommend!

I've been an entrepreneur for years and the truth is I'm a better manager than executive leader. After reading Tom's book, I understand that nuance and the executive skills I was lacking to take my company to the next level. The assessments are incredibly insightful, and what sets this book apart is Tom's vulnerability in sharing his own challenges.

Verified Purchase · Apr 8, 2025
★★★★★

Excellent book on driving career growth to senior leadership

An excellent book for anyone looking to advance in a management capacity or land a new role. Lots of great tips and personal assessments to help you find your areas to work on. It's written for people who have 10+ years of experience, have led teams, and have a goal to someday be in the C-suite or run their own company.

Verified Purchase · Apr 6, 2025
★★★★★

Unlock your path to the C-suite

This is more than a career handbook. It's a game-changing blueprint for professionals who want to lead with confidence, authenticity, and strategic precision. The Whole Executive Framework is a battle-tested system that has propelled countless professionals into C-suite roles. If you're serious about executive leadership, this book belongs on your desk.

Verified Purchase · Mar 19, 2025
★★★★★

Next level, a must-read for aspiring executives

Awesome read. So many insights and strategies to ultimately help someone get to the executive level. Highly recommend!

Verified Purchase · Mar 20, 2025
The Executive Career Handbook
About the author

Tom Cox

Tom Cox is the founder of Vertical Motion, a seasoned executive, serial entrepreneur, and U.S. Army veteran. After surviving a near-fatal battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, he dedicated his life to helping professionals become great leaders without compromising who they are.

With more than 15 years in executive leadership, multiple technical patents, and over $1.5B in closed business, Tom brings a rare, firsthand view of what it actually takes to rise to the top, and how to do it as your authentic self.

Founder, Vertical Motion 3x CEO U.S. Army veteran 15+ years in the C-suite $1.5B+ closed
One-year money-back guarantee

A simple, one-year promise.

The Executive Career Handbook will show you everything described on this page and more. If you are not satisfied for any reason, email our team within a full year and we will refund your purchase. No hoops, no hard feelings.

Take your next big career step

Your executive career starts with one decision.

Get the physical book, the instant digital copy, the 7-hour audiobook, and all three bonuses today for $14.99, backed by a full one-year guarantee.

Get the Book + 3 Bonuses for $14.99 →

Instant digital access · free US shipping · 1-year money-back guarantee

Questions

Good questions, answered.

What exactly do I get for $14.99?

You get a physical copy of The Executive Career Handbook shipped free in the US, immediate access to the digital PDF, the 7-hour audiobook read by Tom, the Companion Workbook, and the Key Influencer Diagram. Everything is included in the one-time $14.99 price.

How fast do I get it?

The digital copy, audiobook, and bonuses are available immediately after you order. The physical book ships within 2 business days for US customers.

Do you ship internationally?

The digital copy, audiobook, and bonuses are available worldwide the moment you order. For physical shipping outside the US, we will coordinate any additional shipping cost with you after purchase.

Who is this book for?

It is written for high performing mid-career professionals, managers, senior managers, and directors who want to move up to Director, VP, C-suite, and beyond, the right way. If you want to lead because you believe the world needs better leaders, you are in the right place.

Is it just theory?

No. The book breaks down the full Whole Executive Framework into clear actions, and includes self-assessments, exercises, examples, and the Career Roadmap so you can start applying it right away.

What if it is not for me?

You are covered by a full one-year money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason, email our team and we will refund your purchase.

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