then they ask the question that kills generalists every time.
you've shipped features. product? you've run campaigns. marketing? you've fixed processes. operations?
the pause stretches. you start explaining how you've worn many hats. but none feel like the answer they want. because they want depth and you've got range. their eyes glaze. you've already lost. that sinking feeling sucks, doesn’t it?
i understand, alright? i can relate. i’ve gone from webdev to marketing to growth to product to founder. the growthx logo? designed that too. i am a generalist through and through.
but, what if i tell you that… being a generalist is not the problem. your positioning is. most generalists walk into interviews apologizing for their breadth. explaining why they don't have 10 years in one function. defending their scattered resume.
cause if you keep doing this. this pattern will cost you more than pride. vague positioning means longer job searches, lower initial offers, and getting slotted into roles below your capability. you become the utility player instead of the franchise player. the "resource" instead of the leader. your comp reflects this confusion. the market discounts what it can't categorize.
here's what changes the game: stop selling your breadth. start selling specific outcomes.
pay attention
here’s my framework for for a generalist’s positioning.
Gap → Result → Input levers → Plan
in a sentence that costs money or strategic edge.
pick the problem where you want to positioning yourself (duh!)
the strategic importance.
that proves the pain is gone. show before and after.
one number. undeniable change.
metric. show two to four, never a grocery list.
input levers come from breaking down the outcome metric into its constituent ingredients.