Hit the Ground Running
A Leader’s Guide to Strategic Impact in the First 30–60–90-180 Days
Download David’s 30-6-90-180 Day Plan
When stepping into a new role—especially a senior leadership role—the temptation is to impress, perform, prove. But what if your greatest leadership move wasn’t showing what you know, but choosing to listen?
Recently, I had a conversation with my friend and former colleague, David Fox, a seasoned executive who’s led through major transitions at Experian, Marigold, and beyond. David shared what he’s learned about leadership transitions—the kind that actually work—and why your first 30-60 days might be more about unlearning than executing.
Here’s what stood out.
Don’t Assume. Ask.
Before you even accept a new role, ask questions.
What’s working?
What’s broken?
What’s expected?
What does success really look like in this role?
Whether you’re transitioning within the same company or stepping into something entirely new, clarity starts with curiosity. David shared that early in his executive journey, he assumed someone would tell him what to do. Instead, he realized quickly: the people around him were expecting him to come in with a plan. A thoughtful, not flashy, one rooted in observation, not assumption.
The First 30 Days: Listen Like It’s Your Job (Because It Is)
David shares his transition framework “Listen, Ask, Observe, Learn, and Connect.” And the cornerstone of that first month? 90% listening, 10% talking.
Not just listening to direct reports—but peers, cross-functional leaders, even the CFO.
“You can’t improve your team if you don’t understand the larger system you’re working in.”
David does one-on-ones with each direct report in his first week, documenting what he hears. He reviews his notes weekly, building a living blueprint of what’s really happening in the organization.
Don’t Lead with Expertise. Lead with Humility.
It’s tempting to come in swinging—ready to show your strategic chops. But David’s advice? Slow down and ask:
What are we doing well?
Where are we stuck?
What’s been normalized that shouldn’t be?
Humility builds trust. And trust unlocks truth. Without truth, leaders build strategy on guesses and ego. (Spoiler: that never ends well.)
The 30-Day Deliverable: Reflect and Report
By the end of month one, David sets a meeting with his executive sponsor or CEO—not to pitch a grand vision, but to say:
Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
Here’s what I think matters most.
Here’s where I see early opportunities.
Here’s how I think we can create some quick wins.
These quick wins? They’re never cosmetic. They’re about removing friction—for employees and customers alike.
“If you’re doing something that doesn’t improve our performance, let’s talk about why we’re still doing it.”
30 to 90 Days: Move with Purpose
After clarity comes movement.
This is the time to:
Align your team’s focus to company goals.
Begin reshaping rhythms and expectations.
Start to address the things that aren’t working.
Reaffirm where you're headed—and who’s going to help you get there.
By 90 days, David believes you should know where you stand, where you’re going, and how you plan to lead your team forward.
Ask yourself:
What’s one intentional shift you could make this week to become more curious in your current role?
What would it look like to slow down, step back, and observe before jumping in?
The Takeaway
Whether you’re a seasoned executive or preparing for your next leap, transitions reveal a lot about how we lead. At Vivero Leadership, we believe these pivotal moments—these in-between spaces—are primed for transformation.
It’s where clarity is forged. Confidence deepens. Leadership identity comes into sharper focus.
David’s story reminds us: your power in transition doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from your willingness to ask, listen, learn, and act with intention.
Download David’s 30-6-90-180 Day Plan
Let’s Talk.
Are you preparing for a new role—or in the middle of figuring out how to lead in the one you’ve just stepped into? We’d love to help.
Together, we can create a plan that brings structure to the uncertainty and momentum to your next chapter.
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