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Rethinking the Elevator Pitch

Rethinking the Elevator Pitch: What Truly Matters at the Highest Levels

Recent public interviews for Supreme Court judges sparked an interesting reflection for me: do the presentation skills we learn in corporate life translate effectively across all professions—or even at the highest levels of leadership?

We are often taught the art of the elevator pitch—that concise, compelling introduction designed to communicate who you are, what you do, and the value you bring, all within a few minutes. But in practice, especially in formal settings like judicial interviews, this principle seems to blur.

It raises an important question:
What are the irreducible minimums when presenting yourself to decision-makers at the highest level?

Personal Story vs Professional Value

In many interviews, candidates dedicate significant time to their personal background—family, upbringing, life journey. While these elements shape character and perspective, one must ask:

Do they directly strengthen your candidacy for the role?
Would a different personal circumstance diminish your qualifications?
In most cases, the answer is no.

For highly technical or specialized roles—like those in the legal profession—decision-makers are ultimately assessing:

Depth of expertise
Soundness of judgment
Integrity and independence
The value you bring to the institution
A compelling narrative is important, but relevance is everything. Personal milestones should support your professional story—not overshadow it.

The Discipline of Brevity

This reflection extends beyond interviews to how we present ourselves on paper.

In Kenya, it is common to see CVs spanning 3–4 pages, reflecting diverse experiences and multiple roles. Yet in many global markets, a one-page CV is the gold standard—clear, focused, and intentional.

This contrast highlights a critical point:
It’s not about how much you have done, but how effectively you communicate what matters most for the role at hand.

A More Strategic Approach

Whether in an interview, a courtroom, or a boardroom, the principle remains consistent:

Prioritize what is essential. Align your message with the role. Deliver it with clarity and purpose.

A strong professional introduction should:

  • Lead with your core expertise.
  • Highlight your most relevant achievements.
  • Clearly articulate the value you bring.
  • Use personal context sparingly and strategically.

Final Thought

We all wear many hats, and every aspect of our journey contributes to who we are. But effective communication is about discernment—knowing what to say, what to emphasize, and what to leave out.

At the highest levels, clarity is not just appreciated—it is expected. Take a moment to audit your own professional narrative:

If you had just 2 minutes with a decision-maker, what would you say?
Does your CV reflect your strongest value proposition—or just your full history?
I invite you to refine your elevator pitch and streamline your CV this week. Focus on what truly matters for your next opportunity.

If you’re open to it, share your thoughts:
What do you believe are the non-negotiables in a powerful professional introduction?