How I Got Executive Meetings No One Else Could: Real Stories, Exact Scripts, and the Secret Strategy That Wins the Room

“How I Got the Executive Meetings Nobody Else Could”

What if the meeting that changes your life isn’t on your calendar yet?

For most of my career, I’ve been obsessed with one question: How do I get in front of the people no one else can reach — and how do I lead those conversations in a way that opens doors others didn’t even know existed?

The biggest career breakthroughs rarely happen from sending one cold email. They happen from obsession, from long games, from pattern recognition and precision timing.

They happen because you choose to be so valuable that the executive doesn’t just take your meeting—they want you in the room.

I’m going to take you behind the scenes of the most impossible executive meetings I’ve ever gotten—and what I said and did to land them, lead them, and ultimately earn trust, unlock opportunity, and deliver transformation.

THE CEO MEETING: THE LONG GAME OF AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT

Six months. Dozens of thoughtful comments. Every post. Every interview. Every signal.

That’s how I got the CEO meeting no one else could.

Most sellers give up after one like or one message. But I played the long game. I started authentically engaging with the CEO’s content on LinkedIn. Not just generic likes or “Great post!” comments—I was specific. Relevant. I brought insight or asked a question that elevated the conversation.

After months of consistency, I messaged:

“I’ve been following your journey closely. What you’re building is bold, visionary, and exactly the kind of mission I love helping leaders bring to life. I’ve got a few strategic ideas I’d love to share that build on your direction. Could we grab 15 minutes next week?”

That meeting led to a multi-million dollar engagement. Not because I pitched anything. But because I proved over time that I understood their mission, their mindset, and that I could be a partner that adds value.

THE CISO MEETING: PLAYING TO PUBLIC PRESENCE

Security leaders are inundated. Everyone wants their time. Everyone talks products.

So I studied. I listened. I researched.

This particular CISO had a huge public presence: blogs, videos, podcast appearances. I didn’t just consume it—I documented it. What topics did they return to? What did they emphasize in every interview? What tone did they use when talking about risk?

Then I reached out:

“I’ve listened to your episodes on cyber resilience and your piece on zero trust was one of the sharpest takes I’ve heard. I work with mission-driven leaders to operationalize those strategies at speed and scale. I have a perspective I’d love to share with you. I think you’d appreciate the lens.”

Ego? Maybe. But mostly it was respect.

We met. I didn’t pitch. I asked:

“If you had full budget and no barriers, what would you fix first?”

That single question broke the dam. I won the right to keep talking—and eventually to deliver.

Within 6 months, I went from being ghosted to an 8-figure deal getting signed.

THE CIO MEETING: THE BACKDOOR STRATEGY

This one stung.

No reply to messages. No response from their team. The CIO had no interest.

So I pivoted. I went to the Board. I earned credibility with the CEO. I aligned with the CFO on the financial case. I created internal demand above and around the CIO.

Eventually, the CIO agreed to meet—begrudgingly.

He opened the meeting with, “I’m not sure why I’m even here.”

I responded:

“You’re here because your board and leadership team believe in the transformation you’re driving. I’m here because I can help you get there faster and safer, with less risk and more alignment. I’m not here to sell you anything. I’m here to solve.”

He challenged me. He grilled me. But I walked out of there with just enough trust to get a small opportunity.

I delivered.

We scaled.

And I won the deal.

THE UNWINNABLE DEAL: LINKEDIN AT SCALE

There was a customer everyone said was locked. The incumbent vendor had it sewn up. No way in.

So I created one.

I built a custom campaign and messaged over 500 Director+ leaders at that organization over LinkedIn.

Every message was personalized. Every touch showed understanding of their mission, challenges, and outcomes.

Eventually, it started clicking. Execs started forwarding my messages. One SVP replied:

“This is the most thoughtful outreach I’ve seen. Let’s talk.”

We talked. We earned trust. We knocked out the competition.

And we won the “unwinnable” deal. 9-figures.

THE FASTEST PATH: SALES NAVIGATOR ALERTS

Here’s one of my secret weapons: Speed.

I set alerts on LinkedIn Sales Navigator for executive changes across all my top accounts.

Every time a new exec is hired, promoted, or posts content, I reach out immediately:

“Congratulations on the new role. I partner with leaders like you in the first 90 days to help identify fast wins that align to your vision. I’d love to connect for 15 minutes to offer insight and resources you won’t get anywhere else.”

Why does this work? Because everyone else waits. I move. Because I bring value they can use. Because I’m not trying to sell. I’m trying to empower.

HOW I LEAD EXECUTIVE MEETINGS

Getting in the room is just the beginning. Here’s what I say once I’m there:

Opening Line:

“I’m here to understand your priorities and show you where I can help de-risk key decisions and bring you value you can’t get anywhere else. Opening new revenue streams, unlocking resources you’re not aware of but are entitled to, and not just paying the word ‘partnership’ lip service.”

Mid-Meeting Anchor:

“What are the top 1-2 outcomes that would move the needle for you the most this year? And what’s standing in the way?”

Closing Ask:

“If I can bring the right people, ideas, and resources to help with this—who else from your team should be engaged and how quickly can we advance?”

You’re Not Selling. You’re Showing Up as the Differentiator.

This isn’t about the clever subject line.

It’s not about the perfect deck.

It’s not about the demo.

It’s about doing the work. Showing up early. Staying when others leave. Listening deeper. Moving faster.

What separates the top 1% in sales is simple: They show up as the partner leaders didn’t know they needed, but can’t afford to be without.

So show up. Be that person. And build the meeting that changes everything.

What’s the boldest move you’ve ever made to land an executive meeting?

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