I think this is a risky strategy. For one, the only way to succeed this way is to be the best (or at least last the longest). Second place on the VP promotion d

I think this is a risky strategy. For one, the only way to succeed this way is to be the best (or at least last the longest). Second place on the VP promotion doesn't mean anything. Secondly, if your plan is to advance significantly up the management track at your company, take a close look the makeup of the current VPs / leadership team. I've worked in many companies where the CEO almost exclusively brought in outside talent for the VP level, and never promoted up. In those sort of situations, you're probably always going to be looked at as rank and file, even if you get into middle management positions.