Instead of applying for jobs, this AWS exec writes proposals for new roles she wants to create (www.businessinsider.com)

AWS executive Sarah Cooper has pioneered a unique approach to career advancement by crafting proposals for new roles she envisions, rather than applying for existing positions. Utilizing Amazon's six-page narrative memo and PR/FAQ frameworks, she has successfully created roles tailored to her interests and strengths, including her current leadership position of the AWS AI-Native team. This method illustrates her commitment to innovation and personal initiative in a corporate structure often defined by traditional job applications. Cooper's approach is significant for the AI/ML community as it showcases how proactive ideation can lead to meaningful roles in emerging fields like AI, particularly within dynamic organizations such as AWS. By aligning her proposals with Amazon's customer-focused "Working Backwards" process, she emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs in driving technological advancements. Her success—having penned over 14 funded proposals—demonstrates the value of structured thinking and narrative clarity in effectively pitching novel concepts. Cooper's strategy not only challenges conventional career paths in tech but also inspires a culture of innovation and adaptability, vital for the fast-evolving AI landscape.