Ex-Factor: Why Everyone Loves to Advertise Their Exes (and Why It’s Mostly Nonsense)

We’ve all seen them: the LinkedIn profiles boasting titles like ex-McKinsey, ex-Bain, ex-Novartis, or ex-Roche. These prefixes have become status symbols in the corporate world, shorthand for, “I was once important somewhere important.” It’s as if these professionals are collecting exes, not in their personal lives (well, hopefully), but in their résumés, brandishing them like badges of honor.

But much like collecting actual exes, this habit raises questions. Why advertise it? In finance, there’s a useful disclaimer: “Past performance does not imply future results.” The same could be said for careers. Your time at a big-name company might have shaped you, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll dazzle in your next role.

The Rise of the "Ex" Economy

The rise of "ex" branding is no accident. With layoffs surging in industries like pharma, tech, and finance, there’s a growing pool of displaced professionals looking for their next gig. Some genuinely leverage their previous roles to open doors. Others... not so much.

The Pharma Connection

In pharma, this trend is only going to grow. With 146 layoffs in 2024 (and counting) across the industry, more professionals are rebranding themselves to reflect their previous employers. After all, saying "ex-Novartis" or "ex-Roche" sounds better than "currently between opportunities." It implies pedigree, competence, and connections—even if the reality doesn’t always match the perception.

Why Do People Flaunt Their Exes?

1. Borrowed Credibility

Big-name companies come with built-in prestige. Saying you worked at McKinsey or Bain automatically conveys expertise, strategy, and business savvy. Whether or not you were a rock star at these firms, you inherit their glow simply by association.

2. Door Openers

Professionals with "ex" titles often find that name-dropping their former employers can open doors. It’s shorthand for, “I’ve been vetted by a top-tier organization, and I know what I’m doing.”

3. Networking Fodder

Mentioning "ex-[insert brand]" becomes an easy conversation starter:

• “Oh, you were at Novartis? I know someone there—do you know X?”
• “Ex-McKinsey? I worked with them on a project once!”

It’s an instant icebreaker, even if the actual overlap is minimal.

The Problems with "Ex" Branding

While there’s no harm in sharing your career journey, relying too heavily on your ex-employers for credibility can backfire. Here’s why:

1. Past ≠ Future

Working for a prestigious company doesn’t guarantee future success. Just as past performance in finance doesn’t predict future results, being ex-McKinsey doesn’t mean you’ll excel at your next job. Plenty of people coasted through big-name companies without leaving a lasting impression.

2. It Can Feel Lazy

Branding yourself as "ex-something" often says little about what you actually achieved. Did you revolutionize a process, or just attend a lot of meetings? Without specifics, the "ex" prefix can feel more like a placeholder than a qualification.

3. Overcrowding the Market

With layoffs increasing, the market is awash with "ex" professionals. What once seemed unique now feels like table stakes. Everyone is an ex-something these days, making the distinction less valuable.

Circle Back Later: The Ambiguity of Networking

The surge in exes also brings with it the “circle back” economy:

• “Let’s connect when you land somewhere new.”
• “I’d love to catch up in six months.”
• “Let’s keep in touch and see where things align.”

These platitudes, often exchanged over lukewarm coffee chats or half-hearted LinkedIn messages, rarely yield tangible results. While some connections lead to opportunities, many simply fade into the corporate ether. The truth is, most people don’t know how to leverage their ex-affiliations effectively—or they overestimate their ability to turn a polite “Let’s catch up” into a genuine offer.

My Take: The Ex Files

In my own experience building teams and navigating partnerships, I’ve encountered countless ex-this and ex-that professionals. Some were impressive, leveraging their past experience to bring fresh insights and value. Others seemed to rest on their laurels, expecting their former employer’s name to do all the heavy lifting.

It’s a reminder that what you do matters far more than where you did it. The best professionals aren’t just alumni of great companies—they’re individuals with tangible results, clear thinking, and a commitment to growth.

How to Avoid the Ex Trap

If you’re tempted to brand yourself as “ex-something,” remember:

1. Focus on Achievements:
   • Instead of saying "ex-Novartis," explain what you accomplished there: "Built a $100M oncology portfolio," "Led digital transformation for regional markets," etc.
2. Don’t Overdo It:
   • Mention your ex-employer where relevant, but don’t make it your entire identity. You’re more than the logo on your old business card.
3. Play the Long Game:
   • Use your connections wisely. A well-timed follow-up is better than spamming your network with vague “let’s connect” messages.

Conclusion: Collecting Exes Isn’t a Career

Branding yourself with "ex" titles can open doors, but it’s no substitute for meaningful achievements. With more layoffs and career shifts, the pool of "ex-somethings" is only going to grow. The real differentiator isn’t the company you left—it’s the work you did while you were there and what you’re doing now.

So, the next time you see someone flaunting “ex-McKinsey” or “ex-Roche,” ask yourself: Are they leveraging that experience, or just clinging to it? After all, collecting exes may work for LinkedIn, but in real life, it’s results—not résumés—that truly matter.