No Leadership Experience

[jables]

I have been in middle management positions for about 10 years, but none have had direct reports (sometimes called "Principal" positions).  I want to find a more senior leadership role, but a common roadblock is that I do not have experience as a leader.  Curious how ya'll would respond to that.

I once owned my own business and at that time I most definitely managed multiple teams.  Since then, although never officially, I feel I have frequently mentored or taught younger or less experienced team members.  Despite that, on paper, it looks like I have little to no experience.  Particularly in a corporate environment.

[mynewunit]

Middle Management. The doldrums of the corporate ladder.
So you have to go outside the box to find leadership opportunities. Try organizing something office adjacent. Maybe a picnic or softball game. Once you have organized something and grown it and added to your team with people who aren't being ordered to follow you, you will have demonstrated you can lead. Don't expect praise.
There are other organizations that would let you lead. Kids church, Senior citizens, 5K, the more disorganized and frazzled the members the more skills you will develop.
Obviously you need to lead yourself. If you are in good health, fitness, and have good public speaking skills, that helps. The more you look like a leader, the more likely people are to take directions from you.