Initiative and the ability to make changes are qualities possessed by many great leaders. 'Spearheaded' something means you led the charge, took the helm and ensured things got done—not simply follow orders. You did not just do the work—you organized everyone else who was doing the work.

However, avoid repeatedly using 'spearheaded' in your resume; it can make it seem like you need to be more creative and that you don't take the time to proofread your work. If you're writing your resume with each new job in mind, a better way to describe your experience is by using synonyms.

Synonyms help make your resume unique and engaging without changing what it says about your skills and abilities. You might want to consider using other words for 'spearheaded', like 'chartered,' 'masterminded,' etc. The key is finding synonyms that fit into the structure of your sentence while still conveying their intended meaning.

That's why it's important to use synonyms instead of repeating words. Synonyms give you more options when writing your resume—and can even help find the perfect combination of words that describe how well you orchestrate efforts and make an impact!

I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Spearheaded on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

Resume Synonyms for Spearheaded:

Piloted
Capitalized
Drove
Orchestrated
Stimulated
Championed
Mobilized
Accelerated
Revamped
Rectified
Elevated
Realized
Boosted
Streamlined
Maximized
Launched
Initiated
Helmed
Influenced
Shepherded
Trail blazed
Ushered
Marshalled
Aligned
Attended
Enlightened
Sculpted
Predicted
Forecasted
Engineered
Chartered
Masterminded
Revolutionized
Merged
Unveiled

How to replace Spearheaded with a stronger action verb:

Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Spearheaded, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.

Before: Weak example using Spearheaded

• Sprearheaded new sales and pricing strategy

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Led the sales team to explore the prospect of subscription sales in competition’s SaaS client bases, resulting in the takeover of over 20% clients of the major domestic competitor. .

Replacing Spearheaded with Piloted ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded innovative marketing strategies for enhancing brand awareness

⤸

After: Piloted• Piloted a comprehensive rebranding initiative that boosted customer engagement by 35% and increased online traffic by 40% over a six-month period.

To improve this bullet point, I got specific about the type of marketing strategy. Additionally, including the stakeholders benefited (customer engagement, online traffic) and impactful metrics made it evident that the initiative was successful.

Tip: I've prepared a ton of additional examples for you to give you inspiration. Please click on any of the following to expand and see real examples of how I've rewritten client bullet points.

Replacing Spearheaded with Capitalized ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded the development of a new product

⤸

After: Capitalized• Capitalized on market trends to design and launch a game-changing technology product that contributed to a 25% revenue increase in the first 6 months.

In this revised bullet point, I chose 'capitalized' to signify initiative and market awareness. For specificity, I included the type of product, its impact on revenue, and the timeline within which this success was achieved.

Replacing Spearheaded with Drove ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded growth in new markets

⤸

After: Drove• Drove expansion into three new markets in Asia, resulting in a 30% increase in quarterly sales and broadened brand exposure.

Instead of vaguely saying 'growth', I specified the type of growth and the markets involved to paint a clearer picture. The use of 'drove' suggests leadership and the metrics support the efficiency of the candidate's actions.

Replacing Spearheaded with Orchestrated ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded the organization of a major event

⤸

After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated a statewide charity event, attracting sponsorship from 50+ local businesses, raising $500,000 for beneficiary institutions.

In the revised statement, I used 'orchestrated' to denote planning and coordination skills. I also included concrete achievements such as the funds raised and the number of sponsors attracted.

Replacing Spearheaded with Stimulated ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded efforts to boost team productivity

⤸

After: Stimulated• Stimulated team productivity by implementing an Agile workflow system which decreased project cycle times by 20%.

I chose 'stimulated' as a dynamic action verb and, to be more specific, I mentioned what was implemented. Highlighting the direct impact on project cycle times makes this point more compelling.

Replacing Spearheaded with Championed ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded the company's green initiatives

⤸

After: Championed• Championed the company's transition to renewable energy, reducing utility costs by 15% and carbon footprint by 30% annually.

What I like about this change is the use of 'championed'. The revised statement also communicates measurable achievements and clearly outlines the benefits of the green initiative.

Replacing Spearheaded with Mobilized ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded a change management initiative

⤸

After: Mobilized• Mobilized a sweeping change management initiative across five departments, improving process efficiency by 25% and staff engagement by 30%.

By saying 'mobilized', it suggests active initiative and leadership. To be specific, I included the number of departments impacted, and the direct benefits realized from the initiative.

Replacing Spearheaded with Accelerated ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded the web development project

⤸

After: Accelerated• Accelerated the company's website overhaul, which resulted in a 45% increase in site visits and a 20% conversion rate increase within 5 months.

In the revised statement, I used 'accelerated' to reflect urgency and efficiency. I also made sure to include the direct results of the web development project such as increase in visits and conversion rates.

Replacing Spearheaded with Revamped ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded an upgrade for the company's IT infrastructure

⤸

After: Revamped• Revamped the company's outmoded IT infrastructure, resulting in a 35% reduction in system downtime, and saving $100,000 in operational costs.

Here, 'revamped' is chosen to convey transformation which is more impactful. I introduced clear and specific metrics to highlight the value of the upgrade to the company.

Replacing Spearheaded with Rectified ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded financial discrepancies

⤸

After: Rectified• Rectified financial discrepancies that led to an improved billing process, increasing payment turnarounds by 60% and reducing payment errors by 30%.

The term 'rectified' reflects problem-solving skills. I also provided specifics including the area of improvement and quantifiable outcomes to substantiate the impact made.

Replacing Spearheaded with Elevated ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded the redesign of our company’s website

⤸

After: Elevated• Elevated the company's website through a complete redesign that boosted web traffic by 35%, and increased YoY sales by 20% through targeted marketing integration.

I used 'elevated' to imply significant improvement. Including the outcomes of increased web traffic and subsequent sales clearly demonstrates the benefit of the redesign.

Replacing Spearheaded with Realized ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded the company’s revenue growth

⤸

After: Realized• Realized a 40% increase in the company's revenue within two years by introducing a new strategic plan that targeted underrepresented markets.

I chose the verb 'realized' because it conveys the candidate's ability to deliver results. The revised statement is more specific about the strategies implemented and the results achieved.

Replacing Spearheaded with Boosted ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded process improvements

⤸

After: Boosted• Boosted manufacturing process efficiency by 25%, saved $200K yearly, and reduced machinery downtime by 30% by introducing Lean Manufacturing principles.

Aside from choosing 'boosted' as active verb, I specified what improvement method was used. Providing concrete metrics like savings and reduced downtime brings clarity to the extent of improvement.

Replacing Spearheaded with Streamlined ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded logistics improvements

⤸

After: Streamlined• Streamlined supply chain and logistics processes, reducing delivery times by 40% and cutting down costs by 30%, thereby driving customer satisfaction up by 20%.

Here, 'streamlined' indicates efficiency and smooth operation. Mentioning the exact benefits, such as reduction in delivery times and costs and improved customer satisfaction, helps to measure the magnitude of success.

Replacing Spearheaded with Maximized ▾

Before: Spearheaded

• Spearheaded the push for better profit margins

⤸

After: Maximized• Maximized profit margins by 45% by renegotiating supplier contracts, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing cost-saving logistics strategies.

I used 'maximized' to illustrate huge gains in efficiency. I was also specific about the strategies employed and the credited profit increase, providing a clear illustration of the candidate's ability.

How to use these synonyms in practice

We've put together an infographic to give you more examples of how to put this into practice. Note the use of strong action verbs instead of words like Spearheaded.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Led on a resume:

• Led interview campaign with existing customers (300+ person survey, 40+ face-to-face discussions) to formulate requirements of a new product to help couples manage their expenses; outputs directly impacted product roadmap.

How to use Performed on a resume:

• Performed DCF analysis to evaluate offers for company's sell-side process; qualitative offer comparison and quantitative model outputs were shared directly with client's senior management team.

How to use Overhauled on a resume:

• Overhauled the company's website by increasing graphics usage by 50% and mobile responsiveness by 100%; generated 70% more leads via email capture forms, reduced bounce rate by 20%.

How to use Delivered on a resume:

• Delivered product solutions to institutional and corporate clients; grew customer base by +25% in Europe.

How to use Promoted on a resume:

• Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact - ahead of schedule by 12 months.

How to use Developed on a resume:

• Developed an iPhone app to help medical professionals measure the insulin needs of patients with diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Spearheaded on a resume?

Words like Spearheaded are overused on resumes. Instead, you should use other phrases like Revolutionized, Engineered, Unveiled, Aligned, Attended or Launched.

What are other words for Spearheaded on a resume?

Generic language like Spearheaded are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Launched, Enlightened, Predicted, Influenced, Attended or Ushered.

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