Purpose: This study aims to empirically examine the career competencies of global managers having world-wide coordination responsibility: knowing-why, knowing-how and knowing-whom career competencies. Design/methodology/approach: Based on in-depth interviews with 45 global managers, the paper analyzes career stories from a content analysis approach. Data were collected in three organizations operating in a transnational environment. Findings: Knowing-why competencies sought for in the position of global manager relate to work-life balance, international exposure, professional identification, center of decision making, career progression and search for challenge. The knowing-how competencies developed from the position of global manager relate to operational skills and general business understanding. In terms of knowing-whom competencies, the findings indicate that respondents used their professional networks and personal networks to obtain the position of global manager. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by its reliance on global managers' career stories and the restriction of the sample to global managers working at headquarters. Practical implications: The study concludes by discussing managerial implications that match the findings in terms of the three career competencies. Originality/value: The study suggests that global managers' career competencies act as motivators, outcomes as well as means to make career moves. It also indicates the primacy of knowing-why competencies in global managers' career capital. (Contains 1 note.)