Understanding leaders means understanding the world changing around them.
We examine how technology, industry shifts, globalization and organizational change are redefining leadership.
CEO & succession
The New CEO Credential Stack: Why Advanced Degrees Rose from 58% to 65% in Six Years
Today's CEO is more educated, more operationally experienced, and more likely to be internally promoted than ever. Here's how the credential requirements have evolved—and what it means for succession planning.
5 min read
CEO & succession
The COO-to-CEO Pipeline: Why Operations Leaders Now Dominate the Corner Office
COOs and divisional executives now account for 22% of incoming CEOs each—matching operational expertise with strategic leadership. Here's what's driving this fundamental shift.
5 min read
CEO & succession
The First-Time CEO Paradox: Why 85% of New CEOs Have Never Held the Role Before
Boards strongly prefer prior CEO experience—69% of hires have it. Yet 85% of 2024 appointments were first-timers. Here's what's driving this contradiction and how to navigate it.
6 min read
Leadership
The Operating Partner Revolution: From Advisory Role to Value Creation Engine
82% of Operating Partners now participate across the full investment lifecycle. As mid-market PE doubles down on operational expertise, here's how this role is being redefined.
5 min read
Leadership
The PortCo Retention Crisis: Why 6.4-Year Hold Periods Are Breaking Executive Incentives
Standard equity vesting ends at year 4-5, but average PE holds now stretch to 6.4 years. Here's how leading firms are redesigning executive incentives to retain talent through exit.
5 min read
AI & search
The AI Talent War: Why Traditional Companies Can't Compete—and What to Do About It
Meta is offering $250M packages to top AI researchers. AI demand exceeds supply 3.2:1. For healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing companies, a different playbook is required.
5 min read
AI & search
Building an AI-Ready Board: The Three Competencies Every Director Now Needs
Only 20% of S&P 500 boards have a director with AI expertise. As shareholder proposals on AI quadruple, here's how to close the competency gap before it becomes a liability.
5 min read
AI & search
The CAIO Explosion: Why Chief AI Officer Roles Have Tripled—and What It Means for Executive Search
26% of organizations now have a CAIO, up from 11% two years ago. With compensation packages exceeding $1M, here's what boards need to know about this transformative role.
5 min read
Leadership
The PE Leadership Pivot: Why Execution Now Beats Financial Engineering
$2.62T in dry powder, 6.4-year holding periods, and 30,000+ companies waiting to exit. PE firms need operators, not dealmakers—and the executive search market is transforming.
5 min read