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
CEO & succession
The Boomerang CEO Trap: Why Bringing Back Former Leaders Delivers 7.4% Lower Returns
22 S&P 1500 companies rehired former CEOs in 2024-2025—a 10-year high. But data shows boomerang CEOs underperform by 7-10%. Here's what boards should do instead.
4 min read
CEO & succession
The CHRO's Secret Power: How HR Leaders Are Becoming CEO Succession Kingmakers
CHROs who build board trust influence 78% of successful successions. Yet only 35% have direct board access. Here's how the best HR leaders bridge the gap.
5 min read
CEO & succession
73% of New CEOs Are Promoted Internally. That's Both a Triumph and a Trap.
Internal CEO appointments hit a record high in 2024. The data suggests this is smart succession planning. The data also suggests it's risk avoidance disguised as strategy.
4 min read
CEO & succession
The Cross-Border M&A Paradox: Why Distance Keeps Leaders
Conventional wisdom says cross-border deals lose more executives. The data says the opposite—and the reason changes everything about integration strategy.
4 min read
CEO & succession
Why 70% of Executives Leave After Cross-Border M&A
The biggest M&A risk isn't valuation—it's the leadership exodus that destroys the value you paid for. Here's how to stop it.
4 min read