Expecting Massive Change Ahead, Business Leaders Weigh–In
Expecting Massive Change Ahead, Business Leaders Weigh–In
Our latest global CEO study reveals definitive and unexpected insights. The overwhelming majority of CEOs believe that significant, far-reaching changes lie ahead in economics, politics, energy, and technology. What is striking is that they embrace their responsibility to collaborate with governments and other stakeholders to solve challenges such as climate change and inequality, even if the final destinations are not yet known.
Our findings suggest that the world is entering a new era of leadership. Many CEOs are envisioning identities that extend beyond leading their business and are repositioning themselves to help shape new realities across society. The research suggests a new mindset among CEOs , who are both curious and confident, understanding where they can exert their influence most effectively.
An overwhelming majority of CEOs expect “groundbreaking systemic changes” in the next decade.
CEOs are certain they can have a greater impact on climate protection and AI than on geopolitics. While they are careful to avoid noisy rhetoric and extreme positions, they do not sidestep the critical issues facing the world. Common ground is emerging among CEOs, even if it is not yet fully visible; it is being forged by leaders who take on social and political responsibilities within and beyond their business roles.
Participating CEOs emphasize the importance of selecting the right talent, developing those employees and themselves, and—most importantly—creating a culture in their organizations where curiosity and openness are the new norm. Key choices and focus in these areas are expected to help CEOs lead through increasing complexity.
The expectation of large-scale change is prompting CEOs to consider the breadth of their responsibilities.
CEOs see a range of necessary adaptive and relational skills for leading through today’s challenges especially cultivating a culture of curiosity honing their ability to listen and lifting the collective ambition.
NUMBER = Average from 1 = Not important at all to 5 = Extremely important.
*% = Percentage of respondents who perceived the area as most important.
This aligns with our observation that CEOs are investing more than ever in their personal development. They may have good reasons not to reveal too much in public, but they are among the most attentive observers of a world that is re-ordering itself. In the face of far-reaching societal shifts, CEOs today face an historic opportunity to step beyond being mere witnesses to change—and to embrace the role of architects for a better future.
We are making the results of this study available to you now, at a time when many CEOs are considering whether, when, and how to contribute to global and national conversations on the most pressing socio-political issues. What is clear is that global CEOs are waking up to a new world and want to shape it.
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