October 2025: Tapping the power of transitions
CEO succession and selection is arguably a board’s most important responsibility. Our latest issue of Empowering Leaders looks at the perceptions of current and former CEOs about their transition, discusses why boards should treat transitions as an opportunity to bet on growth, and highlights our research into the journey leaders must make to evolve to a more empowering style.
In our latest Measure of Leadership survey, we asked current and former CEOs from around the world about their expectations and experience related to their transition. Like CEO transitions themselves, there is a lot more going on beneath the surface.
In this unpredictable environment, where traditional forecasting models falter, it can be difficult for boards to know how to plan for succession — and many, in fact, are making missteps. Our new Harvard Business Review article explores how boards can turn CEO selection into strategic advantage.
Becoming a more empowering leader is a long and difficult journey, requiring humility, self-awareness, patience and resilience. We’re proud to announce that our article detailing the Leadership Odyssey has been included in Harvard Business Review ’s new book, HBR's 10 Must Reads on Emotional Intelligence.
Spencer Stuart, CEO succession is indeed one of the board’s most critical responsibilities. Thank you for sharing your insights on how transitions can be both a challenge and a powerful growth opportunity. It’s striking to see how many CEOs still lead their own succession process. Boards truly need to evolve their approach to stay ahead. For organizations navigating volatile times, the Harvard Business Review’s recent piece on turning CEO selection into strategic advantage is a good read. How does your board approach succession planning in today’s dynamic environment? Read more here: https://www.spencerstuart.com/research-and-insight/ceo-transitions-how-to-avoid-a-bumpy-exit https://www.spencerstuart.com/research-and-insight/in-volatile-times-select-ceos-for-strategic-advantage-not-safety
CEO succession is a key moment for the Board to ensure continuity in the long term and to reinforce positive leadership. It can only be achieved with a proper and transparent process the adapt helps the company and team to adapt to a really fast changing business environment we are living recently.
Absolutely true. No Ivy League resume can ensure a sustainable leader transition.
Thanks for the article. The strongest CEOs plan succession the way they plan strategy - deliberately, early, and without ego. The CEOs who fear this conversation are the ones still leading from insecurity. Mastery is speaking openly about your own exit while building the future.