Our latest global CEO study reveals that today’s chief executives are leading differently. They are less scripted, more confident and, above all, deeply aware of their unique position in an era defined by relentless geopolitical upheaval and economic volatility.
Among the 1,235 global CEO respondents, we heard a nearly unanimous conviction: to meet this moment, 92% of them agree they must cultivate unprecedented levels of adaptability.
And CEOs are clear-eyed about the odds, with 72% viewing the prospects for global prosperity either as declining or stagnating. Yet, compared to just a year ago, they feel more prepared to navigate this ever-changing reality—in part because the past few years have been a learning experience like no other. “We are getting accustomed to tackling frequent disruptions in business by now,” one CEO explained.
Still, amid this volatility, most of these CEOs see leadership opportunities to support and shape better societal outcomes. A striking 97% recognize possibilities for contributing to global prosperity in the future, either within or outside their organizations.
In an environment that is critically charged, geopolitical instability stands out as the foremost challenge facing CEOs and their organizations. Additionally, agility and adaptability have emerged as the bedrock of the new leadership paradigm, with 59% viewing them as the most important currency for building organizational resilience and securing long-term success.
Cultivating a culture of curiosity and open-mindedness remains the top skill CEOs point to for mastering today’s complexity. There is clear recognition that there is no playbook to draw from. Years of rampant instability have become their school, shaping a generation of CEOs who are highly adaptable and learning as they lead.
With The CEO Response’s results now available, we hope to spark reflection as chief executives globally continue to lead amid uncertainty and complexity. The resolve of these leaders is stunning: They are rolling up their sleeves to transform their organizations—and in many ways the world itself—all in an environment of massive unpredictability.
Last year, CEOs foresaw a world of constant and groundbreaking change. This year, they signal a clear intent to step forward and into it. And they are approaching the many critical challenges they expect by prioritizing the ongoing transformation of CEO leadership with renewed curiosity, purpose, and strategic impact.
Download the full report
Read responses from 1,235 global CEOs on leading through the challenges they face.
Shaping Successions
Advancing Governance
Discovering Leaders
Developing Leadership
