It’s a tough job! CEOs not only steer a company’s vision, ultimate growth, innovations and usually the steady returns for investors, but they also shape the narrative, inspire trust, and influence beyond their organization when successful. With so much at stake at every turn, it is not a surprise that in 2024 we saw over 2000 CEOs part ways with their companies. Unfortunately, it looks like 2025 will make those numbers pale in comparison.Â
In 2025, we’ve had over 200 CEOs resign with some not returning to corporate leadership. There are many reasons for the massive resignation ranging from economic instability to personal misconduct which is the case with Kroger’s CEO of 40 years Rodney McMullen.Â
It is important to understand that leading through ambiguity, and impelling confidence and providing support to the organization and its ecosystem is very much part of the job. Leadership breaks forth through the murky waters, and the obscured horizon to lead. In some, not all instances, maybe it is not such a bad thing that some CEOs turned in their pink slips. If you can only lead when everything is going well then the role of CEO may not be the best job for you.
Strong Leadership is needed everywhere. We have clients across continents that decry the ever decreasing talent pool for resilient, resourceful, and responsive Leaders. Yes, the three Rs.. Let’s take a closer look.
Resilience
Being able to bounce back when the best laid out plans, and flawed ones too, don’t yield the results anticipated is remarkable proof of resilience. Bailing out on your company is not. From a purely executive search perspective it is nearly impossible to present your narrative in a flattering light as companies want to hire successful professionals. The mitigating circumstances can play a role in positioning with potential employers. There are some situations that merit parting ways.
A leader's mettle is tested in the tough times, and resilience is a key consideration. If you are in a tough spot now with the organization you are steering, don't go it alone. Find Leaders that have faced similar obstacles successfully. Even if you do not personally know them, you would be surprised how amenable people can be, if you reach out., but you have to reach out.
Resourcefulness
A resourceful leader recognizes that resources include intangibles like networks, direct and adjacent. They also recognize patterns/trends in the marketplace that may point to shifting to partnerships in order to expand the company’s reach and insulate the organization from turbulent economic conditions.
Resourcefulness also encompasses repurposing assets. For example, aligning employees to different teams that have strengths in certain areas that are of critical need. Renegotiating contracts with third party vendors and reaching out to past clients/customers with new value added opportunities. Resourcefulness, at its core, is about getting more bang for your buck by looking at things from a What if perspective.
Responsiveness
Surprise surprise, the peak you experienced in Q1 did not carry through. That new product wasn’t on everyone’s Christmas list and your most loyal customers have ditched you for the next big thing. These are scenarios that play out in almost every single company that I can think of, but what we’ve seen consistently is that how you respond to these challenges is what cements your legacy.
Responsiveness encompasses various data points like time to action, context of message, public sentiment, initial actioning, and aftermath. Transparency, empathy and tailoring your message to your audience .
Not one company that I can think of changes their CEOs every year, so it is still a pretty stable job to have, but nonetheless challenging. The three Rs are something to consider if you are in the trenches right now or exploring moving up the ladder. One thing for certain is we need more Leaders. Now may be the best time to consider your next move, your legacy and what you can bring to the table. Look at the current scenarios that are playing out across sectors. Look at your particular industry, and niche and take note of the failings you are seeing. What would you do differently?
About Recruiting Awesome. We are a top rated boutique executive search firm with a hyper focus on confidential and discreet search services globally. We bring a highly personalized touch to your leadership engagements. We network with fresh visionaries, and our projects are never outsourced. You partner with one key contact for the entirety of your search.
We welcome assisting you with your internal leadership opportunities. Do not hesitate in reaching out here. Some of the greatest breakthroughs happen in times like these. If your organization wants to hire results oriented compassionate leaders then our search firm is for you. If you are a leader passively entertaining new opportunities, feel free connect with us. We would love to hear from you.. Let's start this exciting journey together.