The Life Cycle of a CEO

Author Claudius A. Hildebrand and Robert J. Stark
Narrator Alan Peterson
Publisher John Murray Press
Run Time 9 hours and 14 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Advice on careers and achieving success, Business and Management, Management decision making, Management: leadership and motivation, Self-help, personal development and practical advice.

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What to expect

Ground-breaking research into how CEOs succeed by navigating the storms and predictable crises of corporate life.

Being appointed CEO is seen by many as the pinnacle of success in business, but it is actually the first step in a journey of evolving stages requiring ongoing personal reinvention. In an unprecedented study of the individual performance of every twenty-first-century CEO of the S&P 500, combined with over 100 in-depth interviews of CEOs and board directors, Claudius A. Hildebrand and Robert J. Stark discovered the CEO Life Cycle, a series of five stages: launch, calibration, reinvention, complacency trap, and legacy. Each presents distinctive headwinds and tailwinds that require leaders to develop the fresh skills and strategies needed to thrive.

Successful CEOs are often portrayed as fully formed heroes endowed with exceptional leadership traits. Hildebrand and Stark break through the mythology to provide unique understanding, explaining how outstanding leaders surmount predictable challenges and develop the mental fortitude, emotional resilience, and self-awareness required to keep adapting.

Invaluable not only for CEOs to take their game to the next level of high performance but also for executives who envision themselves in the role, The Life Cycle of a CEO provides the unvarnished truth about what it takes to be a successful CEO.

'This roadmap will help all of you as leaders, professionals, and executives who are preparing to be CEOs.' - Forbes

Critics Review

An essential read for anyone aspiring to understand the profound and evolving challenges of top corporate leadership. Hildebrand and Stark masterfully dissect the myths surrounding CEOs, presenting a rich analysis based on comprehensive research and interviews. This book offers invaluable insights into the stages of a CEO’s tenure, providing a groundbreaking roadmap for success and resilience in the highest echelons of business. It’s a definitive guide for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of their role with wisdom and adaptability.

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, author of What Got You Here Won't Get You There

We talk about the first hundred days, but what happens next? In their essential book, Hildebrand and Stark masterfully combine the art of storytelling and science of data to illuminate the challenges and triumphs of a CEO’s journey from novice to elder. A must-read for current and aspiring leaders alike.

Herminia Ibarra, Charles Handy Professor of Organizational Behavior, London Business School

The Life Cycle of a CEO offers both inspirational flag-planting and road-building lessons toward excellence in all phases of a CEO’s journey. Hildebrand and Stark bring unparalleled analysis to a wealth of qualitative and quantitative data, weaving stories and examples into a compelling narrative that I wish I had when I stepped into the role. A critical addition to the CEO leadership literature.

Shantanu Narayen, chair and CEO, Adobe

Effective leadership requires adaptability, vision, and regular reflection-lessons I’ve learned in my own career leading large organizations. The Life Cycle of a CEO leverages thorough research and rich storytelling to bring to life the different stages of a CEO’s journey, making clear that the throughline for success is growth and transformation.

Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton Worldwide

The most successful CEOs can absorb data and process it to adapt quickly in an always-changing, competitive landscape. In The Life Cycle of a CEO, Claudius A. Hildebrand and Robert J. Stark offer both new and established leaders insights into how some of the most formidable CEOs of this generation have built and grown businesses, faced challenges, and managed crises-all of which are critical to master during a CEO’s tenure.

Stephen A. Schwarzman, chairman, CEO and cofounder, Blackstone

This an important work for the many executives, CEOs, and board members who are involved in the development, selection, and coaching of CEOs. Every situation is different, but the book provides an invaluable framework and perspective to guide you. An essential read.

Nigel Travis, former CEO, Dunkin' Brands

The Life Cycle of a CEO offers a compelling framework that mirrors many of the pivotal moments I’ve experienced. Every chapter brims with actionable strategies to overcome the inherent obstacles to leadership.

Darren Walker, president, Ford Foundation

A groundbreaking exploration of corporate leadership that challenges conventional wisdom with rigorous analysis and compelling narratives. Hildebrand and Stark dismantle myths surrounding the ‘omnipotent’ CEO, instead offering a human-centered perspective on the challenges executives truly face, as well as the pivotal moments that can create career-changing growth. An essential read for anyone interested in understanding the realities of leadership at the highest levels.

Hubert Joly, former CEO, Best Buy; senior lecturer, Harvard Business School; and author of The Heart of Business

Herminia Ibarra, Charles Handy Professor of Organizational Behaviour, London Business School

I have few regrets, but I wish I would have had a copy of The Life Cycle of a CEO before I onboarded as CEO in 2020. Now, starting my fifth year, I’m so glad I have a copy of this deeply researched book full of actionable and helpful tips. A must-read for incoming and current CEOs.

Carol Tomé, CEO, UPS

Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton Worldwide

This an important work for the many executives, CEOs, and board members who are involved in the development, selection, and coaching of CEOs. Every situation is different, but the book provides an invaluable framework and perspective to guide you. An essential read.

Nigel Travis, former CEO, Dunkin' Brands

Darren Walker, president, Ford Foundation

Hubert Joly, former CEO, Best Buy; senior lecturer, Harvard Business School; and author of The Heart of Business

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