Egon Zehnder

More than 90% of global CEOs identify adaptability, curiosity, and learning agility as the most critical leadership qualities for the decade ahead, according to our recent CEO Response study. But adaptability alone isn’t enough. In a world defined by AI acceleration, talent shortages, and relentless complexity, leadership must evolve beyond skills. It’s about attending to the complete leader in you—someone who integrates capability with consciousness, balancing clarity and humanity while navigating constant change. Egon Zehnder’s Vanessa Chehlawi and future foHRward explore what this evolution looks like and why it matters now, in their latest whitepaper. 👉 Read the whitepaper: https://ego.nz/4pyAlNV

When markets shift, some cultures adapt—and others break. The difference isn’t luck. It’s design. Adaptive cultures don’t emerge from slogans; they’re built through aligned behaviors, structures, and leadership intent. In our latest article, we explore why organizations that experiment, move fast, and take intelligent risks outperform during uncertainty—and what leaders can do to make adaptivity real. Read the full piece by Terhi Kurki and Rasmus Rapala: https://ego.nz/486tJRm How is your organization preparing to adapt when disruption hits? #Leadership #Culture #Innovation #Growth  

How do great leaders find the energy to keep reinventing themselves? In this episode of the #HumanVoicesPodcast, hosts Anthony Santino and Anouk Resseler talk with Bernard Delvaux, CEO of Etex, about how leaders navigate change and lead transformation in complex, evolving industries. Bernard shares why culture and ambition matter more than strategy, how trust became his compass, and why following your energy might just be the key to sustainable leadership. 🎧 Listen now: https://ego.nz/4lsQwu3 #Leadership #Podcast #Etex

Leadership transitions are accelerating and understanding the “why” behind this trend is critical for boards and executives alike. Our Co-leader of the U.S. CEO and Board Practice Chuck Gray contributed to this insightful piece in Harvard Business Review, alongside Brian P. Campbell, Ariane Marchis-Mouren and Greg Arnold. Read the full article: https://ego.nz/4a2iMS0

AI is the top priority for most organizations—but enthusiasm alone won’t deliver results. Our latest global survey of 150+ tech leaders reveals a clear gap: while two-thirds are still in the early stages of AI adoption, only a third are scaling it across their organizations. So, what separates those who are seeing real impact? It comes down to leadership. Driving meaningful, lasting transformation in an AI-powered world requires more than just new tools—it demands a new mindset. We’ve outlined the leadership capabilities that matter most right now. Explore the full survey to learn how tech leaders are navigating the AI journey: https://ego.nz/4n7wUx1 #TechLeadersStudy

CEOs are leading differently in today’s uncertain environment—less scripted, more confident, and deeply aware of their role in a world defined by geopolitical upheaval and economic volatility. In our new #CEOStudy, 1,235 global CEOs reveal how they’re adapting to this reality. Agility and adaptability have emerged as the most important currency for business success. And to advance growth, the top three areas CEOs are prioritizing are innovation, AI investment, and talent development. 👉 Explore the full story: https://ego.nz/CEOResponse

In the latest issue of Human Answers, we asked leaders how AI is really landing inside their organizations. The results:  📈 47% feel excited  📈 35% feel energized by the time AI frees up for more innovative work How about you: Are you energized, cautious, curious—or something else entirely? Share your perspective in the comments, and subscribe to keep joining these conversations. 📩 Subscribe here: https://ego.nz/48bXlLL

We are thrilled to announce Ian Bolin as the new Global Leader of Egon Zehnder’s Industrial Practice. He succeeds Antonio Ianora, who reached his term as practice leader and will continue to play key strategic roles within the group. The Industrial Practice Group is our largest, advising leading organizations across mobility, automotive, energy, machinery, industrial technology, and related sectors on CEO and C-suite succession, transformation, M&A, and leadership assessments worldwide. Ian brings decades of experience in the industrial and automotive sectors. Building on a strong foundation, he will guide our global work—helping clients navigate complexity, drive innovation, and achieve lasting success.

What are CEOs really thinking as we head into 2026? Forbes took a close look at our latest CEO study, and the picture it paints is both striking and instructive. 92% of CEOs say adaptability is now the leadership skill that matters most. And confidence in navigating complexity has quadrupled in a year, jumping from 17% to 64%. Even so, many CEOs remain pessimistic about global prosperity, and they’re doubling down on innovation, AI, and talent to stay ahead. The article also surfaces a timely warning from new Harvard Business Review research: as AI adoption accelerates, leaders risk falling into “AI workslop” — outcomes that suffer not because of the technology, but because of rushed planning and weak governance. Together, these messages are clear: Adapt fast. Lead intentionally. And make sure your AI strategy is as disciplined as your ambition. Where are you feeling the biggest shift? Share your perspective in the comments. Read the full article by Megan Poinski: https://ego.nz/3LG6xRb

CEOs and boards face unrelenting uncertainty, driven by global tensions, economic instability and rapid advances in technology. Who do they rely on the most to lead through these challenges? Overwhelmingly, their executive teams, followed by other CEOs and then their boards. How can boards become a more relevant resource for CEOs? Several CEOs and board members shared their ideas during a recent gathering. In short, they pointed to continuing education for directors, joint learning sessions with management, and being proactive about board refreshment. Read more: https://ego.nz/4nPANGr