In the News
Leslie Braksick, Ph.D. – invited speaker and book signing at The Center for Community Solutions’ 69th annual Human Services Institute, March 31, 2011. Topic was Advice from top CEO’s: What They Wish They Had Known
Co-Author, Leslie Braksick, Ph.D., contributes to several recent articles
CNBC “Fast Money” and
Richard Quest of CNN International
interview William R. Johnson
Leslie W. Braksick, Ph.D. interview with Michael Dresser — “Dresser After Dark”, air date July 13, 2010
Leslie Braksick interviewed for Women in Business Report during the
Opening Bell Report on WCBS-AM,
August 4, 5 6, 9 and 10.
Key Findings — What We Discovered
Each of the participating CEOs outlined the business challenges he/she faced going into the job. All were faced with significant challenges stemming from the business climate, the need to change their company's existing portfolio of products or services, a shifting global marketplace that drove the need to change asset allocation or how their company was structured, or the state in which their predecessor had left the business.
Each CEO objectively described the challenging business conditions they faced beginning on day one. However, 100% of those interviewed reported that those business challenges—though significant —were, and are not the hardest part of the job. They felt well-prepared to deal with them.
On the other hand, eight common themes emerged from the research—things CEOs said that they were not prepared for and things that the CEOs wished they knew before moving to the role.
- Tenacity, Patience, and Judgment Required for Decision Making
- Unique Challenges Posed by the Leadership Team You Inherit
- Prioritization Takes on a Whole New Meaning
- Developing a Trusting Relationship With Your Board is Essential
- Transitioning Well Matters
- Unending Governance Challenges
- Public Scrutiny: No Private Life
- Isolation of the Job
Each of these eight themes is summarized in the book, accompanied by CEO interview comments. The CEOs spoke with sincerity, candor and humility, and described “what I wish had known's ”. To learn more about their stories and The Big Eight Themes, purchase a copy of Preparing CEOs for Success – “What I Wish I Knew”.