🚨Nearly half of former CEOs say their own exit was "bumpy" or didn't go well. And most saw it coming
Spencer Stuart has published new research based on 1,000+ current and former CEOs across Asia, Europe and North America. The findings expose one of the most under-managed moments in corporate life: How a CEO leaves the role
The numbers are sobering👇
🔹 Only 54% of former CEOs describe their transition as smooth
🔹 17% admit they could have "left better" or left "less than gracefully"
🔹 4 in 5 sitting CEOs plan to leave within 5 years, yet only 27% have agreed a firm timeline with their board
🔹 47% of active CEOs have never discussed transition planning with their board or direct reports
🔹 59% of CEOs say they, not the board, are leading their own succession
🔹 61% of sitting CEOs expect another CEO role. Only 7% of former CEOs actually get one
Read those last two lines again. That is the single biggest reality gap in the C-suite today 🎯
Here is what separates a smooth exit from a bumpy one 💡
Spencer Stuart's data is unambiguous. Former CEOs who reported a smooth transition were significantly more likely to have:
✅ Agreed a firm timeline with the board (71% vs 60%)
✅ Prepared an official transition plan (56% vs 35%)
✅ Mentored potential successors (53% vs 25%)
✅ Documented pre- and post-transition responsibilities (46% vs 33%)
The pattern is clear: intentionality beats improvisation. Every time
This is exactly the reason I dedicated the final chapter of Mastering Executive Transitions to "The Last 90 Days." As I wrote in Chapter 14 of #MasteringExecutiveTransitions
"While focusing on the first 90–120 days is crucial for any executive starting a new role, it isn't sufficient. The last 90–120 days in an executive role are equally important. What most executives don't realize is that their legacy is often fully defined only after they have departed from the organization"
As former Ecolab CEO Doug Baker put it, outgoing executives should 'run through the finishing line' 🏁 — a principle I explore in depth in the final chapter of my book
📌 Question for Chairs, Boards and outgoing CEOs:
If your CEO transition happened in the next 12 months, would it be remembered as a masterclass in continuity, or as the moment things quietly unravelled?
The best transitions are not the ones that go smoothly by luck. They are the ones designed to
Transparency. Trust. Timeline. That is the formula. But don't take my word for it, take it from a client of mine:
"I had the privilege of working with Navid during a pivotal time in my career, most recently as I stepped into my first CEO role. His coaching helped me navigate complex transitions, understand my strengths, motivations and dark side traits, and re-define our strategy with the board. Navid's expertise as a CEO Transition Coach and his ability to add long-lasting value are truly remarkable. I am deeply grateful"
#CEOTransitions#Succession#BoardEffectiveness#TransitionIQ
About Navid Nazemian
Ranked as the world’s #1 Executive Coach by CEO Today for the third year running, I partner with senior leaders to navigate complexity, accelerate performance, and lead through critical transitions. Over the past two decades, I’ve supported hundreds of executives in overcoming unproductive thinking and solving their most complex leadership challenges—helping their organizations build world-class cultures and create lasting value.
If you’d like to reflect on a leadership challenge, an upcoming transition, or how I might support you, you’re very welcome to reply directly to this email.
You can also:
1. Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional leadership insights
2. Explore my international best-selling book "Mastering Executive Transitions: The Definitive Guide" described by Dr. Marshall Goldsmith as “THE ultimate guide to executive transitions to help leaders achieve their highest potential”
3. Enrol in my newly launched e-Learning programme Mastering Leadership Transitions - my transition methodology in a self-paced format for leaders at every level
4. Work with me on a per-session basis via EveryExpert - a flexible alternative to a full coaching engagement, starting with a complimentary 15-minute Chemistry Call
What's Next? More insights on leadership, transitions, and executive effectiveness are coming your way next week. I’d genuinely value your perspective—feel free to share your reflections by replying to this email. I read every response.
Navid
