I’ve worked with many CEOs in my career and some things are common irrespective of gender, ethnicity, industry, or business location. 1. KPIs and 2. Pressure.
Did someone say the higher you go, the cooler it becomes? That must be sarcasm.
So, what keeps your CEO (and their leadership team) up at night? From my journey, here are some of the top concerns that drive executive decision-making:
1. Revenue Growth & Profitability
Every CEO is focused on driving sustainable growth. Are sales targets being met? Is the company expanding profitably? The balance between aggressive expansion and financial stability is a constant juggling act. As a Brand & Commercial person, I’ve been in so many commercial reviews and I can tell you for a fact that everyone is in a much better mood in the months we hit our targets.
2. Market Disruption & Competition
New players, technological advancements, and shifting customer preferences can upset the entire industry. CEOs think about staying ahead of the curve and ensuring the company remains competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
3. Talent Retention & Employee Engagement
A company is only as strong as its people. CEOs care about retaining top talent, fostering a strong culture, and ensuring employees are engaged and motivated to drive success.
4. Financial Health & Cash Flow Management
While profitability is important, cash flow is king. Ensuring there’s enough liquidity to operate efficiently and invest in growth is a pressing concern, especially during economic uncertainty. As we say, profit is an opinion, and Cash is a fact.
5. Innovation & Staying Relevant
Companies that fail to innovate risk becoming obsolete. CEOs think about whether the company is investing enough in Research & Development, adopting emerging technologies, and continuously improving its offerings.
6. Regulatory & Compliance Risks
From data privacy laws to industry regulations, compliance failures can lead to hefty fines and reputational damage. CEOs must ensure their companies operate within legal frameworks and maintain ethical standards. Trust me, no CEO wants to be on the wrong side of the policies- whether internal or external.
7. Brand Reputation & Crisis Management
In the digital age, one crisis can spiral into a PR nightmare overnight. CEOs worry about how the brand is perceived and how well-prepared the company is to handle potential reputational risks.
In my career, I’ve been involved in several crisis management procedures and the rigor and scrutiny are robust even at the CEO level.
8. Economic & Geopolitical Uncertainty
Global market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and political instability directly impact business operations. CEOs must navigate these uncertainties while making strategic decisions. Pandemics can also fit into this category.
9. Customer Expectations & Experience
Customer loyalty is no longer a given. CEOs need the company to deliver exceptional customer experiences, build lasting relationships, and adapt to evolving consumer needs.
10. Digital Transformation & Cybersecurity
With businesses increasingly relying on digital solutions, CEOs want to ensure they are safe from cybersecurity threats, and data breaches and ensure a smooth digital transformation that enhances efficiency without disrupting operations.
Understanding what keeps your CEO up at night can help you align your contributions to the company’s most pressing priorities. Do you know how your role helps address these concerns? Do you have a clear line of sight?
So the next time you find yourself in the elevator or at the coffee machine with your CEO, consider using one of these as a conversation starter. Just be sure to read the room first!
_Tolu Adedeji