Negotiate Anything

Why New CEOs Fail—And How to Survive Your First 6 Months in Power

May 1, 2025

31:47

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Quick takeaways

Emotional control is paramount for CEOs, as it enables them to navigate the intense pressures of leadership effectively.

Clear and proactive communication during the early months can significantly reduce anxiety and misunderstandings within an organization.

Deep dives

The Unique Challenges of CEO Transitions

Stepping into a CEO role presents a range of unique challenges, especially for first-time executives. The transition typically begins months before the official start date, where new CEOs must grapple with the immense pressure of their upcoming responsibilities. They often experience conflicting emotions such as excitement, relief, and anxiety as they adjust to their new position. This period is marked by a need for guidance, as navigating the complexities of leadership requires honest feedback that is often difficult for CEOs to obtain from their teams.

Intro

2min

Navigating Leadership Transitions

10min

Navigating Leadership Challenges in the First Months

5min

Navigating Emotional Challenges as a New CEO

11min

Navigating Leadership Transitions: Insights for New CEOs

2min

Becoming CEO is a dream for many—but few understand just how emotionally turbulent and strategically complex that transition really is.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Ty Wiggins, global head of the CEO and Executive Transition Practice at Russell Reynolds, reveals what most leaders get wrong in their first year, why being “smart” isn’t enough, and how to avoid the crash that hits so many executives around the 6-month mark. With clients ranging from first-time CEOs to seasoned global leaders, Ty brings a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on pressure, presence, and emotional control. Whether you're a senior leader, a founder, or simply want to level up your leadership, this episode is filled with actionable insights you’ll want to write down.

What you'll learn in this episode: