The Pre-Read The Great Resignation at the Top: What’s Behind Record CEO Turnover?
Sep 15, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Emily Forrester, Chief People Officer at Workiva, and Tim Paradis, Future of Work Correspondent at Business Insider, delve into the rising trend of CEO turnover. Forrester emphasizes the importance of integrating succession planning with long-term organizational health, while Paradis explores pressures like burnout and impatient boards driving the change. They tackle the complexities of unplanned transitions and the evolving role of CFOs in leadership, shedding light on how companies can navigate these turbulent waters effectively.
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Pressure At The Top Is Multiplying
- Multiple forces are making the CEO role less attractive while boards grow more impatient. This combo is driving a surge in CEO departures.
Succession Planning Neglect Creates Talent Gaps
- Poor succession planning and overreliance on poaching have left many companies exposed. When nobody builds pipelines, there are fewer outside candidates to hire from.
Make Yourself The Obvious Successor
- Position yourself by building credibility with the board and by taking interim leadership opportunities. Demonstrate effectiveness in acting roles to increase chances of permanent promotion.