The road to becoming CEO is a difficult ascent for even the most seasoned leaders. We discuss the four keys to making that journey a success with Carolyn Dewar and Vik Malhotra, two of the authors of the New York Times bestseller, CEO Excellence.    Carolyn is a senior partner in our San Francisco office who founded and co-leads our CEO Excellence Practice. She works directly with Fortunate 100 client CEOs to help them maximize their effectiveness in the role. Vik is a senior partner in our New York office, who is one of our firm’s most senior client advisors. Vik has served on our board of directors and as our Managing Partner of the Americas, and he currently focuses on counselling CEOs and boards. Our Voices of CEO Excellence interviews with: James Gorman Stephen Schwarzmann, and Ken Frazier Our previous episodes on CEO excellence: Starting strong: Making your CEO transition a catalyst for renewal Leadership lessons from the world's best CEOs Join our LinkedIn community of more than 89,000 members and follow us on Twitter at @McKStrategy. Explore our collection of Inside the Strategy Room episode transcripts on McKinsey.comSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

James Gorman, former Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley, shares his journey from lawyer to banking leader, emphasizing the impact of upbringing on leadership styles. He discusses the art of integrating company cultures during mergers and the necessity of ethical standards in finance. Gorman also delves into the stress of leadership roles, advocating for mindfulness and exercise to maintain well-being. Plus, he reflects on the importance of selecting leaders who align with company values in a rapidly changing geopolitical and technological landscape.

James Gorman, a prominent figure in banking, shares his journey from a family of 12 to leading Morgan Stanley. He delves into the importance of cultural alignment when integrating companies and discusses the qualities of effective leadership amidst high stress. Gorman also emphasizes coping strategies for stress, including fitness and mindfulness. He touches on geopolitical tensions affecting business and the competitive landscape of AI, advocating for nurturing young talent while balancing personal life and career.