In this Friday Conversation, we were joined by Doug Maxfield and Sarah Clayton, both senior client partners at Korn Ferry. Doug has been with the firm for over two decades, starting from a small consulting firm in Provo before Korn Ferry acquired it. He now focuses primarily on the technology sector. Sarah, on the other hand, leads the global culture change management and communications practice. Her impressive background includes working in government and politics, including positions in the US Senate, Department of Education, and the White House before transitioning to human capital consulting.

Korn Ferry is recognized as the world's leading executive recruiting firm, with a significant global footprint comprising about 10,000 employees in 50 countries. They work with the majority of the world's most admired companies, specializing not only in executive search but also in consulting services that align organizational structure and people development with business strategies. In this conversation, Doug and Sarah dive into the fascinating topic of predicting CEO success, sharing insights from their extensive experience and recent research. They discuss current trends, the evolving role of CEOs, and the critical characteristics that define successful leaders in today's dynamic environment. They also explain how Korn Ferry supports CEOs globally, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead effectively amid ongoing challenges.

Doug & Sarah also explain the significant role of CEO reputation in a company's market value. Research shows that executives attribute nearly 50% of their market value to their CEO's reputation. The CEO's public image and how they handle social and cultural issues can dramatically impact the company's brand. They discuss the example of Elon Musk, whose actions and statements have both positively and negatively influenced the reputation of Tesla, Twitter (now X), and other companies he's associated with. CEOs must navigate the delicate balance of being visible and taking a stand on issues while staying true to their organization’s values.

Tune in to hear from these great entrepreneurs.