Introducing: Corner Office Reads - #1

Introducing: Corner Office Reads - #1

Working with CEOs has taught me something: books can name the exact thing you’re going through. They put words to what you sense but can’t quite explain. Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from understanding how others navigate similar challenges.

That’s why I thought it would be fun to introduce Corner Office Reads, a new series where I’ll share leadership books that have made an impact on me - books that have offered valuable lessons or insights that reflect what I encounter in my advisory practice.

First up: The Life Cycle of a CEO, a fascinating study I recently came across that explores the predictable challenges CEOs face throughout their careers. It breaks down the stages of executive success and struggle, revealing patterns that may be far more consistent than we often realize.

According to their data, the CEO life cycle unfolds in five distinct stages:

1. Launch (Years 0-1): The "honeymoon" period with 10% above-market performance.
2. Calibration (Year 2): A reality check—73% of CEOs see performance dips.
3. Reinvention (Years 3-5): A critical inflection point that separates high performers from the rest.
4. Complacency (Years 5-10): The danger zone—two-thirds of CEOs experience performance challenges.
5. Legacy (Years 10+): For the 26% who make it, 60% outperform the market.

What surprised me most? Even the most successful CEOs can fall into a “complacency trap” around years 2 and 5. It’s a humbling reminder that leadership is a constant journey of reinvention—always finding new ways to adapt and grow.

The good news? Those who push through these phases and make it past year 10 often see their strongest performance yet. It's never too late for a comeback.

Whether you're a current CEO, an aspiring leader, or a board member, understanding these cycles can be very helpful in predicting challenges you can prepare for.

Next time you're in the corner office, take a moment to map your journey against these five stages. Where are you now? More importantly, what’s the next challenge you should be preparing for?

Here’s to growing together. Short. Simple. Real. Just like our best leadership conversations.

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