Success

What is Success for you?

Success is often defined by different people in different ways. For some, success may mean achieving a certain level of wealth or financial status, while for others, it may mean having a fulfilling career or personal life. However, for corporate executives, success can be much more complex and multifaceted.

In the long term, success for a corporate executive means achieving sustainable growth and profitability for the company they lead. This involves not only meeting short-term financial targets but also building a strong and resilient business model that can withstand market fluctuations and economic downturns.

Moreover, success for a corporate executive should be holistic in nature, taking into account the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and society at large. A successful executive is one who creates value for all these stakeholders and not just for the shareholders.

Enduring success for a corporate executive means leaving a positive and lasting legacy. This involves building a culture of innovation, ethical behavior, and responsible leadership that can continue to thrive long after they have moved on. A successful executive is one who not only achieves their own goals but also leaves the company and the industry better off than when they started.

So, what are the key traits that define a successful corporate executive in the long term? Here are a few:

1. Vision and strategic thinking: A successful executive has a clear vision for the future and the ability to develop and execute a strategic plan that aligns with that vision.
2. Adaptability and agility: A successful executive can adapt to changing market conditions and make quick decisions when necessary to stay ahead of the competition.
3. Strong leadership and communication skills: A successful executive is able to inspire and motivate their team and communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
4. Ethical behavior and social responsibility: A successful executive understands the importance of ethical behavior and social responsibility and integrates these values into all aspects of their decision-making.
5. Continuous learning and self-improvement: Successful executive is always learning and seeking to improve themselves and their skills.

In conclusion, success for a corporate executive in the long term, holistic and enduring requires a combination of strategic thinking, adaptability, strong leadership, ethical behavior, and continuous learning. It involves creating value for all stakeholders and leaving a positive legacy that can continue to thrive long after they have moved on. Thank you for listening to this podcast, and I hope you found this discussion helpful.

How can executives actually achieve this?

Yes, there are many examples of successful corporate executives who have achieved enduring success by following the principles we just discussed. Here are a few examples:

1. Satya Nadella - CEO of Microsoft: Satya Nadella took over as CEO of Microsoft in 2014 and has since transformed the company into a cloud-based services provider with a focus on innovation and social responsibility. Under his leadership, Microsoft has become one of the most valuable companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $2 trillion.
2. Mary Barra - CEO of General Motors: Mary Barra became the CEO of General Motors in 2014 and has since led the company through a period of transformation and growth. She has focused on innovation, sustainability, and ethical behavior and has made significant investments in electric and autonomous vehicles.
3. Indra Nooyi - Former CEO of PepsiCo: Indra Nooyi served as the CEO of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2018 and is widely recognized for her focus on innovation and sustainability. She led PepsiCo's efforts to develop healthier food and beverage options, reduce its environmental footprint, and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
4. Tim Cook - CEO of Apple: Tim Cook took over as CEO of Apple in 2011 and has since continued the company's legacy of innovation and design excellence while also focusing on social responsibility and ethical behavior. He has made significant investments in renewable energy, supply chain transparency, and privacy and security.

These executives have demonstrated that enduring success is possible when corporate leaders focus on long-term, holistic, and responsible growth. They have created value for all stakeholders, built resilient business models, and left positive legacies that will continue to thrive long after their tenures are over.

To define "success' for you, to align it with your life purpose, and to chalk out a road map that is personalized, connect with a professional executive coach. A coach will partner with you to move ahead. For senior executives, visit