The Modern CEO: What Competencies Determine Success?

• Generative artificial intelligence (AI) : AI can no longer be ignored. Half of CEOs are already implementing it to automate routine tasks and create content. The fear of falling behind competitors in this race is entirely justified.

• Digital transformation is not a new trend, but it continues to gain momentum. We are in the midst of a digital revolution, and businesses must adapt.

• Energy transition (green technologies) : The transition to renewable energy sources (such as solar panels) is becoming a global priority and is impacting companies' business models.

• Finding Unique Capabilities : In a world where Chinese (and other) manufacturers can instantly copy any product, the main challenge for businesses is to find their own "unique sauce" that cannot be counterfeited.

• Unleashing the potential of middle management : the emphasis is placed not only on top managers (C-level), but also on middle managers who directly drive processes.

• Geopolitical risks : Interstate conflicts, sanctions, and trade wars directly impact supply chains and markets. CEOs must consider this factor.

• Bold growth and development : a constant focus on expansion and capturing new market shares.

• A New Look at Macroeconomics : Flexible Adaptation to Inflation, Interest Rates and Global Economic Storms.

• Shareholders and investors (who want a return on investment).
• Co-founders.
• Authorities and regulators.
• Counterparties and partners.
• Competitors (with whom you sometimes have to build communication channels).
• Top management team (C-level).
• Ordinary employees.
• Clients.

1. COO (Chief Operating Officer): the CEO's right-hand man. The one who ensures the smooth running of the business. While the CEO looks to the future, the COO ensures the company doesn't fall apart today.
2. CPO (Chief Product Officer): responsible for creating a product that meets market demand (research, design, functionality). An example of an ideal separation of roles: CEO Tim Cook (operations and business) and Jony Ive (product design) at Apple.
3. CTO (Chief Technical Officer): A senior engineer who understands how to technologically implement the product conceived by the CPO.
4. CGO (Chief Growth Officer): sometimes called a "growth hacker," their job is to find innovative experiments and 10x growth opportunities at the intersection of product and marketing.
5. CMO (Chief Marketing Officer): Responsible for lead generation, traffic, and product awareness in the market.
6. CRO (Chief Revenue Officer): responsible for sales and revenue generation.
7. Chief Customer Success Officer: Responsible for customer happiness, retention, and successful product experience.
8. CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Manages the business's money.
9. CHRO / HRD (HR Director): Responsible for hiring, motivating and retaining the team.

Director Competency Framework | CPD | Institute of Directors (iod.com)

• Corporate Governance: the ability to build a governance system. The CEO shouldn't be a "gang leader." They should be able to form a board of directors (or advisory board) and work effectively with independent advisors and shareholders.
• Leadership: be a role model not only for line employees, but also for top managers.
• Strategy: Business is a war for resources and markets. Without a plan for long-term victory, a company is doomed.
• Finance: The CEO must speak to the business in the language of money.

• Strategic thinking: the ability to think globally and see connections.
• Decision making: Unlike neural networks (which can only generate options), the CEO must take responsibility for the final decision under conditions of uncertainty.
• Communication and influence: today, authoritarian leadership is unacceptable. This is especially true when working with Gen Z, who don't accept titles but demand arguments and meaning. CEOs must be able to influence and persuade.

• Ethics: Only ethical businesses win in the long run.
• Focus on efficiency: constantly seeking improvements.
• Independence: the ability to defend one's position even in front of shareholders.
• Emotional intelligence: awareness of oneself and the motives of others.

1. SWOT analysis: an ongoing assessment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
2. OKR (Objectives and Key Results): a system for setting ambitious goals for the quarter.
3. Lean manufacturing: reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
4. Scrum / Agile: flexible development and management methodologies.
5. Strategic planning.
6. Coaching and mentoring: for developing your top team.
7. Working with CRM and ERP systems: managing relationships with clients and enterprise resources.
8. Data-Driven Decision Making: making decisions based solely on hard data rather than intuition.