In today’s hyper-competitive business environment, public companies have a 1-in-3 chance of ceasing to exist in their current form over the next five years, up from a 1-in-20 chance 50 years ago. But success isn’t viewed solely through the lens of surviving as an institution.
Across companies of all sizes, ages, and economic sectors, CEOs and senior leaders are under increasing pressure as activist investors and boards push them to do more—faster. New CEOs often find themselves taking the reins with a mandate to change their company’s trajectory. Stagnating competitiveness, declining profits, insolvency, and shrinking liquidity all demand immediate intervention.