From the world's most influential executive search and leadership consulting firms, Spencer Stuart, combining unprecedented research with 100 in-depth interviews, this framework charts the distinctive life cycle of a CEO. By analysing the individual performance of every twenty-first century CEO of top 500 publicly traded companies and accompanying macroeconomic and industry cycles, Hildebrand and Stark map the predictable passages of headwinds and tailwinds that leaders must face at each stage of their tenure, from the day they walk through the door till the day they walk out. They reveal how successful CEOs navigate these cycles by developing fresh skills and strategies needed for each distinct passage. As captains of organisations crucial to the economic foundation of our society, CEOs have a critical role to play. But our understanding of why some drive phenomenal innovation and growth and others quickly falter is clouded by myths and caricatures perpetrated by the media and political and social commentators. the bewildered rookie; the rock star who can do no wrong; the corporate saviour, parachuting in to restore former glory; the treacherous villain out to destroy the planet or exploit people... THE LIFE CYCLE OF A CEO breaks through these myths and provide insight into how those who thrive push themselves to evolve and master skills for meeting the challenges their companies face, and how they navigate the inevitable personal and organizational crises of corporate life as performance waxes and wanes. This invaluable roadmap for personal growth yields insight needed for navigating crises such as: criticism by stakeholders; when leaders are at the greatest risk of stagnation and firing; and when aversion to risk is likely to turn into a weakness. It provides the foundation for both rookies and seasoned leaders to gain self-insight and self-confidence and unlock both higher individual and corporate performance.