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Communication Coaching for CEO Candidates: 2 Questions a Rising CEO Should Expect

Updated: Jul 19, 2023


Rising CEOs are a key driving force behind the success of any organization. These individuals are typically talented, ambitious, and possess a strong vision for the future of their company. While becoming a CEO is a significant achievement in itself, rising CEOs face a unique set of challenges and opportunities as they navigate their way towards the top of the corporate ladder.


As rising CEOs assume greater responsibility for the direction and success of their organization, they must develop a broad range of skills. The most skill for them is leadership communication, the ability to lead and motivate their team. Strong leadership communication skills help organizations adapt to the ever-changing business landscape, manage risks and seize opportunities as they arise. With the right training, support, and mentorship, rising CEOs can realize their full potential, drive success for their organization, and make a lasting impact on their industry.




by Stephanie Bickel


communication for leadership success

If you are a CEO candidate, what messages do you need to prepare? Sometimes an internal candidate for CEO is evaluated years in advance of the decision. On the short end, it's a year of internal campaigning. When you get to the part of the process where you are having 1:1 Board member interviews, be prepared for 2 questions:


1. How will you run the company as CEO?

2. What will your priorities be?

We can also learn from Bob Iger's experience in becoming Disney's CEO. Bob was the only internal candidate for the position. He began his career as a production assistant, had a long career at ABC, and had been through 2 acquisitions. During his campaign to promotion, Bob had a few Board member interviews and a couple of key Board presentations that helped the Board select him as CEO.


Bob believed his clarity around the goals and priorities made all the difference. He had 3 priorities for how he was going to run the business:


1. Invest in creativity

2. Embrace technology

3. Grow globally

The way you articulate your future vision for the organization, will set you apart from the competition.


Be clear.


Be concise.


Be compelling.


And remember...


"Your strategy is only as good as your articulation of it."


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Great leaders and speakers start with Speak by Design. Learn the techniques and build the skills with us. Speak by Design University is the only leadership communication program in the world that gives you access to self-paced learning, group coaching and training and, most importantly, private one-on-one coaching. Learn more and register.



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