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CEO Succession


How To Succeed A Founder?
Founder succession isn't just a CEO search, it's an identity crisis for both the founder and the entire organization.

Marion Heil
28. Jan.10 Min. Lesezeit


The Calls That Tell Us a Company Is in Trouble
When our phones start ringing with "just checking in" calls from the same company, we know the culture is breaking – and the real damage goes far beyond the talent exodus.

Marion Heil
26. Jan.7 Min. Lesezeit


The First 100 Days Myth: Why Thinking Bigger Helps You Start Better
The 100-day obsession is mostly wrong, as it pressures new CEOs into superficial wins and hasty decisions. To build the foundation for sustained success, think 6-12-18 months.

Marion Heil
26. Jan.9 Min. Lesezeit


First Impressions Are Final
The leadership brand you establish in your first 90 days as CEO becomes your permanent reputation, and changing it later is incredibly hard.

Marion Heil
28. Nov. 20257 Min. Lesezeit


Critical Traps for First-Time CEOs
The transition to your first CEO role isn't a promotion - it's learning a completely different job, and here are some traps that derail even the most talented functional leaders.

Marion Heil
19. Nov. 202518 Min. Lesezeit


It's lonely at the top: What it's like to be CEO
CEO loneliness isn't something you solve - it's something you learn to manage before it becomes debilitating.

Marion Heil
13. Nov. 20259 Min. Lesezeit


Critical Traps Even Experienced CEOs Shouldn’t Fall Into
Taking on a new CEO mandate is peppered with potential traps - even for those who've done it before.

Marion Heil
11. Nov. 202512 Min. Lesezeit


"Nobody is telling me the truth any more"
The moment you become CEO, people stop telling you the whole truth. Not because they're dishonest, but because power changes every conversation, and you need to work actively to get better information.

Marion Heil
6. Nov. 20259 Min. Lesezeit


From CFO to CEO
Being a great CFO doesn't automatically make you a great CEO – the transition demands a complete rewiring of how you think about leadership.

Marion Heil
4. Nov. 202510 Min. Lesezeit


When Puss in Boots Outperforms the Ogre: When You Might Be Better Off With A Boutique
For most senior searches below the Fortune Top 500 tier, boutique firms deliver superior outcomes through partner-level attention, local expertise, and genuine partnership that global firms cannot match.

Marion Heil
13. Okt. 20258 Min. Lesezeit


When You Need A Shrek: Recognizing When Global Search Giants Make Sense
Global search giants remain the optimal choice for highly complex and fully global Fortune 500 CEO appointments.

Marion Heil
13. Okt. 20255 Min. Lesezeit


Follow-Up on "Due Diligence Works Both Ways"
Anwering to debate on article and showing how authenticity and honesty about challenges can be a real selling argument for the role, too.

Marion Heil
14. Sept. 20252 Min. Lesezeit


Planning Leadership Transitions in Family Businesses: Getting It Right
Family business succession succeeds when families start planning early, communicate openly, and balance family aspirations with professional business requirements.

Marion Heil
9. Sept. 20253 Min. Lesezeit


For Boards: How To Avoid Dangerous Succession Planning Mistakes
Boards are creating bigger risks by defaulting to "safe" promotions instead of strategic succession planning.

Marion Heil
25. Aug. 20253 Min. Lesezeit


Due Diligence Works Both Ways: Questions Executives Should Ask Before Saying Yes
Companies and candidates can avoid costly late-stage withdrawals in executive searches by conducting thorough upfront due diligence.

Marion Heil
20. Aug. 20253 Min. Lesezeit


The Costs of Failed Placements
The financial risk of getting executive placement wrong far outweighs the costs of getting it right.

Marion Heil
11. Aug. 20252 Min. Lesezeit


Bad Succession Planning Is a Board-Level Risk
You wouldn't run a company without insurance. Why run one without succession readiness?

Marion Heil
28. Juli 20252 Min. Lesezeit


When PowerPoints Fail: The Power of Authentic Connection in Executive Search
Successful executive search partnerships are built on genuine personal connection rather than technical presentations and fee comparisons.

Marion Heil
27. Juni 20252 Min. Lesezeit


The Safe Choice: Why European Boards Are Retreating from Diverse Leadership
European boards are choosing familiar leadership over diversity.

Marion Heil
6. Mai 20252 Min. Lesezeit


The Heart of Family Business Succession: When "Just a CEO" Won't Cut It
Successful family business succession requires leaders who understand "the company's soul", not just business metrics.

Marion Heil
14. März 20252 Min. Lesezeit
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