CEO Study Report 2008
Preparing CEOs For Success
What I Wish I Knew

In 2008, CLG Senior Partners Leslie Braksick, Ph.D. and James Hillgren, Ph.D., conducted a research project at the request and sponsorship of William R. Johnson, Chairman, President and CEO of the H.J. Heinz Company focusing on what CEOs wish they knew prior to getting the job of CEO. The purpose of the study was to provide a confidential forum for 27 sitting CEOs of major global companies, to share their personal insights and experiences that would transform the development and preparation of future leaders and CEOs.

In private interviews with Braksick and Hillgren, CEOs responded to the following questions:

• What was the state of the company when you became CEO?
• What do you wish you had known prior to coming into the job as CEO?
• What were the things you felt least prepared to handle, that were important to the success of the job?
• What things did you find yourself best able to handle that were important to the job?
• What things outside of the work setting best prepared you for the job?
• What surprised you the most once in your role of CEO?
• If you were mentoring your successor, what would you want them to know? How would you want to teach them those things?

For additional information, email ceostudy@clg.com or call 412-269-7240 (Ext 2038).