CEO essentials
This 30 lesson course covers the essentials for CEOs, building the foundation for your success.
Perfect for new and aspiring CEOs and as a refresher for the established.
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Chapter 1 - Set yourself up for success
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1: Winning attributes
What attributes are key for a CEO to be successful?
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2: Why oh why?
Knowing why you do the job gives perspective and creates a more sustainable approach.
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3: Banish imposter syndrome
No one is 100% prepared to be CEO. Lean into the growth zone, learn to ask great questions. The nerves will pass.
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4: Manage your energy
Time is finite so manage it ruthlessly. Energy can be replenished so work out what gives and drains it for you then manage accordingly.
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5: Who is your support network?
A multi-faceted support structure will help you succeed - domestic arrangements, friends, professional networks and potentially a coach.
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Chapter 2 - People and culture
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6: The company you keep
Your organisation is powered by its people - invest in finding the right ones and treating them well to unleash their brilliance
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7: Manage your talent
Make the tough calls early to urgently get the right people into the right roles
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8: Strength in diversity, power in inclusion
Use any reshuffle to inject fresh thinking. Create an inclusive environment where people can bring their full talent to bear.
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9: Harness your culture
Culture is a critical support to strategy - identify yours, then ensure they align. You have an outsized impact but cannot dictate it.
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10: (Un)conscious communication
There are two types of communication - conscious and unconscious. Be deliberate and consistent in both to build trust and accelerate the organisation.
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Chapter 3 - Strategy and risk
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11: Your strategic leadership
Strategy is the CEO's job. Listen first then build a simple, clear vision and align everyone and everything behind it.
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12: Your crystal ball
Learn to spot trends from the future and prepare your organisation today.
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13: Know thyself
Be honest about your own strengths and weaknesses as you build your strategy. Optimism bias is very common but can trip you up.
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14: Risky business
Identify different types of risk and methods of risk management. Master how to manage risk in order to leverage it.
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15: Place your bets
Fortune favours the brave - make some calls despite uncertainty and keep it simple to communicate.
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Chapter 4 - Governance
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16: The Governors
Help directors meet their duties first, then you can leverage their fresh perspectives to accelerate organisational success.
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17: Working with the Chair
Learn practical strategies about how to build trust in this special relationship.
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18: Information flow
Filter out noise and give the Board access to pertinent information. Plus get the most out of your in person interactions.
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19: Delegate and get rapid
Only do the tasks that only you can do and learn to delegate the rest. Decision making frameworks can accelerate the organisation.
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20: Rest and reflect
Take a moment to reflect on what you've learnt and plan your top three actions.
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Chapter 5 - Stakeholders
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21: The stakeholder map
The stakeholder map is increasingly complex. Knowing your organisational purpose can act as a helpful compass.
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22: The apex stakeholder
Shareholder interests are paramount. Make sure you know exactly what they are - financial returns dominate for most companies.
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23: High society
Your organisation needs a social licence to operate - treat your social stakeholders with due respect for long term prosperity.
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24: Client earth
The changing environment will impact your organisation - has your organisation reduced its impact on the environment. Is there any more you can do?
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25: Tell your story
Control your own messaging to the outside world - to the public, to government, and in a crisis.
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Chapter 6 - Managing the C suite
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26: Managing the C suite: finance first
Manage the top team to deliver by asking the right questions. Start with finance with eight questions for the CFO.
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27: Customer Obsessive
Know your customer in detail in order to delight them. What changes will really move the dial for them and your organisation?
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28: Smooth Operator
Managing the everyday efficiently and if not, how to lead transformation
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29: Leading Technology
How to lead technology from strategy inhibitor to accelerant and foster innovation.
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30: Supporting the dream
The right support team transcends cost centre and adds real value to your organisation.
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Course FAQ
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No. You choose whether you want to receive them and the pace (5 a week or 5 a fortnight). We think it's a neat way to get through the course but it's whatever works best for you. You choose.
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Yes! All the lessons have been recorded as audio if you prefer to listen rather than read - or you just like to mix it up a bit.
NB - Audio is still being recorded - get $50 off with the code: AUDIOSOON
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We often recommend a HBR article in additional resources. We think the articles are great for senior execs and that a subscription is well worth it. But if you prefer not to get one, then there is plenty of other additional resources for you to read or watch for free.