CEO Readiness
Be Ready When the Seat Opens
The CEO Readiness program prepares senior leaders for their first CEO role before the decision is made.
How the Program Works
Three Phases. One Rhythm.
The Search
The Strategy
The Seat
Three Phases. One Rhythm.
Becoming a CEO isn’t a single moment. It’s a progression.
CEO in Waiting prepares leaders for each phase — so readiness builds before responsibility.
The Search
How CEOs are really chosen.
Clarify your CEO narrative and navigate power, fit, and trust with boards and search firms.
The Strategy
How value is created.
Build the CEO lens to align culture, teams, and execution with ownership goals.
The Seat
How CEOs operate.
Prepare for pressure, board dynamics, capital decisions, and operating rhythm.
Program Structure
CEO in Waiting is a 12-month readiness program aligned to real CEO transitions.
Monthly group sessions build judgment and perspective, supported by experienced CEOs, board members, and
search partners. Monthly 1:1 sessions turn insight into practical tools.
Program Length
Built for real CEO timing.
The program runs for 12 months to reflect how CEO transitions actually unfold. Readiness is built over time, not rushed at the moment of selection.
Group Sessions
Judgment over instruction.
Monthly group sessions focus on one theme at a time. Discussions are grounded in real situations and supported by experienced leaders.
1:1 Coaching
Insight into action.
Monthly 1:1 sessions turn ideas into practical tools. These are working sessions, not check-ins.
Guest Perspectives
Exposure to real decisions.
Guest CEOs, board members, and search partners share first-hand experience of how decisions are made.
What Participants Walk Away With
Participants leave with the perspective, tools, and confidence needed to step into the CEO role prepared day one
Clarity about the role you're stepping into — not just the title you're pursuing.
An internal compass for how CEO decisions are actually made.
An enterprise-level way of thinking.
Durable working tools you'll use beyond the program.
Psychological readiness for the weight of the role.
Interested in seeing if you are a fit for our program?
Fill out the form below or email membership@etjlife.com, and we will be in contact with more information.
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