The position of the chief executive is ideal for natural-born leaders and those who like to innovate, motivate, and inspire.
The responsibilities of a chief executive vary depending on the business they are leading. Still, they are generally responsible for providing overall direction and guidance, formulating company policies, managing operations, assessing risks, ensuring goals are met, and executing the vision and mission of their team.
If this sounds like a perfect career plan, learn how to become a chief executive so you can make this dream come true.
1. Work on developing your CEO skills
To become a successful chief executive, a leader needs a blend of clear communication, attentive listening, and the ability to think strategically. The role also hinges on building strong relationships across functions and with external partners. In practice, that means delivering concise messages, setting priorities, and making decisions that align with the company’s purpose. Even for those who already show these traits, ongoing development matters. Executive coaching programs can broaden capabilities in decision making under pressure, stakeholder management, and ethical leadership, while also helping leaders adapt to global teams and digital workflows that define business in 2025 and beyond.
Gaining these capabilities is not just about knowing what to do; it is about modeling how to do it. A successful CEO also learns to balance short-term results with long-term value, foster a culture of accountability, and stay curious about markets, technology, and customer needs.
2. Get your undergraduate degree and your MBA
If you don’t already have one, a bachelor’s degree lays the groundwork. A business, accounting and finance, or economics degree helps future chief executives understand how money, people, and systems interact within an organization.
Afterward, a Master of Business Administration is a common next step. An MBA builds leadership, strategy, operations, governance, and analytics skills that underpin effective organizational management. In today’s world, many programs also offer online or hybrid formats to fit working professionals, and some emphasize global perspectives and sustainability alongside traditional business theory.
3. Start building your network
While studying and entering the job market, it pays to invest in a broad, diverse network. Reach out to peers, mentors, alumni, and industry colleagues. Make introductions, share insights, and offer help without immediately asking for favors. A well-nurtured network can open doors to opportunities, partnerships, and roles you might not encounter otherwise. Remember: every connection is a potential source of learning and mutual value. Your network should grow as your career advances, providing guidance, support, and access to new challenges.
In today’s world, networking is also about adding value to others. Mentors, colleagues, and even potential partners can become useful allies when you demonstrate capability, consistency, and a willingness to collaborate across functions and geographies.
4. Find an inspiring mentor or coach
A mentor who can challenge you and provide honest feedback is invaluable. Don’t hesitate to approach a chief executive you admire and request guidance. You can also pursue executive coaching, which helps set meaningful goals, track progress, and grow as a leader. Coaching offers structured support, accountability, and practical strategies for leading teams, steering strategy, and navigating complex stakeholder environments. In 2025, coaching often focuses on digital leadership, remote team dynamics, and ethical governance as well as core management techniques.
Having a coach or mentor broadens perspective, sharpens judgment, and accelerates growth by translating lessons into tangible actions within a real business context.
5. Work hard and always do your best
If you are not handed a CEO role right after graduation, that is normal. The climb usually starts at a practical level such as operations, finance, or project leadership. The key is to bring energy, reliability, and a genuine drive to improve. Consistently performing at a high level, staying adaptable, and showing a track record of delivering results will communicate readiness for bigger responsibilities and leadership roles. In a modern setting, resilience, curiosity, and a bias toward execution are particularly valuable as markets change rapidly.
Every task is an opportunity to demonstrate capability. A proactive mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to rally others around a shared goal remain essential traits for future chief executives.
6. See what other leaders are doing
Learning from others who lead in your industry or adjacent fields can spark fresh ideas. Networking, reading, and observing how peers handle strategy, risk, and culture can accelerate your growth. The aim is to stay informed about leadership trends and to incorporate new approaches that fit your context and values. Observing how leaders manage digital transformation, sustainability, and global teams can provide practical insights for your own leadership style.
Being curious about how others lead helps you build a thoughtful and adaptable approach, rather than copying someone else’s method. It is about synthesizing lessons into your own leadership voice.
7. Learn how to highlight your achievements
Whether in operations, finance, or management, you must learn to articulate your impact. Describe the value you’ve created, the problems you solved, and the goals you achieved. Prepare concrete examples and metrics that showcase leadership, collaboration, and outcomes. Being able to demonstrate how you would add more value as chief executive can help you advance when opportunities arise. A clear narrative with quantifiable results often resonates with boards and hiring teams alike.
As you progress, tailor your achievements to align with the strategic priorities of the organization and the demands of senior leadership roles. Focus on outcomes, influence, and the ability to drive cross-functional initiatives.
8. Get promoted
With perseverance, skill-building, and a continued focus on growth, the goal of becoming chief executive becomes attainable. It may take time, so stay inspired, keep refining your abilities, seek new leadership challenges, and appreciate each step along the path. The journey is about steadily expanding scope, exercising sound judgment, and building credibility with colleagues, executives, and boards. In today’s environment, leadership credibility also hinges on ethical behavior, transparency, and the ability to navigate complex digital and global landscapes.