Leading Together in 2025

As we step into 2025, our world remains as dynamic and volatile as ever. Every leader knows that the pace of change is faster and the level of uncertainty is higher than it has ever been. The only true certainty is the uncertainty that this new year will bring.

At Russell Reynolds Associates, we’re reviewing the invaluable feedback we received in 2024 from our clients around the world and refining our approach to best support our clients in 2025. We are listening, and three key leadership themes are emerging: transformational teams, understanding potential, and AI mainstreaming.

We believe that no organization can outperform its leadership. As CEO roles become increasingly complex, and even fraught, the notion of the sole, heroic leader is beyond passé. The ability to methodically surround oneself with a bright, experienced, and diverse leadership team can make all of the difference. We’re spending a lot of time working on the question of what distinguishes the best leadership teams.

While finding the right leaders has never been easy, picking the wrong ones has become more costly. Research shows that excessive turnover at the top destroys significant value—close to $1 trillion a year among the S&P 1500 alone. Through years of proprietary research, we’ve developed a way for organizations to identify leaders who are both adept at preparing for change and keeping their organization steady by measuring for potential.

It's no secret that AI is transforming the business landscape at pace, breaking down barriers and putting its capabilities in everyone’s hands. For organizations and those who lead them, how do you capture the opportunity and avoid being left behind? The truth is, it’s not just about adopting the right technology. It’s ensuring you have the right leaders with the right capabilities to drive AI adoption and implementation at scale.

At RRA our single greatest differentiator is our people, who are inspired by our mission  to improve the way the world is led. They’re guided by our values of being inclusive, passionate, sustainable, client-focused, and forward-thinking. I know I’m biased, but I have no doubt that we have the finest team in the leadership advisory industry.

Of course, none of this would be possible without you, our clients. Your trust and confidence in our ability to identify, assess, and develop future-ready leaders drives our impact and helps build a more resilient world. Thank you for your continued partnership.

With gratitude,
Constantine Alexandrakis