Prof. Steven Kaplan on what boards get wrong, how top CEOs really succeed, and why execution (not charisma) is your real edge.
What separates good CEOs from great ones?
In this episode of The Modern CEO, we are joined by Professor Steven Kaplan of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, one of the world’s leading voices on CEO performance, hiring, and boards.
About Steve:
- Steve Kaplan is a top private equity scholar and Chicago Booth professor.
- Co-created the Kaplan-Schoar PME and co-founded Booth’s New Venture Challenge.
- His students launched companies like GrubHub, Venmo, and Simple Mills.
- Named one of the top 12 business school teachers in the U.S.
- Serves on Morningstar’s board and has taught at Booth since 1988.
Together we covered:
- Why execution (not likability) is the top trait of high-performing CEOs
- How to avoid “analysis paralysis” at the top
- What boards often get wrong when choosing a CEO
- Practical advice for founders preparing to hand over the reins
- The biggest blind spots leaders face in times of uncertainty
Whether you’re a CEO, board member, or aspiring leader.. this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and decision-making.