The CEO Next Door is a book that explores what makes successful CEOs stand out from the rest. The book is written by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell, who have interviewed thousands of CEOs and conducted extensive research to identify the common traits and behaviors that lead to success.
The book is organized into three parts. The first part focuses on the myths and misconceptions about what it takes to become a CEO. The authors argue that there is no single path to becoming a CEO and that successful CEOs come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
The second part of the book explores the four behaviors that successful CEOs exhibit: decisiveness, engagement, adaptability, and reliability. The authors provide examples of CEOs who embody these behaviors and offer practical advice for readers who want to develop these traits.
The final part of the book discusses the importance of building a strong support network and offers advice for how to do so.
The authors’ writing style is clear and straightforward, making the book accessible to a wide audience. The book is filled with anecdotes and examples from real CEOs, which helps to illustrate the concepts and make them more relatable.
What I enjoyed about the book was the practical advice it offered for aspiring CEOs or anyone who wants to become a better leader. The authors provide concrete steps for how to develop the behaviors that lead to success, and their advice is based on extensive research and real-world experience.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in leadership or wants to become a CEO. Here are 10 key takeaways from the book:
1. Successful CEOs come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
2. There is no single path to becoming a CEO.
3. Successful CEOs exhibit four key behaviors: decisiveness, engagement, adaptability, and reliability.
4. Decisiveness is the ability to make tough decisions quickly and confidently.
5. Engagement is the ability to connect with others and build strong relationships.
6. Adaptability is the ability to pivot and change course when necessary.
7. Reliability is the ability to follow through on commitments and deliver results.
8. Building a strong support network is crucial for success.
9. A strong support network includes mentors, sponsors, and peers.
10. Developing the behaviors that lead to success takes time and effort, but it is possible for anyone to do so.
One of the strengths of the book is the extensive research and real-world examples that the authors provide. They have interviewed thousands of CEOs and have distilled their findings

The CEO Next Door is a business book written by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell. The book provides insights into the qualities and behaviors of successful CEOs, based on research and interviews with over 2,600 executives. The authors argue that anyone can become a CEO, and offer practical advice on how to develop the necessary skills and attributes. The book also challenges common assumptions about what makes a successful CEO, and provides a new perspective on leadership and career development.

The book “The CEO Next Door” by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell is divided into three main parts, each with several chapters that explore different aspects of successful leadership and the traits that make up a successful CEO.
Part 1: Who Becomes a CEO?
– Chapter 1: The Myth of the CEO
– Chapter 2: The Four Behaviors That Matter Most
– Chapter 3: The Four Supporting Behaviors
Part 2: What Sets Successful CEOs Apart?
– Chapter 4: The CEO Genome Project
– Chapter 5: The Seven Key Behaviors of Successful CEOs
– Chapter 6: The Four Key Characteristics of Successful CEOs
Part 3: How to Become a CEO
– Chapter 7: The CEO Career Path
– Chapter 8: The CEO Job Search
– Chapter 9: The CEO Game Plan
– Chapter 10: The CEO Next Door Toolkit
Each chapter includes real-life examples of successful CEOs and their stories, as well as practical advice and exercises for readers to apply the concepts to their own careers and leadership development. The book also includes a section on additional resources for readers to continue their learning and growth as aspiring CEOs.

Chapter 1: The CEO Genome Project
In this chapter, the authors introduce the CEO Genome Project, which is a study of over 17,000 C-suite executives and their career paths. They discuss the four key behaviors that are common among successful CEOs: decisive, engaging, reliable, and adaptable.
Chapter 2: The CEO Genome: Decisive
In this chapter, the authors delve deeper into the first key behavior of successful CEOs: being decisive. They explain that decisive CEOs are able to make tough decisions quickly and with confidence. They also provide tips for developing this skill.
Chapter 3: The CEO Genome: Engaging
The second key behavior of successful CEOs is being engaging. In this chapter, the authors explain that engaging CEOs are able to build strong relationships with employees, customers, and other stakeholders. They provide tips for developing this skill, including active listening and empathy.
Chapter 4: The CEO Genome: Reliable
The third key behavior of successful CEOs is being reliable. In this chapter, the authors explain that reliable CEOs are able to consistently deliver results and meet commitments. They provide tips for developing this skill, including setting clear expectations and following through on promises.
Chapter 5: The CEO Genome: Adaptable
The fourth and final key behavior of successful CEOs is being adaptable. In this chapter, the authors explain that adaptable CEOs are able to navigate change and uncertainty with ease. They provide tips for developing this skill, including being open to feedback and learning from failure.
Chapter 6: The CEO Next Door: Five Essential CEO Qualities
In this chapter, the authors discuss five essential qualities that CEOs need to have in addition to the four key behaviors. These qualities are: a strong sense of purpose, a willingness to engage with others, a focus on the long-term, a willingness to take calculated risks, and a passion for learning.
Chapter 7: The CEO Next Door: The Importance of Career Strategy
In this chapter, the authors emphasize the importance of having a career strategy in order to become a successful CEO. They provide tips for developing a career strategy, including setting goals and seeking out mentors.
Chapter 8: The CEO Next Door: The Power of Networks
In this chapter, the authors discuss the importance of building a strong network in order to advance in your career. They provide tips for building a network, including attending industry events and seeking out opportunities to collaborate with others.
Chapter 9: The CEO Next Door: The Role of Luck

1. “There is no one-size-fits-all formula for becoming a successful CEO. But there is a set of behaviors and skills that can increase your odds of success.”
2. “The best CEOs are not superheroes or geniuses. They are ordinary people who have learned to excel in their roles.”
3. “CEOs who are self-aware and humble are more likely to lead successful companies than those who are overly confident or arrogant.”
4. “The most successful CEOs are those who are able to balance short-term results with long-term vision and strategy.”
5. “CEOs who are able to build strong teams and delegate effectively are more likely to succeed than those who try to do everything themselves.”
6. “CEOs who are able to adapt to changing circumstances and make tough decisions are more likely to succeed than those who cling to the status quo.”
7. “CEOs who are able to communicate clearly and inspire their teams are more likely to achieve their goals than those who are unable to connect with others.”
8. “The most successful CEOs are those who are able to learn from their mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.”

Introduction:
– Many successful CEOs don’t fit the stereotype of a charismatic, extroverted leader.
– The authors conducted a study to identify the common traits of successful CEOs, and found that they are often introverted, analytical, and focused on execution.
Chapter 1: The CEO Genome Project
– The authors conducted a study of over 2,600 CEOs to identify common traits and behaviors.
– They found that successful CEOs have a high level of self-awareness, a strong sense of purpose, and a willingness to take risks.
Chapter 2: The Four Behaviors That Matter Most
– The authors identified four key behaviors that successful CEOs exhibit: deciding with speed and conviction, engaging for impact, adapting proactively, and delivering reliably.
– They provide examples of how these behaviors have helped CEOs succeed.
Chapter 3: CEO Springboard: The Traits That Set Leaders Apart
– The authors found that successful CEOs often have a unique combination of traits, such as a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a focus on results.
– They provide tips for developing these traits.
Chapter 4: CEO Succession: The Insider’s Guide
– The authors provide advice for CEOs who are preparing to retire or step down, including how to choose a successor and how to ensure a smooth transition.
Chapter 5: The CEO’s Inner Circle: Building a High-Performing Team
– The authors emphasize the importance of building a strong team of advisors and executives.
– They provide tips for choosing the right people and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
Chapter 6: The CEO’s Career Path: Navigating the Journey to the Top
– The authors provide advice for aspiring CEOs, including how to develop the necessary skills and how to build a strong network.
– They emphasize the importance of taking risks and learning from failures.
Chapter 7: The CEO’s Legacy: Leaving a Lasting Impact
– The authors discuss the importance of leaving a positive legacy, both for the company and for society as a whole.
– They provide examples of CEOs who have made a significant impact through their leadership.
Conclusion:
– The authors emphasize that successful CEOs come in all shapes and sizes, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership.
– They encourage readers to focus on developing their own unique strengths and traits.

The CEO Next Door provides practical applications and actionable steps for individuals who aspire to become successful CEOs. Some of the key takeaways from the book include:
1. Focus on your strengths: The authors suggest that individuals should focus on their strengths and work on developing them further. They argue that CEOs are not necessarily well-rounded individuals, but rather, they excel in a few key areas.
2. Develop a growth mindset: The authors emphasize the importance of having a growth mindset, which involves embracing challenges, learning from failures, and persisting in the face of setbacks.
3. Build a strong network: The authors suggest that individuals should build a strong network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide support and guidance throughout their career.
4. Be intentional about career choices: The authors suggest that individuals should be intentional about their career choices and seek out opportunities that align with their strengths and interests.
5. Embrace feedback: The authors emphasize the importance of seeking out feedback from others and using it to improve performance.
Overall, The CEO Next Door provides practical advice for individuals who aspire to become successful CEOs, emphasizing the importance of focusing on strengths, developing a growth mindset, building a strong network, being intentional about career choices, and embracing feedback.

Example 1: In Chapter 2, the authors discuss the importance of being decisive and taking action. They use the example of Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, who famously said, “Most decisions should probably be made with somewhere around 70% of the information you wish you had. If you wait for 90%, in most cases, you’re probably being slow.” This quote highlights the importance of making decisions quickly and not getting bogged down by a desire for perfection.
Example 2: In Chapter 3, the authors discuss the importance of being adaptable and willing to change course. They use the example of Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, who took over the company when it was struggling to keep up with competitors like Apple and Google. Nadella quickly realized that Microsoft needed to shift its focus from hardware to software and services, and he led the company through a successful transformation.
Example 3: In Chapter 5, the authors discuss the importance of being resilient and persevering through challenges. They use the example of Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, who took over the company in the aftermath of a major scandal involving faulty ignition switches. Barra faced intense scrutiny and criticism, but she remained focused on turning the company around and implementing changes to prevent similar problems in the future. Her resilience and determination ultimately paid off, as General Motors has since regained its position as a leading automaker.

In The CEO Next Door, Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell present a comprehensive guide to becoming a successful CEO. Through their research and interviews with over 2,600 CEOs, they identify four key behaviors that are critical to success: decisiveness, reliability, adaptability, and engaging for impact. They also provide practical advice on how to develop these behaviors and overcome common obstacles.
One of the key takeaways from the book is that successful CEOs are not necessarily born with innate talents or abilities. Rather, they develop the behaviors and skills necessary for success through deliberate practice and learning from their mistakes. The authors also emphasize the importance of humility and self-awareness in becoming a successful CEO, as well as the need to build a strong team and culture.
Overall, The CEO Next Door provides valuable insights and actionable advice for anyone aspiring to become a CEO or improve their leadership skills. By focusing on the behaviors that lead to success, rather than on personality traits or background, the authors offer a refreshing and practical approach to leadership development.

The CEO Next Door is a must-read book for anyone aspiring to become a successful CEO. Written by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell, this book offers valuable insights into the leadership traits and qualities that are essential for making it to the top.
The authors draw on their extensive research and interviews with over 2,600 CEOs to identify the commonalities that successful CEOs share. They reveal that contrary to popular belief, most CEOs are not born with a natural talent for leadership. Instead, they have developed specific skills and habits that have helped them rise to the top.
The book highlights the importance of humility, authenticity, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. It also emphasizes the need for CEOs to have a clear vision and to be able to communicate that vision effectively to their team.
The writing style is concise and engaging, making it easy for readers to absorb the information. The authors use real-life examples to illustrate their points, which makes the book relatable and practical.
Overall, The CEO Next Door is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand what it takes to become a successful CEO. It offers practical advice and actionable insights that can help readers develop the skills and habits needed to achieve their goals.

Overall, The CEO Next Door is an insightful and practical guide for anyone aspiring to become a successful CEO. The authors’ extensive research and interviews with top CEOs provide valuable insights into the qualities and behaviors that set successful leaders apart. The book offers a refreshing perspective on leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, humility, and a growth mindset. The practical tips and exercises provided throughout the book make it a useful resource for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills.
However, the book’s focus on individual traits and behaviors may overlook the systemic barriers that prevent certain groups from reaching the top of the corporate ladder. While the authors acknowledge the importance of diversity and inclusion, the book could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of the structural inequalities that exist in the business world.
Overall, I would recommend The CEO Next Door to anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and gain insights into what it takes to succeed as a CEO. The book’s practical advice and inspiring stories make it a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance their career in business.