My First 90 Days as CEO Almost Wrecked Me
Close to 40% of new leaders fail within 18 months, and it usually starts in the first 90 days. I almost became one of them. Here is the mistake I made, and the plan I wish I had run.
The fastest way to fail as a new CEO is to do exactly what I did in my first 90 days.
Close to 40 percent of new senior leaders fail inside 18 months. Not because they are not smart. Because of what they do early.
I wanted to prove I deserved the seat. So I moved fast. I made changes before I understood the business. I had answers before I had earned them. Every fast move I made without listening, I paid for later.
The job in the first 90 days is not to look decisive. It is to understand the machine before you start pulling levers. The best CEOs listen for the first 30 days. I learned that a little too late.
If I could run it again: days 1 to 30, listen. Meet people at every level. Ask five questions for every one order you give. Days 30 to 60, plan. Pick two or three quick wins that build trust. Days 60 to 90, move. Say the plan so clearly that people can repeat it. Be honest about your team early. More than two thirds of CEOs replace half their team within two years.
The hardest skill in the first 90 days is doing less, on purpose. Sit on your hands and listen instead.
If you got the top job tomorrow, could you actually stay quiet for 30 days?
Work with me
An operator's honest read for founders, owners, and CEOs. One sharp session, a full diagnosis, or a fractional seat.