2025 has proven to be another in a sequence of years where the plans laid out by leadership teams were hit hard against unforeseen external developments. Now, as executives cross the mid-year mark, they begin the annual effort to operate on two horizons – closing the current year strong while undertaking planning for the coming year.
Our pulsing of CEOs reveals three big imperatives that should guide them through these dual horizons:
- Correct planning miscues to find new sources of growth across 2025.
- Intensify forward planning due to significant and lasting market changes.
- Establish a significantly more quantitative and fact-based planning process.
Our analysis in this pulse report shows quite clearly that good planning makes the difference between beating expectations and missing them. As CEOs and their leadership teams conduct annual planning this year, the strategies shared here will ensure that effort leads to resilience and success regardless of external market surprises.
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