Are You CEO Ready?

Choosing the next CEO is the riskiest decision you and your Board will ever make.

What the smartest, most effective companies do to prepare the best leader.

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Mark Thompson in conversation over dinner at an HP leadership gathering

Are You CEO Ready?Your C-Suite Playbook

“Mark Thompson is the World's #1 CEO Coach -- helping more candidates get ready for promotion than any coach in history.”

– Dr. Marshall Goldsmith,World’s #1 Leadership Thinker→

Sir Richard Branson and Mark Thompson on stage at the World Business Forum

Who in Your Family isReady to Be the Next CEO

“When your family members are learning to lead your company, Mark is the best partner to help them become the best CEOs.”

– Sir Richard Branson,Virgin Group Founder→

Mark Thompson delivering a keynote to a seated ballroom audience

Smarter, Better, FasterC-Suite Transitions

“Mark Thompson inspired our global presidents to accelerate change—it's the world's top Leadership Accelerator program!”

– Dr. Jim Yong Kim,Fmr CEO, The World Bank→

Leading C-Suite Transitions thatDrive Higher Performance

World's #1 CEO Coach Mark Thompson is a seasoned executive who inspires high performing leaders with 1:1 Executive Readiness Coaching, Leadership Growth Accelerator programs, and an exclusive CEO & C-Team community of senior peer mentors.

The path

CEO Readiness Academy and 1:1 Coaching

Your Goals & Priorities
As you prepare for succession in the C-Suite, you deserve a partner who understands your professional and business priorities. We've helped more than 90 executives accelerate development to become CEO.
CEO Candidate Strategic Transition Assessment & Development Plan
Bespoke 1:1 coaching with a personalized workplan for success so that you're in the best position to be evaluated, recognized and promoted.
Chief Executive Alliance
Join an exclusive, invitation-only global CEO community to network with top 1% leaders and gain peer support from other CEOs.
Executive Team Accelerator
Unlock your team's full potential by better assessing and optimizing their unique dynamics to build a high-performance team.
Innovation Plan Review + Leadership Plan Review
Align leadership behaviors with business goals and benefit from a community of fellow peer CEOs and CEO candidates.

In their words

Endorsements

I consider Mark Thompson to be the #1 Top Executive Coach in the World today. He has an amazing track record with both current CEOs and potential CEOs. He has helped leaders in both start-ups and in global corporations achieve incredible positive change.

Marshall Goldsmith · #1 Leadership Thinker in the World & NY Times Bestselling Author

Mark reveals powerful strategies that help you make it happen.

Richard Branson · Founder, Virgin Group

When my friend Mark joined Schwab 40 years ago during our IPO, we discovered a shared belief in the American dream—investing in the development of visionary leaders who build enduring companies, strong teams, and great service. CEO Ready reflects that spirit with clear, timely direction for those seeking greater responsibility.

Charles Schwab · Founder, The Charles Schwab Corporation

CEO Ready is a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their career and make a significant impact in their organization. Byron and Mark have produced an engaging narrative with real-world examples that empower readers to develop the competencies necessary for success.

Nelson Griggs · President, Nasdaq

Mark's coaching was transformative for me and for Pinterest's growth to over 570 million users. In CEO Ready, Mark and Byron bring the EQ and IQ insights necessary to push through ambiguity and prepare for complex management transitions.

Evan Sharp · Co-founder, Pinterest, and founding CEO of West Co.

CEO Ready delivers actionable strategies that prepare leaders to step confidently into senior roles. This rare book draws on the impressive experience of Mark Thompson, the world's #1 CEO coach, and board governance expert Byron Loflin—two of the most sought-after advisors to the world's most influential leaders. I'm personally grateful for Mark's wisdom as a trusted guide.

Dr. Jim Yong Kim · Vice Chair, Global Infrastructure Ptrs & fmr CEO, World Bank Group

CEO Ready shines a light on what it takes to lead with purpose—something I've seen firsthand in our CEO Jean Oelwang's bold leadership at Virgin Unite and in my friend Mark Thompson's enduring commitment to her journey. For two decades, he's championed Jean and our team, and CEO Ready embodies the mindset that prepares leaders like her to make a lasting impact.

Sir Richard Branson · Founder, Virgin Group

CEO Ready offers the grounded clarity that boards and executives need to prepare leaders for the top job—from the coach who has helped more become CEOs than anyone. Mark & Byron provide an excellent approach to CEO readiness—a masterclass in thinking strategically about the role.

Ram Charan · CEO & Board Advisor and Bestselling Author of 36 books

Becoming a CEO is a leap that requires not just new skills, but the humility to grow in unexpected ways. CEO Ready helps you reflect on what it means to lead with both head and heart in what may be the most defining role of your career.