Most New CEOs Are Overwhelmed, Say Job Is Harder Than Expected

New chief executives, particularly those who are promoted from within, say they feel overwhelmed and unprepared — especially since they’re increasingly called on to speak out on social issues.

About half of new CEOs say they it’s hard to find time for reflection and to drive culture change. Only about one in three say they felt fully prepared to take the job, according to a survey of 402 sitting CEOs in 11 countries by executive recruiter Egon Zehnder.

“Oftentimes, the board’s review of talent focus on compensation and on performance, but less much on the development and psychology of the ...