A report summarising research which identified the key career-enabling factors and other pivotal experiences that current chief executives have encountered on their own personal career journeys.

The guide presents six themes, supported by verbatim quotes from chief executives. It gives insights into what makes a chief executive ‘tick’; describes the challenges they face; and, most importantly, it sets out the attributes and aspects of success and how those aspiring to top roles should think about personal and professional development.

The guide invites aspiring leaders to undertake a rigorous process of self-examination to decide whether a top role is for them, or whether they should be looking at other roles that are a better fit for their talents and potential.

Download: On becoming an NHS chief executive