Pessimist or optimist?
Glass half full or empty?
What are CEOs thinking today?
It’s not pretty, according to Deloitte and Fortune in their 2023 winter CEO survey (104 CEOs).
Here are the key takeaways from Fortune (paywall):
- 48% of CEOs are pessimistic about the global economy
- 36% expect growth to be strong. 50% said modest. 12% said weak
- 51% think interest rates have had a “modest” impact on their business. Another 22% said a “significant impact”, while 23% said “no impact.”
But Deloitte, using the same research, led slightly differently in its executive summary, saying:
CEO optimism is on the upswing and pessimism is down.
CEOs are prioritising business transformation, new product innovation, acquiring the right talent and digital maturity.
CEOs recognize AI is important, but admit they are not ready to take advantage of emerging technologies.
Both surveys cite inflation and geopolitical instability as the biggest disruptors to confidence.
Two points.
You’d be forgiven for thinking these are two different pieces of research as the results have been explained slightly differently by Fortune and Deloitte. Perhaps it’s the ordering or just me, but I found that to be confusing. Both pieces were released at the same time with the same partnership.
Having read (and written) many surveys, it’s best to take them with a pinch of salt. 104 CEOs isn’t many.
On top of which, if you look at the 2023 CEO surveys from the big consultancies, you will see their findings on CEO sentiment are quite different. One of the few common threads is that almost all of them point to AI as on emerging trend everyone needs to learn more about (or invest in). There’s a surprise.
In my opinion, pessimism breeds pessimism. So three questions for you today:
1 – How can you bring hope where it really counts?
2 – What is your counter story for when someone challenges you with the negatives
3 – How are you addressing pessimism in yourself?
Have a good Tuesday
Dan
