Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Top CEOs Share 2 Key Traits: Learning Mindset and Curiosity
A study by McKinsey found that the best CEOs have two special qualities: they love to learn new things and are very curious.
This helps them make better decisions and earn more money for their companies.
They also know their limits and have ways to fix their mistakes.
McKinsey study finds that successful CEOs have an exceptional learning mindset
They also exhibit insatiable curiosity, allowing them to adapt quickly
These traits help them generate 30 times more economic profit than average CEOs
Elite CEOs acknowledge their limitations and have structures to mitigate excesses
The study analyzed interviews with 200 global CEOs for the book 'A CEO for All Seasons'
- Who
- McKinsey & Company's CEO Practice
- What
- Studied 200 global CEOs to find out what makes the best ones successful
- When
- The study was conducted for the book 'A CEO for All Seasons'
- Where
- Globally
- Why
- To understand what separates top-performing CEOs from the rest
Nature vs. Nurture
Innate vs. Learned Traits
Learning Mindset
Nature vs. Nurture
Can be developed through experience and education
Innate vs. Learned Traits
May be innate, with some people naturally more open to learning
Curiosity
Nature vs. Nurture
Can be cultivated and encouraged
Innate vs. Learned Traits
May be an inherent personality trait
- Key Traits
- Exceptional learning mindset and insatiable curiosity
- Performance Gap
- Top 20% CEOs generate 30x more economic profit than the next 60%
- Study Methodology
- Interviews with 200 global CEOs
- Authors
- Kurt Strovink and Carolyn Dewar, senior partners at McKinsey
- Publication
- A CEO for All Seasons