How People Actually Get to the C-Suite in S&P 500 Companies

For ambitious executives, reaching the C-suite increasingly requires more than functional expertise. Drawing on research into S&P 500 leadership teams, the authors show that most top functional leaders rise internally, that CEO transitions often reshape the senior team, and that executives who succeed at the highest levels distinguish themselves through enterprise thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and people leadership—not just technical skill. Aspiring C-suite leaders must build the experiences, relationships, and leadership capabilities that matter most for advancement and long-term success.