The demands of the CEO role don’t stand still—and neither can the leaders in it. Yet while many executives benefit from mentorship on the path to the top, far fewer maintain it once they arrive.
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Suzanne Bose-Mallick to explore how mentorship helps CEOs sustain performance in one of the most demanding roles in business.
They discuss:
Why many CEOs stop engaging with mentors—and why that can limit their effectiveness
The moments when mentorship matters most, from succession to transformation
How mentors support CEOs in building relationships with their boards, making top team decisions, and deciding between competing priorities
The difference between a mentor and a chair—and why independence can be important
Suzanne Bose-Mallick
Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
(1:53) Why CEOs must continually evolve to stay effective
(2:38) How mentorship supports leaders through high-stakes transitions
(5:20) When to seek a mentor—and why it’s never too late
(6:53) The role of mentors in grounding decision-making under pressure
(8:44) Mentor vs. chair: understanding the difference
(10:55) What CEOs must bring to get value from mentorship
(12:31) When mentoring relationships lose effectiveness—and how to respond