There seem to be two kinds of CEOs making headlines lately.
The first are the ones caught in scandals and viral moments. The hat snatches. The kiss cams. The apologies that sound more like statements than sincerity.
The second are the ones shaping their organizations quietly but powerfully.
They are mentoring their teams, modeling humility, and preparing others to lead. They are what McKinsey calls “leadership factories” - companies that grow leaders, not just profits.
Both types of CEOs are visible. But only one kind builds something that lasts.
Because the real measure of leadership isn’t how well you perform under the spotlight. It’s what happens afterward - when the next generation leads with the lessons you passed on.
In a world where attention is easy to earn and hard to keep, the CEOs who stand out are the ones who focus on depth, not noise.
Which traits do you think matter most for leaders right now?