11/12/2025
Stepping into a C-Suite role is a meaningful leadership transition. It’s a shift from leading a function to influencing the direction of the whole organisation. Expectations increase, responsibilities broaden, and your leadership style begins to shape how others see your stewardship. The first 90 days set the tone for your tenure.
Most leaders enter with a clear brief. Early, structured conversations across teams, customers, and stakeholders help you understand the organisations’ rhythms and the nuances of how decisions are made and how the internal structure works. In an article for Switch Advisory Group that inspired this article, their CEO Nish Sampath says:
“It’s tempting to dive right in and make changes, but your first priority should be listening. Meet with your leadership team, key stakeholders, and employees across different levels to get a full picture of what’s working and where the challenges lie.”
The learning curve can be steep, and you’re expected to absorb history, culture, operational detail, and strategic priorities at pace. In your first c-suite role, decision making is often broader than you have previously experienced, it is important to not see this as a weakness but as a learning opportunity. Leaning on the strengths of your team during this period can smooth the transition and free you to focus on the broader environment.
As a senior leader, your decisions may be scrutinised more than before. Executives and their teams will be looking for early signals about your strategic priorities, how you make calls under pressure, and the leadership style you intend to set from day one. Building strong relationships across the organisation and within your external network is one of the most effective ways to accelerate trust, create alignment, and establish credibility in your new brief.
Onboarding at the executive level is as critical as any other hire. A recent survey of Australian organisations found that those with structured executive onboarding saw a 25% increase in retaining new executives beyond two years. It’s a reminder that even the most experienced leaders benefit from support.
By the end of the first 90 days, your leadership style is emerging, relationships are taking shape, and your early influence is already felt. The goal is to establish clarity, build trust, and create the foundations for long-term impact.
If you are interested in making the step-up to c-suite, or looking for advice or information on your next c-suite role, our Executive Search team are available to be contacted on:
[email protected]
To read the article that inspired this post, visit the link below:
https://www.switchadvisory.com/post/first-90-days-for-ceos-coos-and-executives