C-suite leaders are approaching 2025 with cautious optimism but remain wary of political uncertainty, fragile workplace cultures and a growing sense of mistrust, according to a new study from public relations firm Padilla.

Padilla’s third annual C-suite Perspectives study surveyed more than 100 C-suite executives and 1,000 employed adults and included in-depth interviews with nearly 50 C-suite leaders. The findings show executives eager to move past the reactive management styles of recent years and refocus on strategic business goals.

“Leaders ended 2024 with cautious optimism that they could move beyond the near-term management mindset of the past several years and get back to executing on long-term vision and direction,” said Matt Kucharski, president of Padilla. “That desire to move things forward is coming up against political and geopolitical uncertainty, a fragile workplace culture, and an era marked by increasing mistrust and polarization. This leaves today’s C-suite leaders looking for a way to power through.”

Executives expressed a growing emphasis on confidence, flexibility, humility, stoicism, and a growth mindset to navigate 2025. While they are hopeful for lower taxes and reduced regulations, concerns about global tariff conflicts, cost increases and supply chain disruptions continue to temper optimism.

Other key findings include:

• Change Readiness: 67% of C-suite leaders feel their employees are “fully” or “very” ready to embrace change initiatives, although some resistance remains.
• Employee Well-being: Half of C-suite leaders believe employee well-being improved over the past year, but only 29% of employees agree.
• C-suite Turnover: Executive resignations continue to rise, with a 7-point increase from 2023 to 2024. Roughly one in five leaders are stepping back earlier than in previous years.
• Business Relevance: Pushback on ESG and DEI initiatives is prompting some leaders to adjust their strategies, often quietly emphasizing business value.
• Artificial Intelligence: 83% of executives are selectively or aggressively adopting AI to enhance product and service quality, though 24% of employees view AI as a moderate or significant threat.

Padilla’s study is available for free download at PadillaCo.com.

The findings are based on research conducted during the latter half of 2024, including AI and human analysis and cross-referencing with other industry experts and trend-watchers.