20 Questions

Questions to Ask a CEO of a Company

Strategic questions to ask a CEO to understand leadership, company vision, and gain insights into business strategy and organizational culture.

1

What is your vision for the company's future and how do you plan to achieve it?

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Why this works

Understanding their vision helps you assess the company's direction and how you might fit into their long-term plans.

2

What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now and how are you addressing them?

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Why this works

Learning about current challenges helps you understand the company's priorities and how you might contribute to solutions.

3

What are the key values and culture you're trying to build within the organization?

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Why this works

Understanding company values helps you assess whether the culture aligns with your own values and work style.

4

What are the biggest opportunities for growth and development in the company?

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Why this works

Understanding growth opportunities helps you assess the company's potential and your career development prospects.

5

How do you approach decision-making and what role do employees play in it?

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Why this works

Learning about decision-making processes helps you understand how the company operates and how you might contribute to strategy.

6

What are the biggest opportunities for innovation and improvement in the company?

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Why this works

Understanding innovation opportunities helps you assess the company's potential and your role in driving change.

7

How do you handle change management and what support do you provide to employees?

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Why this works

Learning about change management helps you understand how the company adapts and supports employees during transitions.

8

What are the biggest opportunities for diversity and inclusion within the organization?

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Why this works

Understanding DEI opportunities helps you assess the company's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable environment.

9

What are the biggest opportunities for professional development and learning?

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Why this works

Understanding development opportunities helps you assess the company's potential for your career growth and learning.

10

How do you approach performance management and what support do you provide to employees?

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Why this works

Learning about their performance approach helps you understand how you'll be evaluated and supported in your role.

11

What are the biggest opportunities for leadership development and advancement?

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Why this works

Understanding leadership opportunities helps you assess the company's potential for your career advancement and growth.

12

How do you approach communication and transparency within the organization?

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Why this works

Understanding their communication approach helps you assess the company's culture and information sharing practices.

13

What are the biggest opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional work?

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Why this works

Understanding collaboration opportunities helps you assess the company's potential for teamwork and knowledge sharing.

14

How do you handle crisis management and what role do employees play?

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Why this works

Learning about their crisis approach helps you understand how the company responds to challenges and involves employees.

15

What are the biggest opportunities for technology adoption and digital transformation?

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Why this works

Understanding technology opportunities helps you assess the company's potential for driving innovation and modernization.

16

How do you approach work-life balance and what support do you provide to employees?

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Why this works

Understanding their work-life balance approach helps you assess whether the company supports your personal well-being and priorities.

17

What are the biggest opportunities for mentorship and knowledge sharing?

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Why this works

Understanding mentorship opportunities helps you assess the company's potential for learning from others and sharing your expertise.

18

How do you handle conflict resolution and what role do employees play?

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Why this works

Learning about their conflict resolution approach helps you understand how the company maintains harmony and involves employees.

19

What are the biggest opportunities for process improvement and efficiency?

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Why this works

Understanding process improvement opportunities helps you assess the company's potential for driving operational excellence.

20

How do you measure success and what are your expectations for employees?

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Why this works

Understanding their success measures helps you know what's expected and how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Engaging with Company Leadership

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Preparing for the Conversation

Research the Company

Learn about the company's mission, values, recent news, and the CEO's background to ask informed questions.

Understand the Context

Familiarize yourself with current industry challenges and opportunities to ask relevant questions.

Prepare Your Questions

Have thoughtful questions ready that demonstrate your interest in the company and your role within it.

Types of CEO Questions

Strategy and Vision

Company vision and direction
Strategic planning and decision-making
Growth and development opportunities
Innovation and improvement

Culture and Values

Company values and culture
Diversity and inclusion
Communication and transparency
Work-life balance and support

Leadership and Development

Leadership development opportunities
Mentorship and knowledge sharing
Performance management and support
Career advancement and growth

Making the Most of the Conversation

Listen Actively

Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to deepen your understanding.

Take Notes

Record key insights and information that will help you understand the company and your role within it.

Follow Up

Continue the conversation after the meeting if appropriate to build relationships and learn more.

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation