Leadership in Q1 2025: Adapting to Technology, Talent and Flexibility
As 2025 unfolds, leadership conversations have pivoted to agility, human connection, and intelligent adaptation topics that align closely with the leadership and experiential experiences offered at Call of the Wild. Here are selected leadership related news stories from Q1 2025, with implications for your service and corporate clients
1. CEO Succession in UK Corporates: Reliance on External Hires
A FT report reveals that over half of all FTSE-listed CEOs were recruited externally in the year to March 2025—52% for FTSE 100, and 62% for FTSE 250 due to failing internal succession pipelines. UK CEO tenures average only five years versus much longer in Germany or the U.S. reflecting governance gaps and leadership discontinuity Financial Times.
2. Fractional Leadership: topping up C-suite expertise
The trend of “fractional twins”—part-time senior executives supporting CFOs, CMOs, CHROs and CTOs has surged, with LinkedIn mentions rising from 2,000 in 2022 to 110,000 in 2024. This flexible leadership model meets demand for strategic insight without full-time cost, growing 150% in uptake since 2020 The Times.
3. Return-to-office and AI Anxiety Among SME Leaders
SME CEOs in the UK (Vistage UK & Ireland survey) expressed economic concern in Q1 2025, with confidence falling from 91.4 to 87.5. Still, 34% plan full-time office return to boost collaboration and productivity, and 65% are actively engaging AI though formal governance and training remain key areas Entrepreneur.
4. Evolving Leadership Traits in the Digital Era
Industry analyses (e.g. Korn Ferry, Harvard Business Impact, Industry Leaders Magazine) outline that leaders increasingly need AI fluency, adaptability, emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and a purpose-driven ethos. Structures like shared leadership and data-driven collaboration are growing priorities Korn Ferryindustryleadersmagazine.comHarvard Business Impact. FT commentary also stresses empathy, inclusion and human connection against AI overreach in hybrid workspaces Financial Times.
Key Themes from Q1 2025 Leadership Coverage
| Theme | What It Means for Call of the Wild Service Offer |
|---|---|
| Succession & leadership continuity | CEO short tenures and external hires reveal gaps in long-term leadership development. Your service can help develop pipeline leaders via leadership retreats that build strategic resilience and succession readiness. |
| Fractional C-suite & flexible leadership models | The rise of fractional executives reflects a demand for targeted leadership input. Call of the Wild can design bespoke programmes for senior executives seeking impactful development without full-time demands. |
| AI, tech-readiness, and continuous learning | Leaders now need AI literacy and mindset flexibility. Wilderness experiences can reinforce adaptability, encourage reflection on tech integration, and embed continuous learning habits. |
| Human connection, emotional intelligence & inclusive leadership | As automation accelerates, empathy and human leadership matter more. Your nature-based sessions are a stark contrast and counterbalance: they foster emotional intelligence, team cohesion and authenticity. |
| Hybrid work & collaboration culture | CFOs and leaders grappling with return-to-office debate need new ways to foster trust across dispersed teams. Outdoor leadership programmes offer powerful experiential bonding—valuable for hybrid-team cohesion. |
How Call of the Wild Can Capitalise on These Trends
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Bespoke leadership retreats focused on adaptability, succession planning and emotional intelligence offer added value to clients managing senior transitions or adopting flexible executive models.
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Tailored executive coaching packages for fractional leaders or internal successors aiming to step into strategic roles.
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Leadership development experiences emphasising reflection, team trust, and agile thinking—supporting AI-minded leadership in a human-centric way.
