This site uses cookies to improve your experience.

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We would also like to set optional analytics cookies to help us improve our site by anonymously collecting and reporting information on how you use it. For more information on how these cookies work, please see our Cookie policy.

  • Portfolio
  • Team
  • Insights
  • Work With Us
Toggle Menu
  • Portfolio
  • Team
  • Insights
  • Work With Us
  • SoftBank Careers
  • Terms
  • English
© 2024 SB Investment Advisers (UK) Limited
Lighthouse on shore with illustration of a tidal wave
Data Analysis

CEOs brace for a new wave of challenges in 2023

Our exclusive survey shows how leaders are grappling with rising interest rates, market volatility, and stress.

CEOs’ predictions for where the S&P 500 will be at the end of 2023 compared to the end of 2022

9%
More than 20% higher
19%
10%–19% higher
21%
5%–9% higher
29%
Roughly unchanged
12%
5%–9% lower
6%
10%–19% lower
4%
More than 20% lower

Expectations for how long high inflation will persist

4
0–6 months
37
6–12 months
31
12–18 months
22
18–24 months
6
More than 24 months

“Share plans at all-hands. Make sure employees understand the storm is coming and we are preparing.”

—UK-based CEO

CEOs see 2023 as a year to:

67%
Conserve cash and stabilize the business
20%
Invest aggressively to gain market share
23%
Invest aggressively in product
15%
Expand into new geographies
28%
Expand into new product offerings
53%
Grow organically
26%
Grow through M&A

“Focused execution, running a tight budget, and plan.”

—Europe-based CEO

Planned approach to work

  • 2023
  • 2022
    Fully in office
      Fully remote
        Hybrid

        Impact of hybrid work on the CEO job

        11%
        Made it easier
        58%
        Made it harder
        31%
        No change

        “Building a purpose-driven, inclusive culture and building in more fun and collaboration for people at work encourages more voluntary in-person attendance.”

        —U.S. East Coast-based CEO

        Talent acquisition is easier than a year ago

          Talent retention is easier than a year ago

            Companies that cited hiring and retention challenges as a top concern that would affect their business

            60%
            CHRO response (January 2022)
            16%
            CEO response (November)

            “We are re-emphasizing that our strategic priorities remain exactly the same and providing clear visibility of operating and financial metrics to show that there are no immediate problems in terms of company management or economics.”

            —India-based CEO

            Change in CEO’s stress level since the beginning of 2022

            7%
            Decreased
            55%
            Increased
            38%
            No change

            “I eat healthy, take saunas/cold plunges, meditate, and exercise daily to manage my stress.”

            —U.S. East Coast-based CEO
            Next
            Interactive Data

            CEOs tackle economic challenges and look ahead

            Explore the full results of our Q4 2022 CEO survey. Compare and benchmark your company.

            Animated image of hands reaching for a stack of books
            Feature

            Paper’s fast learning curve

            How an online tutoring startup is becoming a one-stop shop for student support.

            Sozo Newsletter Text Logo HorizontalSozo Newsletter Text Logo Vertical

            The strength of 450+ leading tech companies—direct to your inbox

            Sign up for the Sōzō newsletter for insights from our unparalleled ecosystem of global innovators.
            Sign up for our monthly newsletter
            Stay up to date with the latest data and insights
            • Portfolio
            • Team
            • Insights
            • Work With Us
            • Portfolio Careers
            • Company
              • Sustainability
              • Presentations
            • Contact
            • Terms
            • |
            • Privacy
            • |
            • Regulatory
            • |
            © 2025 SB Investment Advisers (UK) Limited