Welcome to Your Path to CEO [axr]’s newest podcast, created to explore one of the most ambitious and complex moves in any career: stepping into the CEO role.

In this launch episode, you’ll hear from the [axr] Executive Search team - Mike Dixon, Shanthi Smith, and Greg O’Shea - who introduce the series, share why it exists, and outline what senior leaders can expect.

At [axr], our mission is to enable better career decisions. And as more executives look beyond functional leadership towards enterprise roles, one thing is clear: the path to CEO isn’t linear - and it’s often misunderstood.

In this episode, the team unpacks:

• Why the move from functional leadership to CEO is so challenging
• What leaders often underestimate about the role
• The reality behind the title—and the trade-offs that come with it
• What this series will explore through conversations with CEOs and boards

This podcast builds on [axr]’s existing series, Your Future in Sales & Marketing and From Go To CFO, extending our focus to those considering the ultimate leadership step.

If you’re thinking about your path to CEO or advising those who are, this is where the conversation starts.