This book is a pragmatic guide for executives aiming for the top. Drawing on decades of leadership coaching and board advisory experience, the authors strip away myths about CEO selection and reveal the reality: performance alone does not guarantee the role. The process is often subjective, shaped by perceptions, relationships, and adaptability under pressure. The book emphasizes emotional intelligence, humility, and a willingness to be coached as non-negotiable traits for sustained success. Thompson and Loflin provide a clear framework for navigating both the transition into the role and the challenges of keeping it. Direct, unvarnished, and grounded in real-world leadership dynamics, CEO Ready stands out as an essential resource for executives who want to prepare strategically for the demands of the modern C-suite.