Leadership Lounge: Staying Sharp at the Top: How CEOs Can Use Mentors to Sustain Performance

The demands of the CEO role don’t stand still—and neither can the leaders in it. Yet while many executives benefit from mentorship on the path to the top, far fewer maintain it once they arrive.In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Suzanne Bose-Mallick to explore how mentorship helps CEOs sustain performance in one of the most demanding roles in business.They discuss:Why many CEOs stop engaging with mentors—and why that can limit their effectivenessThe moments when mentorship matters most, from succession to transformationHow mentors support CEOs in building relationships with their boards, making top team decisions, and deciding between competing prioritiesThe difference between a mentor and a chair—and why independence can be important“An external mentor allows a CEO to have consequence-free conversations…a space where they can truly express their concerns.”- Suzanne Bose-Mallick, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds AssociatesFour things you’ll learn from this episode:Mentorship becomes more valuable at the top: The transition into the CEO role often increases the need for external perspective, not reduces it. Challenge sharpens performance: The best mentors hold CEOs to account, helping them make better, more grounded decisions. Independence creates space for honesty: Unlike internal stakeholders, external mentors offer a confidential environment for candid reflection and clearer thinking. Impact depends on the CEO: The most effective mentoring relationships require preparation, openness, and a willingness to be challenged. In this episode, we will cover:(1:53) Why CEOs must continually evolve to stay effective (2:38) How mentorship supports leaders through high-stakes transitions (5:20) When to seek a mentor—and why it’s never too late (6:53) The role of mentors in grounding decision-making under pressure (8:44) Mentor vs. chair: understanding the difference (10:55) What CEOs must bring to get value from mentorship (12:31) When mentoring relationships lose effectiveness—and how to respond