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Crowe Executive Outlook Study

Forward-thinking leaders are finding value in volatility by focusing on talent, technology (particularly artificial intelligence [AI]), and their financial fundamentals. Discover further findings from the latest Crowe Executive Outlook Study, conducted in collaboration with Forbes.


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Revealing new frontiers for enterprise growth

In collaboration with Forbes, Crowe surveyed executives to uncover new leadership strategies in the face of market uncertainty.

At Crowe, we believe that the most successful business leaders are those who embrace volatility and use it as a catalyst for finding opportunities. Thanks to the Crowe Executive Outlook Study, we now have timely research that supports this perspective.

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See the latest Crowe Executive Outlook Study insights

Today, leaders of all types of organizations face volatility in the form of market turbulence, changing consumer trends, emerging technologies, and other areas. What sets truly innovative leaders apart, though, is their proactive and even positive attitude toward these shifts. Read our report on the findings from the latest Crowe Executive Outlook Study and learn more about how innovative leaders pull their organizations forward faster during volatile times.

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2023 Crowe Executive Outlook Study

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Seeing the benefits of volatility

Crowe, in collaboration with Forbes, surveyed 500 industry executives of companies with $500 million or more in yearly revenues. The results reinforce findings first established in the preceding study that attitude toward volatility remains a key indicator of enterprise success across several metrics – even as most respondents view uncertainty as less of a threat. Using their respective views on volatility as a litmus test, three groups are represented in proportions nearly identical to the first study.

Leaders

25% of those surveyed strongly agreed that their organizations view volatility as an opportunity.

Followers

62% of those surveyed reported that their organizations are less likely to view volatility favorably, but might see avenues of opportunity. 

Laggards

13% of those surveyed do not think their organizations view volatility as an opportunity. 

Leaders

25% of those surveyed strongly agreed that their organizations view volatility as an opportunity.

Followers

62% of those surveyed reported that their organizations are less likely to view volatility favorably, but might see avenues of opportunity. 

Laggards

13% of those surveyed do not think their organizations view volatility as an opportunity. 

This new analysis explores how embracing volatility and seeking opportunities to innovate in the face of risk can make organizations more responsive, more capable, and more likely to meet or exceed revenue growth targets.

As in the previous study, executives in the Leaders category report greater tangible enterprise successes than their peers, with higher revenue growth rates as well as greater success in both reducing risks and deriving value from volatility. Leaders, who generally are in the banking, insurance, and technology, media, and telecommunications industries, say they are more likely to invest in workforce skills and workplace diversity. They also report that their organizations are well equipped to benefit from volatility.

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Key data points from the Crowe Executive Outlook Study

Findings from our recent research, conducted in collaboration with Forbes, revealed differences between leaders and laggards in terms of business benefit. Within our framework, Leaders are defined as those who see volatility as an opportunity for their organization, while Laggards do not.

  • Half of the Leaders group realized at least 10% revenue growth in their organization over the most recent fiscal year, compared to only 24% of Laggards
  • Leaders are seven times more likely than Laggards to say that they see organizational benefits in market disruptions and volatility
  • 53% of Laggards believe uncertainty about the future is impeding their organization's efforts to benefit from volatility, while just 36% of Leaders say the same
  • Leaders are four times more likely than Laggards to report they are taking extensive steps to address volatility via technology
  • 50% of leaders report they are extensively expanding employees' skills and applying emerging technologies versus 18% of laggards
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Additional findings

From AI to talent management, find out how forward-thinking leaders are approaching changes ahead.

“The best companies and leaders are the ones who can truly balance the now while also maintaining a vision for what the future holds. It’s not about predicting the future; it’s about a relentless commitment to building and enabling an agile organization that is willing to reimagine and disrupt itself.”

– Mark Baer, CEO, Crowe LLP

Leaders act on disruptive innovation

AI has become a top and durable source of volatility, with 58% of all respondents evaluating or investing in AI to address volatility. In a broader trend of Leaders exploring tech-focused research and development at a higher rate than others, nearly one-quarter of Leaders already consider AI the single greatest area of impact on their organization today, compared to just 11% of Laggards.

Leaders look for new opportunities in volatility

72% of executives say they are focusing their people, processes, and technology on the mission of turning volatility into opportunity (92% of Leaders versus 55% of Laggards).
AI has become a top and durable source of volatility, with 58% of all respondents evaluating or investing in AI to address volatility. In a broader trend of Leaders exploring tech-focused research and development at a higher rate than others, nearly one-quarter of Leaders already consider AI the single greatest area of impact on their organization today, compared to just 11% of Laggards.
72% of executives say they are focusing their people, processes, and technology on the mission of turning volatility into opportunity (92% of Leaders versus 55% of Laggards).

Leaders collaborate with knowledgeable external teams

Leaders are more likely to collaborate with consulting or advisory firms to address organizational challenges and opportunities related to volatility – both now and in the future. More than half of Leaders (53%) plan to do this in the next three years, versus only a third (33%) of Laggards.

Leaders invest more in preparing their workforce

Leaders are leading the charge in extensively increasing investment in workforce training (46% of Leaders, 18% of Laggards, 23% overall).
Leaders are more likely to collaborate with consulting or advisory firms to address organizational challenges and opportunities related to volatility – both now and in the future. More than half of Leaders (53%) plan to do this in the next three years, versus only a third (33%) of Laggards.
Leaders are leading the charge in extensively increasing investment in workforce training (46% of Leaders, 18% of Laggards, 23% overall).
Volatility in the market is accelerating for most businesses
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Volatility is the sound of opportunity knocking

We can help you open the door to new opportunities.

Our specialists work with organizations of all sizes and across industries to solve unforeseen problems, enhance efficiency, drive clarity, and uncover value. Get in touch to discuss your goals and how we can work with you.

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