Top CEOs Reveal the Single Trait That Drives Career Success

When navigating a competitive job market, a polished CV is rarely enough to secure a role. According to several prominent business leaders, standing out requires a combination of mental agility, the right questions, and a willingness to take calculated risks.

A panel of six founders and executives recently outlined the specific qualities they prioritize when hiring and the guidance they would offer to ambitious professionals.

Beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, who built a global cosmetics empire, advises against allowing external opinions to define one’s potential. She recalls being told her ideas were unworkable but chose to view such skepticism as irrelevant. Tilbury suggests reframing setbacks not as failures, but as strategic opportunities for improvement. “Nothing is impossible in life – it’s only your own limitations you give yourself,” she said, noting that facing challenges ultimately strengthens leadership capabilities.

Attitude, rather than technical skill, is the priority for Charlie Bowes-Lyon, co-founder of deodorant brand Wild. He argues that while abilities can be trained, character cannot, stating his formula is “90% attitude and 10% skills.” Bowes-Lyon also revealed that perceived confidence is often an illusion, reminding job seekers that even successful individuals frequently feel like they are “faking it until they’re making it.” He specifically warned candidates against refusing to ask questions during interviews, recommending they inquire about what success looks like in the role.

Serial entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, known for launching Beauty Pie and Soap and Glory, places a high premium on curiosity. She seeks individuals who are eager to engage deeply with tasks and ask probing questions. Kilgore also highlighted communication as a critical factor, advising professionals to pause and consider their responses carefully rather than reacting impulsively.

Anabel Kindersley, CEO of Neal’s Yard Remedies, advocates for a strategy of saying “yes” to every new opportunity, even when it feels uncomfortable. This approach helped her transition from child actress to author and business leader. Kindersley also stresses the importance of honesty regarding one’s experience and believes emotional intelligence should be valued equally to IQ during the hiring process.

In the financial sector, Charlie Nunn, group chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group, identified curiosity, resilience, and adaptability to artificial intelligence as key traits. He emphasized teamwork, stating that most roles require supporting a larger collective goal. Nunn encouraged professionals to step outside their comfort zones, sharing that he once found retail roles terrifying but gained valuable experience from them.

James Reed, chairman of recruitment giant Reed, cautioned against a victim mentality. He urged applicants to shift their focus from what employers can provide to what they can offer in return. With AI playing a larger role in recruitment, Reed advised candidates to tailor their applications to mirror job descriptions clearly, using technology to enhance rather than replace their personal voice and judgment.