305. Prudential’s Charles Lowrey on finishing strong as CEO

305. Prudential’s Charles Lowrey on finishing strong as CEO

From Inside the Strategy Room by McKinsey & Company

May 28, 2026 · 39 min

About this episode

Charles Lowrey discusses the importance of finishing strong as a CEO and managing a successful leadership transition.

For CEOs, the first 100 days often get the most attention. But the final chapter of a CEO’s tenure can be just as consequential. In this episode, senior partner Carolyn Dewar speaks with Charles Lowrey, former executive chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, about what it takes to finish strong and manage a successful leadership transition. Lowrey reflects on his unexpected path to the CEO role, the lessons he learned while leading through the pandemic, and why he began discussing succession with the board before officially taking the job. He explains how Prudential developed internal candidates, planned the handover in detail, and worked to make the market’s reaction to the transition “a huge yawn.” The conversation also explores the personal side of stepping away: preparing for life after the CEO role, avoiding the temptation to remain too involved, and finding new ways to contribute. For current and aspiring CEOs, Lowrey offers practical guidance on legacy, succession, and the discipline required to lead until the very end. Related insights A CEO For All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the…

People in this episode

Host: Carolyn Dewar

Guest: Charles Lowrey

Topics covered

  • CEO transition
  • leadership
  • succession planning
  • pandemic leadership
  • legacy management

Keywords

  • CEO
  • leadership transition
  • succession
  • Prudential
  • pandemic

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Prudential Financial, McKinsey & Company

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