Worldcom Partner Padilla has released the findings of its fourth annual C-suite Perspectives study. The 2026 report reveals executives moving faster, embracing flexibility and making decisions with urgency even in the face of uncertainty, while significant gaps remain between leadership and employee perceptions on change readiness, well-being, hybrid work and artificial intelligence.
Padilla’s 2026 C-suite Perspectives Study™ shows leaders are increasingly comfortable navigating volatility but aware that success depends on bringing employees along with them.
To hear the full results of the C-suite Perspectives study, join Padilla for a free webinar on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 2pm ET / 1 pm CT. Register for the Free Webinar.
Background
Based on a survey of 100 C-suite executives and company owners, and 1,000 employed adults, along with in-depth interviews with more than 60 senior leaders, Padilla’s study shows leaders are increasingly comfortable navigating volatility but aware that success depends on bringing employees along with them.
“The constantly shifting landscape in U.S. policies (tariffs, regulatory changes and immigration) makes it difficult for leaders to set strategy and execute plans, but leaders are charging through that knowing that pivots are inevitable,” said Padilla president Matt Kucharski. “Bringing employees along, managing their expectations and helping them embrace change is more critical than ever.”
The 2026 C-suite Perspectives study found leaders expressing an emphasis on “classic” leadership qualities like credibility, vision and authenticity, signaling a paradoxical need to show both certainty, stoicism and fearlessness, and at the same time acknowledging the uncertain.
Leaders today are managing an emerging “K-shape” that is taking root – a divergence of points of view between leadership and employees on change readiness, hybrid work, well-being and AI benefits. Key findings from the study cover several topics including:
- Change Readiness
- Well-being
- Hybrid work
- Artificial Intelligence
