How the World’s Most Admired Companies Are Change Ready and Leading the Disruption

LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2025 — Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) today unveiled new data from the World’s Most Admired Companies Benchmark Research 2025 that shows these companies are leading the charge in disruption, managing risks with agility and a willingness to adapt to uncertainty. According to the survey, the World’s Most Admired Companies (WMACs) are doubling down on technology and taking an enterprise-wide view to drive innovation and sustain success.

“Disruption is not a temporary shift—it’s the new reality that defines successful organizations,” said Mark Royal, a Korn Ferry Senior Client Partner and Employee Engagement specialist. “The World’s Most Admired Companies understand that innovation stems from embracing change, not resisting it. They have built cultures where new ideas are nurtured, risks are viewed as growth opportunities, and teams are empowered to challenge the status quo. Those who recognize disruption as a catalyst, not a threat, are the ones shaping the future and driving lasting success.”

WMAC executives are leaning into the power of disruption to drive innovation—with 64% expressing confidence that their companies are change-ready, as they continuously re-evaluate resources, talent, and strategy. For example, nearly three-quarters (74%) of WMAC executives say they prioritize company-wide goals, compared to 62% of peers. WMAC executives also take a more focused approach to talent and financial investments, with 93% directing resources to critical opportunities, compared to 84% of peers. At the same time, WMACs are building leadership teams equipped for change—59% prioritize learning agility and curiosity in hiring. Confidence in leadership development is also stronger at WMACs, with 87% trusting their succession strategies versus 78% of peers.

Other key takeaways from the research on WMAC priorities and opportunities include:

• Taking Risks, Not Playing It Safe: With 41% of WMAC executives describing their companies as leading disruption in their industries, they highlight their ability to innovate and adapt. Key factors include staying ahead in technology, investing in new products, and responding to market shifts. Peer execs, by contrast, are most likely to indicate that their companies are prudent and focus on proven strategic opportunities (37% vs. 23% of WMAC execs).
• Leaning into Innovation as the Cornerstone of Success: WMAC executives rank innovation, especially artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology, as the most important organizational capability for future success. In fact, WMAC executives view AI and technology as crucial tools, demonstrating their strategic commitment to leveraging technological advancements to enhance how work gets done (44%) and simplifying or eliminating processes (39%). Additionally, nearly two-thirds (60%) of WMAC execs report that between 10% and 50% of their efforts are focused on long-term transformation while maintaining short-term agility.
• Agility Fuels Change, Supports Culture. Recognizing the value of AI and innovation to remain agile, more than half (53%) of WMACs are adapting operating models for closer alignment with their customers, with 51% (vs. 37% of peer execs) integrating technology including generative AI into their organizations. But it’s not just technology—talent still matters—with learning agility (59%), ability to lead or support change (53%), and alignment with corporate culture (46%) ranking as top success criteria among WMACs.  

“Agility, innovation, and the ability to lead disruption have become essential markers of success for the world’s most admired companies,” said Laura Manson-Smith, Korn Ferry’s Global Leader of Organization Strategy Consulting. “The companies that invest in emerging technologies, streamline their organizations, and cultivate adaptable leadership teams will be the ones that continue to set the pace.”

To develop the study, Korn Ferry and Fortune analyzed 650 companies and surveyed more than 3,300 executives as part of this year’s World’s Most Admired Companies to measure reputation based on nine different attributes.

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm that powers performance, bringing together strategy and talent to drive superior performance for our clients. We work with clients to design their organizational structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward, develop, and motivate their workforce. And we help professionals navigate and advance their careers.

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