Why Leadership, Why Now

Today’s disruption demands stronger leaders. But what happens when leadership development budgets shrink? Our research reveals what gets protected, what gets sacrificed, and what’s at stake if you choose wrong.

Leadership isn’t optional. It’s the capability that determines whether your organization adapts or falls behind. But right now, you’re caught in a paradox. Leadership development is more critical than ever, yet budgets will tighten if economic conditions worsen. The pressure to cut is real. The risk of cutting wrong is greater.

Our research shows L&D leaders are navigating this moment by treating leadership development as an essential strategic investment. They know that downturns demand stronger leaders to create competitive advantage. Protecting leadership development budgets helps organizations navigate immediate volatility while building long-term agility. Underinvestment slows agility, weakens competitive standing, and depletes the leadership pipeline.

Underinvestment weakens competitive standing, slows agility, and depletes the leadership pipeline.

We recognize how difficult these decisions are. You’re being asked to protect what matters most with fewer resources. The goal isn’t to simply spend more or less — it’s to invest precisely where leadership capability drives the greatest impact.

Your decisions — who gets developed, what gets prioritized, and how leaders learn — ripple through your entire organization. These aren’t budget trade-offs. They’re strategic choices that shape whether you’re positioned to compete in the future.

WHO WE SURVEYED

325

mid- and senior-level talent leaders and decision-makers

80%

represent global organizations
FINDING THE GAP
82%
see leadership development as a competitive advantage amid disruption.
71%
expect to cut L&D budgets if the economy worsens.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Organizations that cut leadership development may save money today but sacrifice competitive advantage tomorrow.
“We’ve seen the cost of not investing — never again.”
–VP of Talent, Technology
What’s the Most Pressing Challenge in Your Leadership Development Budget?
We can help you navigate these trade-offs and the conversations that come with them. Which challenge rises above the rest for you right now? Select one to explore the data behind these decisions, and how organizations are balancing risk and investment.
Select a challenge below to dive into the data:
Who gets development priority?
It’s easy to cut at the front of the pipeline when budgets tighten. But what happens when today’s cost-saving becomes tomorrow’s talent gap?
What skills are prioritized?
Urgent priorities demand attention now, but neglecting future capabilities creates a strategic gap that’s hard to close later. Where do you draw the line?
How will they learn?
Digital scales efficiently, but leadership is built through relational connection. When in-person training shrinks, what gets lost — and what must you protect?
Download the complete report with data and insights to navigate your L&D investment decisions.
Get the Full Research