Carey Lohrenz Unveils Second Report in the Data-Driven Leadership Research Series Focused on Fearless Leadership

Carey Lohrenz, renowned leadership expert, former U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat pilot, and WSJ bestselling author, today announced the release of the second report in her data-driven leadership research series: The 2025 National Study of the Need for Fearless Leadership. The latest report addresses the current leadership gap and uncovers the attitudinal drivers of those being led and what they want and need to perform at their best. With dramatic shifts in the global marketplace dominating the headlines, the need for fearless leadership is especially timely to cultivate leaders who build tenacity, lead by example, and drive performance.

The three-part leadership study, launched in January 2025, focuses on critical elements for navigating change and driving success. The research series includes three reports:

• January 2025: Navigating Uncertainty, Challenge, and Thriving Through Change—Strategies to help leaders and teams build resilience and perform under pressure.
• February 2025: The Need for Fearless Leadership—A deep dive into the essential leadership traits of psychological safety, risk-taking, and tenacity, offering a roadmap for long-term leadership excellence.
• April 2025: Why Focus on Span of Control—Insights on confidence-building, reducing overwhelm, and executing leadership with clarity and purpose.

The study, led by Carey Lohrenz who surveyed over 1,000 U.S. employees, examines the critical challenges and opportunities leaders face in today’s uncertain landscape and reveals key insights on psychological safety, tenacity, a bias to act, and leading by example, highlighting that 39% of working Americans feel unsafe speaking up at work, while nearly half believe their company culture discourages risk-taking. Additionally, most see tenacity as essential for success, yet many lack the tools to develop it. Key findings from the second report reveal:

• How psychological safety is key for innovation, collaboration, learning, and engagement.
• 63% of those in the workforce would switch companies for better leadership—even without a pay raise.
• 49% say their company culture does not support risk-taking.
• 81% believe tenacity is essential for long-term success, yet 39% admit they don’t know how to develop it.
• 4 tangible ways leaders can build tenacity within their team.

The report underscores the importance of leading by example, fostering innovation, and building a resilient, high-trust workplace culture. With practical strategies for leaders at all levels, this research serves as a roadmap for thriving amid uncertainty and driving lasting organizational success. "In today’s evolving and uncertain business environment, where change is constant and the stakes are high, there’s no room for hesitation; leaders must act with courage, integrity, and a decisive vision," said Lohrenz. "The findings from this second report are a call to action for organizations committed to building high-performing teams to cultivate leaders who confront uncertainty, face fear, and take steps forward to drive results and growth.”

Access the Full Research Report

To read The Need for Fearless Leadership report and learn more about the leadership research series, visit Carey Lohrenz’s Research Center.

About Carey Lohrenz

Carey Lohrenz is a former U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot, leadership expert, and author of two WSJ bestselling books, Fearless Leadership and Span of Control. She has translated her pressure-tested leadership and strategy experience to help business leaders thrive in today’s competitive business environments. Lohrenz has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, NBC, CBS, ABC, NPR, and in Vanity Fair, Inc., Time, Huffington Post, and has delivered her high-impact keynotes and programs to thousands of Forbes Global 2000, Fortune 500, and other companies worldwide. She teaches individuals and teams how to navigate complexity, lead change, and deliver results when it matters most. A portion of the proceeds from Carey’s Fearless Leadership and Span of Control books supports veterans' charities to honor those who have sacrificed for our country.

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