Future Ready Leadership With Jacob Morgan Behind the Scenes of CEO Succession Planning: How Organizations Decide Who Leads Next W/ Debbie Pickle, CHRO of Williams
Jan 5, 2026
Debbie Pickle, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Williams, shares her expertise on CEO succession planning after 40 years of leadership. She dives into creating a comprehensive CEO resource guide and the critical role of strategic assessments. Debbie highlights balancing organizational heritage with necessary change through detailed 30–60–90-day plans. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication during transitions and the CHRO's role as a strategic partner to ensure stability and a seamless leadership shift.
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Why Chad Won The Role
- Chad stood out for rapid technical learning, passion for Williams, approachability, and strong external relationships.
- Those combined traits made him a clear choice versus others in the pool.
Act Fast On Leadership Changes
- Move quickly to make leadership changes so the organization stabilizes and avoids prolonged uncertainty.
- Former CEOs and peers frequently advise ripping the bandage off rather than delaying hard decisions.
Write A 30/60/90 And Think Legacy
- Write down a 30/60/90 plan and revisit it; it should extend beyond 90 days into strategy and legacy thinking.
- Include values, board relations, team building, and a coaching plan in early milestones.
