Chris Gorman

Chairman & CEO, KeyCorp

Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance,
Miami University

What I Look for in a Leader: I look for someone who is forward-thinking and unafraid to challenge the status quo. The leaders I value most understand that enduring relationships with our teammates, clients and community partners are not a byproduct of good strategy — they are the strategy. 

An Important Lesson I Learned: Endurance and resilience are not the same thing. Endurance is surviving something and getting to the other side of it. Resilience is rising above it and emerging stronger because of it. I have seen this distinction shape careers and organizations alike. We will all face difficulty. The question is not whether we get through it, but who we become in the process.

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: Staying active is incredibly important to me; it is how I recharge and sustain the energy that leadership demands. I prioritize time with my family, which keeps me grounded in what matters most. I also enjoy reading across all genres.