A global survey by executive search firm Egon Zehnder showed that 80% of CEOs acknowledge an expanded role beyond leading their companies.

The survey, which polled more than 470 CEOs from around the world, highlights the unprecedented changes business leaders foresee in the coming decade and their responsibility in addressing complex global challenges.

“CEOs are embracing a new era of leadership,” Michael Ensser, Global Chair of Egon Zehnder, said in a press release. “They are positioning themselves as key architects of societal progress. As complexity increases, they recognise that fostering curiosity and openness within their organisations will be critical to meeting the challenges ahead.

As CEOs consider how to extend their influence beyond business, 75% see role-modelling as a powerful lever, and 59% say the same about fostering networks.

Egon Zehnder’s survey also showed that 95% of CEOs expect significant, systemic shifts in the economy, geopolitics, energy and technology over the next decade.

The majority of CEOs also believe they can find common ground with other stakeholders, with climate change emerging as the top priority (32%), followed by regulating AI (30%) and promoting a fairer global economy (13%).

“Political shifts, including the concerning rise of right-winged movements, are increasingly relevant to CEOs. Promoting dialogue between leaders from business and politics is hence more crucial than ever,” Lars-Hendrik Röller, Founder and Chair of the Berlin Global Dialogue, said in a press release.