In a world of constant change, why do some companies succeed while others just survive? Often, the answer lies at the top. The leaders at this year's Best-Led Companies don’t just help their teams adapt; they inspire the entire workforce, allowing their companies to thrive. Our list celebrates the visionary, resilient, and empathetic leaders who are creating truly exceptional workplaces, all based on glowing reviews from their own employees.
So, what traits do these winning leaders share? They:
- Walk the walk, embodying the company’s mission and exemplifying its culture.
- Practice transparency, providing consistent, honest communication, especially during times of uncertainty.
- Are accessible, staying connected to their teams at every level.
- Take care of their employees, fostering an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Here’s a closer look at the top three companies that are getting it right.
Setting the standard: Why NVIDIA ranks #1
Tech is the most represented industry on this year’s list, and for the second year in a row, chipmaking giant NVIDIA earned the top spot. It’s no surprise, given CEO Jensen Huang’s widespread admiration: he holds a 98% Glassdoor approval rating. According to employees, Huang is "hands down the BEST CEO one could ever have” — someone who’s “effective, efficient, funny” and “pushes for diversity and fairness.” One employee review noted that NVIDIA, “is led by a visionary CEO who is not only technically brilliant but also deeply involved in steering the company toward innovation.”
But it's not just the CEO who gets attention. The senior leadership team as a whole is seen as groundbreaking, caring, and agile, offering employees the chance to learn “from some of the brightest minds in the industry." One reviewer noted that they’re only leaving because of retirement: “I stayed at NVIDIA because it’s well-run, the best among the companies I’ve worked for.”
Headquartered in San Francisco, NVIDIA has also made frequent appearances on our Best Places to Work (BPTW) lists, coming in this year at #4.
In-N-Out Burger: Promoting greatness from within
Landing at #2, beloved fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger claimed a spot for the second time. With employees praising its supportive, growth-minded, and proven leadership, the company is often celebrated for its family-owned ethos and strong commitment to promoting from within.
Employees appreciate that “everyone has worked their way up from bottom to top,” including owner and president Lynsi Snyder, reinforcing a culture where hard work is rewarded. This strong focus on employee growth is reflected in Snyder's 93% Glassdoor approval rating, and in reviews that highlight how management “genuinely cares about employees’ well-being” and “really want[s] you to do well at your job.”
Based in Irvine, CA, In-N-Out is also no stranger to our BPTW list, where it took this year’s #3 spot. All together, these achievements highlight just how essential strong leadership is to creating exceptional employee experiences.
MathWorks: Tangible leadership for a technical world
Rounding out the top 3 is MathWorks, a developer of mathematical computing software for engineers and scientists — and a company whose leadership is celebrated by employees for being ethical, respectful, and mission-led.
Glassdoor reviews describe executives, including CEO Jack Little (95% Glassdoor rating), as being friendly and approachable, noting that "everyone feels like regular people." Employees also praise management for being “open and receptive to new and creative ideas.”
Bolstered by a clear long-term vision and leadership’s "do the right thing" mentality, MathWorks, based in Natick, MA, serves as a powerful demonstration of how a business built on complex concepts can be led by simple, human-centric values. Bonus: The company also landed on this year’s BPTW list at #10.
What this means for your business: The B2B leadership playbook
The success of these companies shows that great leadership isn't just a morale booster; it's a strategic imperative. If you're looking to replicate their results, consider these actionable steps:
- Cultivate a visionary mindset: As seen at NVIDIA, a clear, forward-looking vision is essential for navigating constant change. Visionary leaders don't just react to the market; they inspire their teams to drive innovation and create a competitive edge, a trait that directly contributes to market leadership.
- Build a culture of growth: In-N-Out’s model of promoting from within proves that a robust internal growth strategy can become a powerful recruiting and retention tool. This approach reduces talent acquisition costs and creates a stable, knowledgeable workforce with deep institutional expertise.
- Invest in your middle managers: MathWorks demonstrates that approachable and accessible leadership at every level is key. Your middle managers are the daily face of the company; equipping them with the right skills and empowering them to "do the right thing" can dramatically improve team performance and retention.
Want to learn more about this year’s winners? Check out the full Best-Led Companies 2025 list.