Stop hoping your bench is deep and start proving it. This episode gives you a complete Day One readiness system that separates real leaders from résumé myths. You will get a three call readiness test, a factual grid that replaces potential theater, four evidence gates that kill guesswork, high pressure simulations that surface judgment, a shadow P&L to turn potential into proof, and a two week installation plan. Use the board and candidate scripts to make succession conversations calm, clear, and credible.