This study explores eight chief enrollment officers' lived experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the eight chief enrollment officers at Ohio's public and private four-year institutions addressing two research questions. First, "what experiences influence a chief enrollment officer's ability to lead," produced six key findings: taking on more responsibility in their previous job, recruiting during COVID-19, working through a technological revolution, benefitting from professional development, embracing mentorship, and having time spent in the role. Second, "what competencies are essential for a chief enrollment management officer to be successful," produced eight key findings: understanding enrollment management trends and practices, understanding and utilizing data, having an ability to lead, providing successful supervision, being technologically savvy, working with presidents and campus partners, and recognizing one's own weaknesses.