The rise of government affairs leaders in executive ranks

Viewed in Russell Reynolds In today’s turbulent geopolitical climate, effective government affairs leadership is critical. Russell Reynolds Associates’ research highlights the shifting perspectives of 55 government affairs leaders, revealing the need for strategic, proactive approaches to manage risks and guide organizations. Government affairs leaders emphasize the importance of being proactive on global issues, understanding the… More

Read more...

Why investing in senior sales leaders drives organizational success

Viewed in Egon Zehnder In today’s volatile business environment, investing in senior sales leaders is crucial for organizational success. As described by the authors, senior sales leaders face unprecedented challenges such as shifting customer behaviors, inflation, talent shortages, and accelerated digitization. Evolving sales leadership These leaders must evolve from merely managing sales to becoming holistic… More

Read more...

US firms lead global markets amid AI boom

Vieved in Forbes Forbes’ annual Global 2000 ranking highlights the U.S. dominance in global markets, with JPMorgan at the top. Despite high prices and mortgage rates, the U.S. economy remains resilient, attracting investors. The number of U.S.-based firms on the list has grown to 621, while China and Hong Kong’s representation has decreased. Sales, profit,… More

Read more...

CEO expiration date: knowing when to say goodbye

Viewed in Fortune Determining the right time for a CEO to step down is a complex challenge for corporate America. While examples like Warren Buffett’s 54-year tenure at Berkshire Hathaway show long-term success, others like Fred Kindle’s brief but impactful three-year stint at ABB illustrate the opposite. On average, CEOs in the S&P 500 serve… More

Read more...

From solo stars to unified leadership: building a super team

Viewed in BCG A senior leadership team’s alignment and agility are crucial to a CEO’s success. When cohesive, this team effectively executes the CEO’s vision, but dysfunction can severely hinder organizational performance. Talented individuals alone do not guarantee team success. The challenge lies in transitioning from leading a business unit to functioning as part of… More

Read more...

Why are so many bad leaders promoted?

Viewed in McKinsey In the McKinsey Talks Talent podcast, Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic discusses why many incompetent leaders rise to top positions and what can be done to select better leaders. Here are the key insights for CEOs: Misguided leadership selection Narcissism, overconfidence, and low emotional intelligence (EQ) often propel individuals into leadership roles, despite these… More

Read more...

AI reshapes corporate boards

Viewed in Axios AI is reshaping corporate boards, with many companies appointing AI bots as observers and integrating technology into their board strategy. This shift reflects a growing focus on AI among large corporations, evident in repeated mentions during 2024 earnings calls. However, despite this emphasis, most boards lack the expertise to effectively guide AI… More

Read more...

Strategies for building trust in the C-Suite

Viewed in Russell Reynolds Emma Combes and Dee Symons discuss the crucial role of trust within the C-suite and provide four actionable strategies for CEOs to cultivate an environment of trust among their top executives: Foster Inclusive and Transparent Leadership Rather than promoting competition and tension, CEOs should unite their team by sharing information with… More

Read more...

Critical steps for new CEOs

Viewed in Spencer Stuart New CEOs aiming to establish high-performing executive teams face a pivotal task that can significantly impact organizational success. The authors’ Research shows that cohesive leadership teams correlate with accelerated revenue growth and increased profitability. However, building such teams requires decisive action and a clear vision from new CEOs. Decisive actions While… More

Read more...

The hidden value of HR on corporate boards

Viewed in Heidrick & Struggles The significance of HR expertise on corporate boards cannot be overstated, especially during times of significant organizational change or growth. Companies undergoing transformations, such as IPOs, acquisitions, or large-scale changes, greatly benefit from having individuals with HR experience on the board. Similarly, start-ups and rapidly expanding companies find valuable insights… More

Read more...

The AI dilemma: Who should be in charge?

Viewed in Egon Zehnder In the dynamic realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), executive leadership teams grapple with pivotal choices regarding AI integration and deployment. Here are three key considerations proposed by the authors: Establishing AI Leadership Leaders must determine the necessity of an AI leader and define their reporting structure. While direct reporting to the… More

Read more...

Navigating amidst crisis with executive interim management

Viewed on SpenderFox In times of business upheaval, executive interim management is essential. Skilled change managers can seize challenges as opportunities post-crisis. Steering through Crises Change managers bring a unique blend of leadership, communication, efficiency, resilience, and strategic creativity honed over years. They navigate closures, downsizing, scandals, geopolitical shifts, and supply optimizations with ease. Interim… More

Read more...

Unlocking organizational health is your blueprint for success

Viewed in McKinsey Out of the last 15 years, companies have never shaken up their organizational charts as much as they did in 2023, as our data clearly shows. Does this revelation surprise us? Not really. For the authors, Alex Camp, Arne Gast, Drew Goldstein, and Brooke Weddle at McKinsey, it’s a telling sign of… More

Read more...

GenAI revolution: Insights from the C-Suites

Viewed in Russell Reynolds In February, something remarkable happened – OpenAI’s org chart became the most viewed, surpassing even giants like Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. This shift highlights the growing interest in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), with OpenAI leading the charge. A huge gap Despite this, our today’s data reveals that less than 50 Vice… More

Read more...

The evolving role of CIOs: Enpowering changes

Viewed in Spencer Stuart The Chief Information Officer (CIO) role has significantly transformed, becoming a crucial position within organizational charts as technology shapes the business landscape. This shift is evident in the wide array of responsibilities modern CIOs handle, from managing infrastructure to overseeing cloud computing, developping applications, and leveraging data. Recently, Spencer Stuart consultants… More

Read more...

The rise of first-time CEOs

Viewed in Russell Reynolds The inaugural Global CEO Turnover Index Annual Report for 2023 provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of CEO leadership, with implications for businesses in 2024 and beyond at public companies. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced CEO turnover trends, causing a decline in departures during 2020 and 2021. A five-year high… More

Read more...

The shifting role of chief marketing officers in Fortune 500

Viewed in Fortune Fortune 500 corporations are currently navigating a significant paradigm shift as the traditional prominence of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) in the C-suite undergoes a reevaluation. Cost-cutting Recent developments underscore a growing trend among companies, driven by financial challenges and cost-cutting imperatives, to eliminate standalone CMO positions. Pioneers in this approach include United… More

Read more...

Essential traits for mastering leadership in 2024

Viewed in HRDirector Thom Dennis, CEO of Serenity in Leadership, outlines key insights for executives navigating the evolving leadership landscape. 1. Courage and resilience amid change: Leaders are called upon to make strategic, bold decisions aligned with long-term visions, fostering courage and resilience in the face of ongoing global challenges. 2. Leading through uncertainty: Combatting… More

Read more...

Unveiling the secrets of successful COOs

Viewed in Russell Reynolds The role of the COO has evolved into a more strategic position, making it a top contender for the CEO spot. This shift is driven by the digital landscape and sustainability expectations. Russell Reynolds Associates conducted a study on nearly a thousand COOs using Hogan psychometric tests, revealing some crucial insights…. More

Read more...

Demystifying the roles of CIO and CTO

Viewed in McKinsey In today’s fast-paced business world, the roles of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) and a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) play a crucial role in driving organizational success. These positions hold distinct responsibilities that contribute to a company’s competitiveness and growth in the ever-evolving technological landscape. Mastermind overseeing information and knowledge systems The… More

Read more...