Understanding leaders means understanding the world changing around them.
We examine how technology, industry shifts, globalization and organizational change are redefining leadership.
Board & governance
Inside ISS's Diversity Reversal: The Legal, Political, and Market Forces That Drove the Decision
When ISS dropped diversity from its voting guidelines, it sent shockwaves through corporate governance. But the decision wasn't sudden—it was the culmination of legal pressure, client demands, and a fundamentally changed political landscape.
10 min read
Board & governance
The Great Governance Divide: Why 60% of Companies Still Combine CEO and Chairman Roles
Global regulators increasingly demand separation. Activist investors push for it. Yet most American companies resist. The debate reveals fundamental tensions about how companies should be governed.
9 min read
Board & governance
When CEOs Become Chairmen: The Power Dynamics That Make or Break Successions
The outgoing CEO staying on as Chairman seems like a smooth transition plan. In practice, it's one of the most difficult relationship dynamics in corporate governance—and frequently fails.
9 min read
Board & governance
The Lead Independent Director: Governance Safeguard or Fig Leaf?
When companies won't separate CEO and Chairman roles, they often point to their Lead Independent Director as providing adequate oversight. But does the LID model actually work—or is it governance theater?
10 min read
Board & governance
The ESG Committee Question: Who Should Own Sustainability Governance?
Audit committee ESG mentions jumped from 6% to 22% in three years. But as sustainability becomes a board priority, companies are split on whether ESG needs its own committee or belongs embedded in existing structures.
10 min read
Board & governance
The CHRO Paradox: Why HR Leaders Are More Vital Yet Less Welcome in Boardrooms
CHRO-background directors dropped from 2.6% to 1.2% of new board appointments—a 54% decline—even as the role became the third fastest-growing C-suite position. What's driving this disconnect?
10 min read
Board & governance
Term Limits vs. Retirement Age: Which Board Refreshment Mechanism Actually Works?
Only 9% of S&P 500 boards have formal term limits, while 62% enforce mandatory retirement ages. Which approach better balances experience with fresh perspectives?
8 min read
Board & governance
The 24-Hour CEO Succession Playbook: What Boards Must Know Before Crisis Strikes
One-quarter of board directors don't know their company's emergency CEO plan. Here's the comprehensive playbook for handling sudden leadership departures within 24 hours.
8 min read
Board & governance
The Rise of Interim CEOs: Why One-Third of New Chief Executives Are Temporary
In 2025, 33% of newly appointed CEOs started as interim leaders—up from just 9% last year. What's driving the rise of the 'CEO gig economy' and what does it mean for succession planning?
6 min read