Understanding leaders means understanding the world changing around them.
We examine how technology, industry shifts, globalization and organizational change are redefining leadership.
CEO & succession
Why Tech and Healthcare Rarely Pick CFOs for CEO: The Industry-Specific Logic of Leadership Selection
CFO-to-CEO transitions concentrate in financial services, energy, and mature industries—but are rare in technology and healthcare. The pattern reveals deep truths about what different industries need from their leaders.
9 min read
CEO & succession
The CFO Paradox: Why Finance Leaders Who Reach the Top Often Struggle to Drive Growth
CFOs are ascending to CEO roles at record rates—8.4% of Fortune 500 appointments in 2023. Yet only 8% of these transitions produce top-quartile performance. The problem isn't capability—it's mindset.
9 min read
CEO & succession
The CFO-to-CEO Playbook: What Finance Leaders Must Build Before They Can Lead
60% of CFOs aspire to become CEO. 70% believe they're ready. Yet data shows massive capability gaps in three critical areas. Here's the development roadmap that separates successful transitions from failed ones.
9 min read
AI & search
From Family to Professional: When Bringing in an Outside CEO Is the Right Choice
65% of family offices are led by family members today, but nearly half expect to transition to professional leadership. Here's how to know when it's time—and how to make the transition work.
10 min read
CEO & succession
The Emotional Minefield: Why 70% of Family Businesses Fail to Reach the Second Generation
Family business succession isn't just a governance challenge—it's an emotional one. With 42% of succession plans remaining informal and 70% of businesses failing to transition, understanding the psychological barriers is critical.
10 min read
CEO & succession
Building the Next Generation: A Systematic Approach to Developing Family Business Successors
Only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generation—but families with structured development programs see dramatically better outcomes. Here's how to build successors, not just identify them.
10 min read
AI & search
The Audit Committee's Expanding Empire: From Financial Reporting to AI Governance
Audit committees in 2025 must oversee GenAI risks, cybersecurity, data governance, and ESG disclosure—far beyond traditional financial reporting. How can committees manage this scope explosion?
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
AI & search
The Rise of Technology Committees: Why Every Board Needs Dedicated Tech Oversight
Technology and innovation committees are emerging across corporate boards as digital transformation, AI, and cyber risk demand specialized governance. Here's why traditional committee structures are no longer sufficient.
10 min read