Seismic economic, geopolitical and technological shifts in the global landscape are challenging the modus operandi of companies and CEOs.
• Leaders need to build their businesses around five types of capital to survive the volatile times to thrive in the longer term.
• The five types of capital align with the World Economic Forum’s stakeholder capitalism metrics, as outlined in its Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism white paper.
Some 2,500 years ago, Heraclitus proclaimed: “There is nothing permanent except change.” Reflecting on the unprecedented scale, pace and reach of change mankind has navigated over the past three years alone, it’s fair to say the Greek philosopher’s adage remains as true in the 21st century as it was in 475BC.
Facing seismic disruptions as the tectonic plates of technological advancements, climate crisis, rising inflation and a rapidly changing geopolitical environment have met head-on, industries and organizations must navigate near-constant upheaval in order to maintain a forward, and upward, growth trajectory.
To do so successfully means rethinking the role of a CEO beyond the walls of their company towards becoming a considered voice in a variety of new domains. Today, leaders must forge both resilient organizations that lean into sustained and sustainable business opportunities, as well as becoming valued thought leaders in community stewardship and agents of broader economic prosperity.
While it’s arguable that building successful businesses has always hinged on a leader’s ability to understand and adapt to market conditions, what has shifted is the expectation that those insights remain closeted in boardrooms and business strategy elsewhere, and instead fuel a leader’s ability to become informed advocates for positive change.
