What if the key to innovation isn’t just in the technology we create, but in the relationships we build? ?? Recent news from The Wall Street Journal highlights that Apple is stepping back from joining OpenAI's investment round. This decision has profound implications for the tech landscape and emphasizes a critical truth: innovation thrives on collaboration, patience, and foresight. As a board director with over 25 years in technology and governance, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the most successful CEOs don’t just focus on immediate gains. They cultivate deep, meaningful relationships with enlightened boards and investors. This approach fosters an environment where long-term thinking flourishes. Great things take time, and the journey of innovation is rarely a straight path. It requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. When CEOs align their vision with the strategic insights of their boards, they unlock the potential for transformative growth. Here’s my advice for new CEOs looking to win in the long game: 1. Engage Proactively: Don’t wait for quarterly meetings. Foster ongoing dialogue with your board. Share your vision and invite their insights. 2. Champion Innovation: Make innovation a core value. Encourage your leadership to think outside the box and reward creative solutions. 3. Think Long-Term: Focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term profits. This mindset will attract like-minded investors who share your vision. In a world where change is the only constant, it’s the leaders who prioritize relationships and long-term strategies that will truly excel. What C-suite strategies and Board Agendas do you believe are essential for fostering innovation in your organization? Share your thoughts in the comments! #CEO #KSgems #BoardOversight #TheNewCEO #VCMindset #IfNothingChangesNothingChanges #InnovationLeadership #CorporateGovernance #LongTermThinking #AI #CAPEX #CIO #CTO #CISO #Governance Dr Ty Wiggins Tom Dotan Berber J. James Callan Kara Reinhardt Melissa Cantor Ilya Strebulaev Manuj Aggarwal