Bill George's Predictions: America's Best Leaders in 2024

With all the chaos in the political world anticipated in 2024, we should look to America’s best leaders in our organizations to move our country forward, while providing the bulwark against political incursions. Here are my predictions for America’s best leaders to set the standards that others may follow:

Best Leader in Business: Satya Nadella , CEO of Microsoft

During 2023 Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella distinguished himself as the best CEO in the world. Now that he has consolidated Microsoft’s strategy in AI and gaming, the company is poised to lead the business and tech world. Nadella’s brilliant moves with Open AI to retain Sam Altman as its leader with a revamped board of directors have put Microsoft in the driver’s seat for generative AI applications. Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, overcoming regulatory challenges, puts the company in the lead in gaming. With all the disruption and harm that Twitter/X and Facebook have caused in social media, Microsoft’s LinkedIn has emerged as the “go to” site for civil discourse about leadership issues. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to forge ahead in the cloud with Azure and One Drive. Beyond these strategic moves, Nadella has transformed Microsoft’s culture from “know-it-alls” to “learn-it-alls” with his focus on having a growth mindset. His leadership has been confirmed by the stock market as Microsoft’s stock has increased tenfold since he became CEO in 2014.

Best Leader in Military: Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

After a distinguished career in the U.S. Army as Chief of Staff and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Mark Milley retired this fall. Milley stood tall under pressure in honoring his oath to the Constitution of the United States, not bowing to political pressure, but ensuring Americans are safe in our country and defending democracy around the world. At Milley’s request, I had the privilege of running two leadership seminars for him when he was Army Chief and had the opportunity to observe his leadership and character. Don’t expect Milley to retire to the Old Soldiers Home in 2024. Rather, he will be a clear voice for democracy in America and for the military to provide national security at home and abroad in service to the U.S. Constitution.

Best Leader in Medicine: Gianrico Farrugia, M.D. , CEO of Mayo Clinic

Having successfully navigated the challenges of COVID-19, Mayo’s Gianrico Farrugia set a bold course for the nation’s leading academic medical center. He launched the Mayo Platform to transform medicine through the use of detailed patient information while announcing a $5 billion expansion of its physical campus and tripling its medical school. Serving on the Mayo board from 2012-2019, I had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Farrugia and observe his exceptional leadership first-hand. Now he has Mayo Clinic poised to transform medicine in 2024.

Best University Leader: ángel Cabrera , President, Georgia Tech

While the presidents of MIT, Penn, and Harvard failed to step up to the challenges of diversity on their campuses, ángel Cabrera led Georgia Tech to new heights as the nation’s leading public research institution (without a medical school) with a bold strategic plan and campus expansion without the rancor seen on other university campuses. As a member of the Georgia Tech Foundation Board, I have seen how Cabrera is making Tech’s diverse student body a beacon for ethics and values while stimulating civil discourse on its campus.

Best Leader in Education: Amy Edmondson , Professor, Harvard Business School

My HBS colleague Amy Edmonson has transformed corporate cultures with her work on teaming and psychological safety. This past fall she built on that work with the publication of her new book, Right Kind of Wrong, which focuses on risk-taking and the science of failing well. That earned her the #1 slot on Thinkers 50 for the second year in a row. Working with her on executive education programs at HBS, I have seen what an extraordinary teacher and thinker she is. In 2024 her work will continue to impact the business community in positive ways.

Best Leader in Non-Profit Organizations: Glen Gunderson , President, YMCA of the North

Glen Gunderson is transforming the YMCA movement throughout the United States by shifting from its traditional “swim and gym” model to well-being for all people. He is doing so with breakthrough models, in person in its Y buildings, its camps, and virtual programs that cover the full range of spirit, mind, and body offerings in communities. Gunderson is leading the largest Y’s across America to collaborate on well-being programs. His work illustrates how long-established non-profit organizations can convert themselves to serve tomorrow’s needs while recreating communities that bring people together. Serving on the YMCA board with him, I have seen what an outstanding leader he is. As a result, my wife Penny and I have enthusiastically supported his breakthrough work financially through our family foundation.

Best Emerging Leader: Sam Altman, CEO, Open AI

After an early career of founding tech companies and investing in startups, Sam Altman became CEO of Open AI in 2019. He led the company to its breakthrough with ChatGPT in the fall of 2022, while partnering with Microsoft, which invested $10 billion in his company. In 2023 he survived the firing by his board, and is again leading the company with a revamped board. Only 38 years old, I expect Altman to lead the generative AI revolution in 2024 with the strong support of his Microsoft partnership.

What leaders are you looking to to move organizations forward in 2024?

I look forward to reading your comments and seeing what leaders you're excited about in 2024.

Wishing you all the best and a Happy New Year,?

Bill George