"Great leadership makes great companies"

As I made the trip home from Davos, I was struck by the difference one year can make in how this group viewed the world. If we were overly ebullient a year ago in discussing the joys of “global synchronized growth,” it was perhaps overly negative this year with geopolitical turmoil, climate change and uncertainty to interpret AI impact. It was a striking contrast. Yet almost every CEO said their company was performing well and was positioned for a good year.

During the course of the week, I met with more than 45 CEOs and board members of existing clients, emerging relationships, target clients and friends of the firm. Without question the most compelling impression I left with was how powerfully the brand of our firm is recognized in a crowd like this—we are top of mind.

The AI discussion changed from uncertainty a year ago to a clear message that marrying human judgment with technology will create the greatest advantage, not just automation alone. As one prominent tech leader said, “Human judgment and interpretation maximizes AI. Just curating data cannot maximize the impact.”

Training and learning was also a prominent theme. The organizations best able to adapt will be those with continuous learning at all levels. We moved from a century of measuring IQ to analyzing EQ more recently, and now both individual and organization Learning Quotient (LQ) will become critically important: As we assess for future success, how much of a priority is learning?

And finally, everything we discussed relies on great leadership—to navigate uncertain times, maximize opportunities and shape a clear path forward. Early in the week I was speaking to Kasper R?rsted, CEO of Adidas, whose €20B sportswear company is growing 20% per year. He said, “Product development is easy; the people development is the hard part. My job is not being CEO, it is being the Head of HR. Great leadership makes great companies.”

I could not agree more. In an increasingly complex world, leadership matters, and we are in a unique position to help institutional leaders navigate uncertain times. As it did last year, Davos served once again to reinforce my passion for the leadership business and excitement for the future of this great firm.

Clarke