The New Rules for Leadership

Key takeaways

Effective leadership today requires authenticity, purpose, and an ability to inspire trust and followership.
CEOs manage complex decision-making processes with empathy and transparency, especially during hard times such as layoffs or strategic pivots.
Time management strategies such as disciplined scheduling, saying no to distractions, and creating space for strategic thinking are essential for effective leadership.
Building iconic brands depends on emotional connections with consumers, relevance, and maintaining timeless qualities while adapting to change.
Global competition, especially with China’s investments and strategic focus, demands continuous innovation, talent retention, and long-term planning.
The regulatory and political environment is unpredictable, but resilient leaders engage proactively with authorities and focus on long-term objectives.
Demographic and societal shifts influence consumer preferences, requiring companies to adapt their offerings and brand messaging accordingly.
Geopolitical tensions significantly impact supply chains and innovation strategies, necessitating diversification and local investments.
Leadership involves balancing difficult decisions with compassion, trusting teams, and leading with head and heart rather than fear or popularity.

Summary

The Role and Values of CEOs Today

This section explores the modern responsibilities, challenges, and sources of purpose among CEOs. Various leaders share their personal motivations, such as Beth Ford's dedication to rural America and agriculture, Alex Chriss's commitment to empowering small businesses, and others’ focus on societal impact, innovation, and company culture. Discussions reveal that CEO success is closely tied to authenticity, connection with teams, and a clear purpose, beyond just financial achievements.

Leadership Under Pressure: Decision-Making and Compassion

Leaders discuss the emotional and tough aspects of decision-making, including layoffs and strategic shifts. Emphasis is placed on handling these situations with empathy and transparency. The importance of building trust through vulnerability, consistent values, and inspiring followership rather than relying on fear is highlighted as critical to effective leadership.

Time Management and Personal Reflection

The executives share their strategies for managing time amid complex schedules. Practical tips include implementing disciplined diary controls, creating blank calendar spaces for strategic thinking, and learning to say no to distractions. There is also an emphasis on being present with people and understanding the emotional states of teams and customers to maintain focus on what truly matters.

Innovation, Brand Building, and the Future of Industries

Topics include how companies develop and sustain iconic brands by fostering emotional connections and relevance. Leaders also address industry transformations, challenges like supply chain diversification to reduce geopolitical risks, and the importance of staying close to consumer needs. The discussion covers the evolution of children’s play, toy brands, and the increasing role of big IPs across entertainment and products.

Global Competition and Technological Leadership

The panel reflects on the strategic investments of China in AI, biotech, agriculture, and manufacturing, and how these efforts create global shifts. Leaders compare China’s long-term planning approach with U.S. innovation, emphasizing the need for continuous investment, vigilance, and adaptation in a competitive landscape. There is also commentary on the talent migration and the importance of maintaining technological sovereignty.

Political and Regulatory Challenges

Executives discuss navigating regulatory environments and political uncertainties, such as trade tensions, tariffs, and policy changes. Strategies include engaging with regulatory bodies, emphasizing the importance of resilience, and maintaining focus on long-term goals despite shifting administrative priorities.

Demographic Shifts and Consumer Expectations**

The discussion looks at how changing demographics influence market strategies. Companies are adjusting their offerings based on economic and social trends, such as rising average spend, the aspirational nature of their products, and the importance of relevance and authenticity in branding to attract different generations.

The Impact of Geopolitics and Trade on Industries

Leaders analyze the ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially in relation to China, and their effects on supply chains, innovation, and market access. Strategies include supply chain diversification, investing in local innovation, and preparing for long-term shifts, all while balancing the need for global cooperation and competition.

Conclusion and Reflection on Leadership Challenges

The panel concludes with reflections on the non-superhero nature of CEOs, the importance of trust, authentic leadership, and the need to build resilient, purpose-driven organizations. They stress that leadership success depends on a committed team, clear purpose, and balancing hard decisions with compassion.

Show notes

Watch all of the day’s interviews.

The modern business leader walks a tightrope: between fighting for the success of their company and shareholder value; between communication and leadership ability, demands for innovation, media representation, political pressures and international dynamics and besting their competition.

So, we asked: How do they manage these competing interests, and what does it mean to lead with purpose? How do current Fortune 500 leaders see their role today, and what defines their leadership?

We also asked the big question of the moment: How are they approaching the integration of generative A.I. into their business models? And how are they building resiliency in their own companies?

Panelists: Alex Chriss, C.E.O. of PayPal; Beth Ford, President and C.E.O. of Land O’Lakes Inc.; Bob Jordan, President and C.E.O. of Southwest Airlines; Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and C.E.O. of Mattel; Pete Nordstrom, Co-C.E.O. of Nordstrom, Inc.; Emma Walmsley, C.E.O. of GSK

Moderator: David Brooks, Opinion Columnist at The New York Times

Filmed live at the 2025 DealBook Summit

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