Part Two: Leading through the storm: Five traits of successful business leadership in an era of radical change
In Part One, I explored why the climate of business leadership is shifting — and why courage, clarity and a deep commitment to long-term value are no longer optional. In this second part, I want to focus on what that leadership actually looks like. Here are five traits that I believe will define the most effective — and trusted — leaders in the years ahead.”
1. The best leaders don’t have all the answers — but they ask better questions.
Running a business of any size against today’s backdrop of climate, sustainability and social challenges is anything but simple. It’s certainly not business as usual — and hasn’t been for some time. But rather than burying their heads in the sand, smart leaders are leaning into the complexity. They’re recognising the opportunities it presents, embracing new thinking, building diverse ‘teams of teams’ — unified by a common purpose — that challenge outdated business models and unlock exciting new ways forward.
2. Values are your compass. Purpose is your North Star.
Embedding purpose into governance and operations is crucial. The Single Organizing Idea (SOI®) framework I developed helps organisations align ambition with action. When a business knows what it stands for — not just what it sells — decisions become clearer and more consistent, even amid uncertainty.
3. Diversity isn’t just good practice — it’s good leadership.
Leadership in many organisations still lacks true diversity — of background, experience, age and worldview. When the same voices stay around the table for too long, even with the best intentions, blind spots form and innovation stalls. Embracing fresh perspectives and lived experiences leads to better decisions, stronger cultures and renewed trust. It also signals a serious commitment to equity and inclusion — values that research shows matter more than ever to employees, investors and society at large.
4. Courage and care go hand in hand.
Leading with care — for people, communities and the planet — requires courage. It means prioritising long-term impact over short-term gains and making difficult decisions that align with core values.
5. In the age of AI, human leadership matters more than ever.
While AI can optimise processes, it cannot replace human judgment, empathy, and ethical decision-making. Leaders must integrate technology thoughtfully, ensuring it serves the organisation’s purpose and enhances human capabilities.
Join the Conversation
I’ll be sharing more on these themes in a special online session hosted by my friends at PURE during London Climate Action Week. If you’re a business leader, strategist, or change-maker looking to put purpose at the centre of climate action, I hope to see you there.
Let’s reimagine the climate of business leadership — before the forecast gets worse.
Date: Tuesday 24 June
Time: 9:00am BST
Topic: Climate Action: The Role of Business Leadership
Where: Online, hosted by PURE Value 360
[Link to follow]