POST CATEGORY : CEO Leadership

Ari Segal on Managing Up: Strengthening Alignment with Goals and Leadership

Ari Segal is a seasoned strategic consultant and executive coach known for helping mission-driven organizations improve operations, align leadership, and drive sustainable growth. As the founder and CEO of Segal Consulting, he partners with clients across the United States and Israel to implement data-driven solutions in both nonprofit and private-sector environments. His extensive experience includes transformative leadership at Shalhevet High School and investment success at Pentable Capital.

Ari Segal

photo credit: Ari-Segal.com

With degrees in Sociology, Communal Organization, and an MBA from Emory University, Mr. Segal is recognized for his ability to blend strategic foresight with human-centered problem-solving. His insights on leadership, communication, and organizational alignment have helped numerous teams navigate complex challenges and achieve lasting impact.…

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Should a CEO Have a Side Hustle?

CEO doing side hustle

The Side Hustle Culture Meets the C-Suite

Side hustles are no longer just for Uber drivers or freelance designers. Increasingly, CEOs — the top leaders of business — are getting in on the action. Whether it’s investing in startups, launching a podcast, writing books, or even running e-commerce brands, today’s executives are blurring the lines between corporate leadership and entrepreneurial experimentation.

But this trend raises a pressing question: Should a CEO have a side hustle at all?

Is it a distraction? A conflict of interest? Or is it simply a smart way to stay innovative and connected to emerging trends?

In an era where burnout is high, top talent is mobile, and reputation is everything, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.…

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10 Most Overlooked Soft Skills that CEOs Should Have

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of corporate leadership, CEOs are often celebrated for their hard skills—strategic thinking, financial acumen, and operational expertise. However, the soft skills that underpin these competencies are frequently overlooked, yet they are equally, if not more, critical to long-term success.

CEO delegating

Soft skills are the intangible qualities that enable leaders to connect, inspire, and navigate complex human dynamics. For CEOs, mastering these skills can mean the difference between a thriving organization and one that struggles to maintain momentum.

Here are the 10 most overlooked soft skills that every CEO should cultivate.

1. Active Listening

While CEOs are often expected to be decisive and vocal, the ability to listen actively is a game-changer.…

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Why Some CEOs Should Never Lead a Company After All

Leadership is often romanticized, especially in the corporate world, where CEOs are idolized as visionary leaders, cultural architects, and ultimate decision-makers. Yet, the harsh reality is that some CEOs should never lead a company. While they might have risen to the top due to their credentials, experience, or sheer determination, leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about having the right mindset, skills, and emotional intelligence to guide a company toward success.

Angry CEO

photo credit: Yan Krukau / Pexels

This article explores why some individuals are simply unfit for the CEO role and the profound consequences of their leadership shortcomings.

The Myth of the All-Knowing CEO

One of the biggest misconceptions about CEOs is that they must be the smartest person in the room.…

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7 Reasons Why High Growth Founders Fail to Scale Without the Right Support

The world of building businesses is a battlefield, where high growth-minded founders step into the ring with dreams of changing the world and building extreme wealth off of their ideas. Yet, for all the ambition and grit that fuels these journeys, a staggering number of founders find themselves stuck, unable to scale their businesses. Why? Because they underestimate the importance of support. Relying solely on their own hustle – ugh, that word! – without the right strategic backup is a recipe for burnout and failure.

High growth founder and support team

Let’s break down why high growth-minded founders falter without adequate support and explore how you can avoid these pitfalls.…

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The Quiet Revolution: Harnessing Introversion for Powerful Leadership

In an era dominated by charismatic extroverts, the notion of introverts occupying powerful leadership positions may seem unconventional. However, the unique qualities inherent in introverted individuals can make them highly effective leaders, especially in today’s complex and fast-paced work environment.

Introverted leader

photo credit: Ron Lach / Pexels

Here, we explores how introverted leaders can be highly effective and provide practical strategies for them to excel in leadership roles.

Move Beyond the Comfort Zone

It is essential for introverted leaders to occasionally step out of their comfort zones. This might involve leading larger meetings, engaging in public speaking, or participating in networking events.…

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How CEOs are Like a School Bully

It’s recess, and the schoolyard is alive with the shouts and laughter of children. In the midst of the playful chaos stands a figure who commands the playground—whether by fear or respect—a school bully. This character, often misunderstood, wields influence with a mix of bravado, charm, and a strategic use of power.

Fast forward a few decades, and you might find that the dynamics of the playground have subtly shifted into the boardroom, where the bully’s role is now played by the CEO.

School bully

The parallels between the two are striking, if not unsettling. Both the school bully and the CEO navigate environments where power dynamics, influence, and control are at the forefront.…

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Emotional Intelligence in Modern Business Leadership: A Game-Changer

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics is crucial for effective leadership. Emotional intelligence (EI), the capacity to understand and manage one’s emotions and those of others, has emerged as a key differentiator among successful leaders.

Emotionally intelligent business leader

photo credit: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels

As organizations increasingly prioritize soft skills alongside technical expertise, emotional intelligence is recognized as a fundamental component of effective leadership that drives organizational success and fosters a positive work culture.

Emotional Intelligence 101

Emotional intelligence encompasses several core competencies that enable individuals to perceive, interpret, and respond to emotional cues. These competencies include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.…

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Navigating Corporate Transformation: 10 Strategies for Successful Change Management

Corporate transformation has become a necessity rather than a choice.

Companies must continuously adapt to remain competitive, embracing new technologies, shifting market dynamics, and changing customer expectations. However, successful corporate transformation is no small feat. It requires strategic planning, effective communication, and a deep understanding of the organizational culture.

Corporate transformation

Corporate transformation refers to a comprehensive overhaul of a company’s strategies, structures, and operations. It’s a response to significant external and internal pressures, aimed at achieving long-term sustainability and growth. A McKinsey study found that 70% of transformation efforts fail, often due to a lack of clear strategy and poor execution.…

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CEOs: How to Make Your Employees Buy Into Your Vision

In today’s dynamic business environment, it is crucial for CEOs to not only have a clear vision but also to ensure that their employees buy into it. A compelling vision can drive a company’s success, but without the wholehearted support of the workforce, even the best strategies can fall flat.

Visionary CEO leading the business

Research from Gallup in 2023 indicates that only 33% of employees in the U.S. feel engaged, emphasizing the need for effective vision communication and employee engagement?.

The Importance of Vision

A company’s vision is its guiding star. It defines the organization’s purpose, aspirations, and the impact it aims to have. For employees, a clear and inspiring vision provides meaning and direction, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.…

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