CNEXT Partners

Executive orders, geopolitical shifts, AI, and economic uncertainty are putting leaders to the test. Some will rise. Others won’t keep up. Join top executives and experts for a no-nonsense discussion on: • The brutal reality of today’s business landscape—and the leadership challenges no one can ignore • Why leaders who delay investing in their growth will struggle to keep up • How leadership must evolve to match the speed and scale of disruption Practical strategies to lead and support others when uncertainty is the only constant Date: March 12, 2025 Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET Gain firsthand perspectives from: • David Clark, Former CEO, Cereal Partners Worldwide (General Mills & Nestlé), Member of CNEXT’s CEO Network • Keith Coats (he/him), Global Leadership Thinker and Futurist, TomorrowToday Global • Michael Thomas, Equity Principal and Employment Law Attorney, Jackson Lewis P.C. 📅 Date: March 12, 2025 ⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET The future will belong to those who act now. Don’t miss this conversation. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eP_pEzg7

Leadership is about breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation to reach even further. The theme for Women’s History Month 2025, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," highlights the power of women leaders who pave the way for those who follow. At CNEXT, we are proud to have a network of extraordinary executives who embody this theme every day. They mentor, educate, and uplift, proving that leadership is strongest when it is shared. As we celebrate this month, we invite you to swipe through and meet some of the remarkable women in our CEO Network. Their impact reaches beyond their industries, shaping the future for the next generation of leaders. Who are the women that have inspired your journey? Share your thoughts in the comments. #CNEXT #CEONetwork #WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #MovingForwardTogether #InspiringGenerations

As Ramadan begins, we recognize this sacred time of reflection, gratitude, and community. It’s a reminder of the importance of compassion and connection in both our personal and professional lives. To those observing, may this month bring you peace, strength, and blessings. Ramadan Mubarak! #CNEXT #RamadanMubarak

“Leaders shouldn’t spend their scarce time on activities simply because they are very important. They should do only the things that nobody else in the organization can do nearly as well, if at all.” A.G. Lafley, former Chairman & CEO of Procter & Gamble, 2006 CEO of the Year, and a member of CNEXT’s CEO Network, puts it best. The best leaders don’t try to do it all. Instead, they apply comparative advantage, a principle from economics, to leadership. They focus on tasks where their unique skills and experience provide a distinct advantage to the organization and delegate everything else. That means: ✅ Delegating with trust – empowering your team to take ownership ✅ Focusing on unique strengths – where your expertise makes the biggest difference ✅ Maximizing strategic impact – spending time where it drives long-term success Harvard Business Review shares more about why great leaders don’t try to do it all: https://hubs.ly/Q0386dcC0 What’s one responsibility you’ve strategically delegated to maximize impact? Share in the comments!

Board service enhances leadership impact in critical ways, offering a unique opportunity to broaden perspective, strengthen decision-making, and shape the future of organizations. This includes: - Understanding governance and fiduciary responsibility – Strengthening oversight on strategy, financials, and risk management. - Navigating boardroom dynamics – Engaging effectively with fellow board members and executive leadership. - Contributing strategically – Knowing when to ask the right questions and provide input that drives impact. - Building executive-board relationships – Enhancing communication and trust between leadership teams and the board. Many executives struggle with this transition—which is why GENERATE’s Board Programming helps members prepare for and pursue board opportunities that align with their expertise. They engage with iconic leaders in our CEO Network who have served on some of the most respected boards at companies like Microsoft, Costco, The Home Depot, Visa, and General Electric. Learn more about how GENERATE equips leaders for board success: https://lnkd.in/eqyj3jqc.

Managing priorities and leading teams is a constant challenge. The way you structure your workload can impact not just your efficiency, but also your effectiveness as a leader.

Leading through uncertainty is challenging, especially when the road ahead is tough. Effective leaders acknowledge challenges while keeping their teams focused on what comes next. They don’t ignore obstacles or sugarcoat reality. Instead, they foster transparency—ensuring their teams understand the challenges while staying focused on solutions. People aren’t motivated by false optimism. They’re motivated when they see a clear path forward and know their contributions make a real impact. Jack Stahl, CNEXT CEO Network member, Former President and CEO of Revlon, and Former Global President, CFO, and COO of The Coca-Cola Company, shares his perspective on uncertainty and transparency in #leadership. Are you a senior leader interested in timely topics with iconic CEOs? Learn more about our GENERATE program: https://hubs.ly/Q0378g2S0.

As skills become obsolete faster than ever, companies investing in reskilling are seeing real returns—but only if they do it right. BCG’s research reveals five strategies that set successful reskilling programs apart: 🔹 Test-and-learn: Companies running longer pilots (over a year) reported the highest returns. 🔹 Reward upskilling: From certifications to job offers, the right incentives drive participation. 🔹 Support transitions: Mentorship, peer shadowing, and hands-on experience help employees apply new skills. 🔹 Empower employees: When employees choose to reskill, success rates improve. 🔹 Make it an executive priority: Companies where leadership tracks reskilling KPIs see stronger impact. The numbers speak for themselves: 40% of companies report a positive return on their reskilling investments, but only if these levers are in place. For the full breakdown, read BCG’s insights here: https://hubs.ly/Q0372RCF0

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️ To celebrate, our CNEXT team had some fun during our company huddle this week. Each of our team members shared a line for a poem, and we used ChatGPT to bring our collaboration to life. It was a creative, fun way for us to celebrate and share the love. Enjoy! #CNEXT #HappyValentinesDay

Congratulations to our GENERATE member, Robert Hanson, on his appointment as a non-executive director on Dr. Martens plc’s board! Robert currently serves as CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio, leading a collection of luxury and premium American wine brands. His leadership experience spans top roles, including CEO of John Hardy and American Eagle Outfitters Inc., as well as President of Levi Strauss & Co.’s Americas division and Global Brand President. With deep expertise in consumer brands, go-to-market strategy, and leadership across global markets, Robert brings significant industry knowledge to Dr. Martens’ board. A well-earned appointment for a distinguished leader. Congratulations, Robert! Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3uX-x_s