LEADERSHIP | SHAREHOLDER VALUE
stuff ( value drivers , markets , customers , competitors , products and services , financials , and risk ) and the new stuff ( human capital , environmental , societal , and governance )
+ Purpose-informed capital allocation and financial planning viewed that considers the impact investment decisions have on people and the planet , alongside profit
+ Ethical integrity and the ability to establish trust and credibility by exhibiting high standards and responsible leadership
+ Stakeholder engagement with a keen ability to listen , empathise , communicate , build relationships , and understand diverse perspectives
+ Adaptive leadership to navigate change , embrace innovation , drive transformation , and guide teams through uncertainty ; being open to new ideas , willing to challenge the status quo , and capable of making tough decisions
+ Understanding the ROI of diversity and inclusion and promoting a culture that values and respects differences
+ Continuous learning to stay on top of industry trends , regulatory changes , and best practices
“ In addition , CEOs need fluency in cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , digital transformation , human capital management , and ESG , which present significant competitive , reputational and financial threats ,” adds Spitzer .
The reasons for continuing to pursue shareholder value are clear , but leaders also need to marry this with responsible business practices , otherwise they risk losing out to more agile and enlightened organisations .
“ I truly believe we are witnessing the force of
business used for positive change in the world ,” says Spitzer . “ I believe that corporations are , and can be , drivers of the systemic change needed to not only create commerce , support capitalism and build wealth , but to also make the world a more just , safe , healthy and welcoming place .
“ This reminds me of Martin Luther King ’ s famous words , ‘ The arc of the moral universe is long , but it bends toward justice ’. The arc of redefining shareholder value is long but is bending toward making the planet a better place for people .”
88 October 2023