Clarke Murphy

Millennials in the C-suite is becoming a reality, since the oldest millennials will turn 35 this year. As demographics shift profoundly, we need to step back and ask the broader question: What kind of C-suite leaders will millennials be?

When organizations think about risk, perhaps the most worrisome are those that can’t be anticipated. Boards expend tremendous effort in eliminating or at least minimizing their blind spots; that search for better information and awareness can be all-consuming.

Shareholder activism has been on the rise for several years and is now at record levels. In this environment, boards must engage with activists through positive dialogue that addresses legitimate concerns, rather than with a defensive reflex reaction. In addition, forward-thinking companies should also re-evaluate and refresh their boards.

As the saying goes, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” In the case of succession, an unexpected CEO vacancy can throw even a healthy organization into disarray.