The So What from BCG From the Archive: Winning the Rest of the 20s
Dec 31, 2025
Rich Lesser, Global Chair of Boston Consulting Group, and Martin Reeves, Chair of the BCG Henderson Institute, delve into leadership traits essential for navigating the challenges of the 2020s. They discuss the importance of resilience, trust, and a people-centric approach to AI. The duo reflects on how geopolitical tensions and societal polarization impact growth and sustainability. They emphasize the need for companies to balance exploration with current performance, highlighting the role of authentic dialogue and continuous learning in successful leadership.
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Pace Of Tech Change Surprised
- Technology's importance was directionally correct but the pace, especially of LLMs and remote work, surprised them.
- They underestimated how fast adoption and magnitude of change would unfold.
New CEOs Face Constant Shocks
- Rich Lesser tells new CEOs they face much different experiences than leaders did in 2019 due to repeated shocks.
- He says every time leaders think things will stabilise, another shock arrives.
Prioritise Trust And Human-Centered AI
- Put more emphasis on building and measuring trust across customers, employees, and society.
- Prioritise human-centered adoption of AI and prepare the organisation for its workforce impacts.