Why Skills-First Leadership Is Replacing the Ivy League Playbook in the C-Suite
05/23/2025
No Comments
The old prestige pyramid—where Ivy League degrees and blue-chip consulting backgrounds paved the way to the CEO seat—is cracking.
September 7, 2022: -On Tuesday, Bed Bath & Beyond shares came down in premarket trading after the retailer’s chief financial officer expired this weekend.
The stock plunged over 15% as investors weighed the company’s leadership crisis following Gustavo Arnal’s death. Arnal passed away on Friday after falling from a building in downtown Manhattan, police are saying. The city’s medical examiner’s office later is ruling the death a suicide.
The loss comes following the company recently eliminating some executive positions, including a chief operating officer, to win back investor confidence and customers. It is looking for a permanent CEO.
Bed Bath & Beyond works under an interim chief executive, Sue Gove, after the former leader of the company, known as Mark Tritton, was ousted by the board in June.
In the previous week, the New Jersey-based company announced that it had secured more than $500 million in new financing, including a loan. It is laid out a series of moves to revive the business, including closing about 150 stores, layoffs, and rebuilding its merchandise strategy.
Arnal joined Bed Bath & Beyond in 2020 from London-based cosmetics company Avon after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. He is also spending 20 years at Procter & Gamble.
In a statement on Sunday, Bed Bath & Beyond said regarding his death that Arnal “was instrumental in guiding the organization throughout the coronavirus pandemic.”
The old prestige pyramid—where Ivy League degrees and blue-chip consulting backgrounds paved the way to the CEO seat—is cracking.
Loud leaders once ruled the boardroom. Charisma was currency. Big talk drove big valuations.
But the CEOs who make history in downturns aren’t the ones with the deepest cuts
Companies invest millions in leadership development, yet many of their best executives leave within a few years. Why?
The most successful business leaders don’t just identify gaps in the market; they anticipate future needs before anyone else.
With technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and global interconnectedness, the role of business leaders
Maushum Basu is a visionary leader who inspires his team with a clear, compelling purpose. Unafraid to take calculated risks, he understands that growth often stems from change and innovation. His deep commitment to both Airia Brands, Inc.
When speaking with Martin Paquette, one thing is immediately apparent: he’s honest. His transparency is refreshing. While many shy away from such vulnerability, Paquette sees it as a force to reckon with. The incredible emotional intelligence speaks to years of looking within—it’s also what allows him to acknowledge his mistakes gracefully and use them as opportunities to innovate.
Marina Charriere, CEO of Star Drug Testing Services, Star Drug Testing Services (Windsor Park), and First Defence Face Masks go hand in hand. Star is a drug and alcohol testing facility, and First D F M is a face mask company.
Lejjy Gafour, CEO, CULT Food Science Corp. Lejjy is a self-taught entrepreneur and experienced company operator who made his start creating opportunities at the young age of 14, and he has been working, leading, and building businesses ever since.
Leave us a message
Subscribe
Fill the form our team will contact you
Advertise with us
Fill the form our team will contact you
