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.
Citigroup Inc., the third-largest bank in the United States, has commenced layoffs as part of a broader corporate overhaul spearheaded by CEO Jane Fraser. The layoffs, affecting both chief-of-staff positions and lower-level employees, commenced on Wednesday and are expected to continue early next week.
The job cuts, estimated to impact thousands of employees, are part of Fraser’s strategic plan to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve profitability. The CEO desires to create a “leaner and more agile” organization that can better navigate the evolving financial landscape.
The layoffs are primarily concentrated in Citigroup’s corporate and support functions, aiming to achieve greater efficiency and reduce redundancies. The bank’s global trading and investment banking operations are expected to be less affected by the cuts.
Fraser has emphasized that the layoffs are not a reflection of the performance of individual employees but rather a necessary step to adapt to the changing financial environment. She has assured affected employees that they will receive severance packages and outplacement services to assist them in finding new employment.
Citigroup’s decision to initiate layoffs is a significant development in the ongoing corporate restructuring efforts under CEO Jane Fraser. The move aligns with the CEO’s strategy to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and position the bank for long-term success.
The layoffs reflect the challenges the financial industry faces, which is grappling with a slowdown in economic growth, rising interest rates, and increased competition from digital financial services firms. Like many other banks, Citigroup is seeking to adapt to these changes and strengthen its financial position.
While the job cuts are undoubtedly a difficult experience for affected employees, they are necessary to ensure the bank’s long-term viability. Fraser has stated that the layoffs will enable Citigroup to invest more heavily in technology and digital innovation, which are crucial for future growth.
Citigroup’s layoffs underscore the financial industry’s ongoing transformation and the challenges traditional banks face. The bank’s decision to streamline operations and reduce costs is a strategic move to ensure its competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment.
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
Following a distinguished Law Enforcement career Joe McGee founded The Securitatem Group to provide contemporary global operational specialist security and specialist security training products and services for private clients, corporate organisations, and Government bodies. They deliver a wide range of services, including complete end-to-end protection packages, close protection, residential security, protection drivers, and online and physical installations. They provide covert and overt investigations and specialist surveillance services with a Broad range of weapons and tactical-based training, including conflict management, risk and threat management, tactical training, tactical medicine, and command and control training.
Jay Wright, CEO and Co-Owner of Virgin Wines infectious energy, enthusiasm, passion and drive has been instrumental in creating an environment that encourages talent to thrive and a culture that puts the customer at the very heart of every decision-making process.
Fabio de Concilio is the visionary CEO & Chairman of the Board at Farmacosmo, a leading organization dedicated to mental health and community support services. With a deep commitment to identifying and meeting customer needs, Fabio ensures that high standards are maintained across the board.
Character Determines Destiny – so said Aristotle. And David CM Carter believes that more than anything else. For David, it has been numerous years of research into codifying Entelechy Academy’s 54 character qualities that underpin everything he stands for as a leader and teacher.
Leave us a message
Subscribe
Fill the form our team will contact you
Advertise with us
Fill the form our team will contact you
