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.
December 15, 2023: -On Monday, Geely-backed electric car brand Zeekr said it’s currently valued at $13 billion following a $750 million increase from Chinese battery giant CATL and others.
Zeekr is not publicly listed, but Geely stated that the brand filed privately for an initial public offering in the U.S.
The recent $13 billion valuation makes Zeekr worth over on paper than Xpeng, which had a net value of $8.01 billion, according to Refinitiv Eikon data accessed Monday.
The data showed that Nio and Li Auto are worth a lot more, with market valuations of $17.22 billion and $25.22 billion each.
Zeekr said its recent investors include Amnon Shashua, co-founder and CEO of self-driving technology company Mobileye.
According to a press release, contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and three state-related funds also took part in the recent funding round.
Zeekr stated that is intending to use the funds for tech development and plans to enter the European demand this year.
Geely published the Zeekr electric vehicle brand in the year 2021. The company started delivering its Zeekr 001 coupe that October and claims to have given more than 80,000 units since.
The Zeekr 001 is priced at 300,000 yuan ($43,915) and 386,000 yuan. For a rough comparison, Tesla’s Model Y starts at 261,900 yuan.
The company said that the much more significant and boxy multi-purpose vehicle Zeekr 009, started deliveries in January. Prices start at 499,000 yuan.
In 2010, China-based Geely acquired the Swedish auto brand Volvo, which last belonged to Ford Motor.
By sales in China, Geely was the fourth-significant manufacturer of new energy vehicle passenger vehicles in the previous year, behind Tesla China, which was in third place, the China Passenger Car Association stated.
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
