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 24, 2021: -On Thursday, U.S. chipmaker Intel apologized in China after its letter telling suppliers, not to source products or labor from the Xinjiang region triggered a backlash, which makes it the recent western firm to be tripped up over rights issues in the country.
Intel published what is described as an annual letter to suppliers in December, that it had been “required to ensure that its supply chain does not use any labor or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region,” after restrictions imposed by “multiple governments.”
The U.S has accused China of widespread human rights abuses in Xinjiang, home to predominantly Muslim Uyghurs, which includes forced labor. Beijing has repeatedly denied the claims.
Intel’s letter, on the website of the company and in a few languages, sparked criticism in China from state and social media, with calls for a boycott.
On Thursday, in a Chinese-language statement on its official WeChat and Weibo accounts, Intel said that its commitment to avoid supply chains from Xinjiang was an expression of compliance with U.S. law instead of a statement of its position on the issue.
“We apologize for the trouble caused to our Chinese customers, partners, and the public. Intel is committed to becoming a trusted technology partner and accelerating joint development with China,” Intel said.
Other multinationals have come under pressure over aiming to comply with sanctions related to Xinjiang while it continues to operate in China, a massive market and supply base.
On China’s Twitter-such as Weibo, singer Karry Wang said he would no longer serve as brand ambassador for Intel, which adds in a statement that “national interests exceed everything.”
Many Weibo users derided Intel’s apology as an attempt at protecting sales in China, with one saying, “a mistake is a mistake! Retract the statement about Xinjiang!”
Intel has 10,000 employees in China, said in its apology that it “respected the sensitivity of the issue in China.”
China’s foreign ministry said, “accusations of forced labor in Xinjiang are lies concocted by anti-China American forces” aimed at destabilizing China and hindering its development.
“We note the statement and hope the company will respect facts and tell right from wrong,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily briefing in Beijing.
Intel’s China presence includes assembly and test sites in Shanghai and Chengdu.
In July, Swedish fashion retailer H&M reported a 23% hit in local currency sales in China for its March-May quarter after expressing concerns about human rights in Xinjiang.
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
