June 2025 Executive Edge
May reminded us that resilience and adaptability can define our journey. The month
brought rapid shifts, bold innovations, and a few unexpected detours—but with each
challenge came a powerful lesson in growth. Whether it was finding strength in
uncertainty, leaning into collaboration, or redefining success through evolving goals, May
reminded us that progress is built not just on outcomes, but on the courage to keep moving
forward. As we look to June, let’s carry these lessons with intention and lead with purpose.
This month’s edition of Executive Edge explores the significance of global interdependence,
particularly in the face of the recent tariF wars, in “I Pencil”. To help set develop a strong
strategy for company growth, three articles on how successful companies set themselves
apart in “Wegmans: A Case Study”, “What Sets High Performance Organizations Apart”,
and “Is There a Formula for Success”. On a more personal note, we explore “Leadership
Styles for a Modern Workforce”, “Finding Purpose: A Strategic Framework for Personal
Alignment” and recommend four classic resources for “The Most Important Thing to
Manage: Yourself”. Finally, we conclude this month’s edition with inspiration from some of
the best commencement speeches of all time.
Understanding Global Interdependence Through a Simple Pencil
In the midst of ongoing economic turbulence—much of it influenced by global tariffs—
we’re reminded of just how interconnected the world economy has become over the
past century. While these disruptions present real challenges, they also offer powerful
lessons in global interdependence.
One of the most enduring and accessible illustrations of this concept is the classic
economics essay “I, Pencil” by Leonard E. Read, founder of the Foundation for Economic
Education (FEE). In this timeless piece, Read unpacks the complex web of materials, skills,
and processes required to produce something as seemingly simple as a pencil. As he
describes it, the essay traces the “genealogy” of the pencil—revealing a global network of
cooperation and exchange.
FEE’s current president, Lawrence Reed, has said of the essay:
“Many first-time readers never see the world quite the same again.”
We encourage you to take a moment this week to read “I, Pencil.” (be sure to scroll past
the introduction to get to the main text).
For those who prefer a visual format, the late economist Milton Friedman offers a concise
and insightful 2-minute video summary of the essay. Whether you choose to read or watch,
this exploration will enhance your understanding of global economics—and help make
today’s complex economic environment a bit more comprehensible.
Rethinking Leadership for a Modern Workforce
Many of us are at least passingly familiar with Niccolò Machiavelli, the Renaissance
philosopher often regarded as the father of political science. His legacy—particularly
through his seminal work The Prince—has made his name synonymous with strategic
power dynamics, often interpreted as endorsing manipulation or authoritarian leadership.
One of his most cited maxims remains: “It is better to be feared than loved, if you
cannot be both.”
Historically, this principle has influenced leadership philosophies across both political and
corporate landscapes. However, in today’s increasingly employee-driven labor market,
particularly in an era shaped by evolving expectations around workplace culture and
leadership transparency, Machiavelli’s advice may warrant reconsideration.
A recent article from INC. titled “Why Doesn’t Gen Z Respond to Fear-Based Leadership?”
explores this very issue. It offers timely insights into how emerging generations—
particularly Gen Z—prioritize psychological safety, authenticity, and values-based
leadership over traditional top-down authority.
As organizations compete for top talent and aim to foster more inclusive, innovative work
environments, it may be time to move beyond fear-based management models.
Embracing a leadership style rooted in respect, engagement, and emotional
intelligence could prove far more effective—and sustainable.
Wegman’s: A Case Study in Scalable Culture and Sustained Success
Every major enterprise begins as a small venture—and few examples illustrate this
better than Wegman’s. What is now a respected, 100-store grocery chain began humbly,
with two brothers and a single produce cart. Today, Wegman’s is recognized as one of
the largest and most admired grocery retailers in the United States, as highlighted in a
recent feature on CBS’s Sunday Morning.
Wegmans’ growth is not just measured by its store count or revenue, but by the
extraordinary loyalty of both its customers and its workforce. In 2024 alone, the company
received over 350,000 applications for just 10,000 job openings—a remarkable figure
underscoring its reputation as an employer of choice. With an employee retention rate
that’s at least twice the industry average, Wegman’s exemplifies the power of a strong,
values-driven organizational culture.
Part of what sets Wegman’s apart is its commitment to vertical integration and
innovation. The company operates its own farms and cheese caves, and even runs a sushi
restaurant in New York that imports fresh fish directly from Japan—processed using
techniques rarely seen in U.S. food retail. To learn more about the strategy behind this
enduring success, take five minutes to watch a brief overview titled “The Winning Formula
of Wegman‘s”.
This is a valuable look into how operational excellence, employee engagement, and
customer focus can scale effectively—without losing sight of the company’s founding
principles.
What Sets High-Performing Organizations Apart?
The market is saturated with books and frameworks on building high-performing
organizations—and that’s unlikely to change. However, the most effective strategies are
often the simplest, focusing on core principles that drive sustainable success.
A recent survey highlighted in Strategy+Business magazine explores a key question in
today’s competitive landscape: “In a winner-takes-most world, what do top-performing
companies do differently?”
The publication points to three critical factors that distinguish market leaders and offers a
brief, five-minute self-assessment to help leaders evaluate their own practices and
organizational alignment.
We encourage you to explore this resource and consider how your leadership approach
aligns with the traits of high-performing companies. You may discover valuable insights in
“The Secret to Accelerating Performance: What Winning Companies Do Differently.”
Is There a Formula for Success?
Many accomplished individuals are eager to share the lessons that shaped their journeys,
offering insights to inspire the next generation of leaders. While their experiences can be
valuable, it’s important to recognize that each story represents a unique perspective—
essentially, a sample size of one. Distinguishing between the roles of talent, effort, and
circumstance in any success story can be challenging.
Before making significant decisions about your future path, we encourage you to
explore The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success by Dr. Albert-László Barabási. A
world-renowned network scientist, Dr. Barabási conducted extensive research across a
diverse range of successful individuals to uncover evidence-based principles that defy
common assumptions and challenge prevailing myths about achievement.
His findings are distilled into five key laws of success, which he introduces in this
engaging 20-minute video. We highly recommend both students and parents read the book
and reflect on its insights together.
A Key Insight: Performance is about what you do and how well you do it. Success,
however, is determined by how others perceive that performance.
Finding Purpose: A Strategic Approach for Personal Alignment
As summer approaches and many people take some well-deserved time off from work,
they find themselves reflecting on a common yet complex question: What is my purpose
in life? While this is an important and deeply personal inquiry, it may be more effective to
focus on building a clear and practical process for discovering that purpose—rather than
waiting for it to appear.
Suzy Welch, NYU Business Professor and former Publisher of the Harvard Business
Review, offers a straightforward yet powerful framework to guide this journey. Recently
featured on CNN’s Smerconish, Welch shared her approach, which centers around
answering just three key questions. This method, both accessible and actionable, is
designed to help individuals define their unique path with clarity and confidence.
Welch outlines her full methodology in her latest book, Becoming You, where she expands
on the interview and offers guidance for those seeking direction in both their personal
and professional lives. For those at a crossroads—or simply looking to realign their
goals—this is a timely and valuable resource.
The Most Important Thing to Manage: Yourself
Many aspiring entrepreneurs envision leading successful companies—an endeavor that
inevitably involves managing people. However, effective leadership begins with self-
management. Before guiding others, it’s essential to understand and lead yourself.
Here are four highly regarded resources that offer valuable insights into personal growth,
leadership, and resilience. Each is concise, accessible, and well worth revisiting over time:
- The Five Temptations of a CEO by Patrick Lencioni
This influential work explores common behavioral pitfalls that leaders—at all
levels—often fall into without realizing the consequences until it’s too late. Though
written for CEOs, its lessons are broadly applicable and timeless. - The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
Julie Zhuo began her career as an intern at Facebook and eventually rose to the role
of Vice President of Product Design. Her candid reflections provide practical
insights for anyone navigating the transition from individual contributor to eFective
manager. - Man’s Search for Meaning by Dr. Viktor Frankl
A seminal classic, this powerful memoir by psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor
Viktor Frankl examines how purpose and perspective can shape one’s response to
adversity. With nearly 93,000 reviews on Amazon, it continues to resonate with
readers across generations. - The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
Rooted in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, The Daily Stoic presents daily
meditations from figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. Holiday’s
commentary makes Stoic principles highly relevant to modern life, leadership, and
personal resilience. With over 34,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s a consistent favorite
among professionals from all backgrounds.
The Real Value of Your Network
There’s a common saying: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” While this may
sound cynical, there’s a measure of truth to it. Knowledge is essential—but without a
strong network, even the most capable individual may struggle to gain traction.
Conversely, someone with connections but little substance may see short-term gains, but
credibility issues eventually catch up.
The value of a well-maintained network becomes especially clear during key
transitions—when seeking new customers, raising capital, or exploring career
opportunities. Unfortunately, it’s often during these pivotal moments that we realize the
limitations of our networks. A long list of LinkedIn connections, for example, doesn’t
necessarily translate into real, reciprocal relationships.
Try this simple test: review your first-degree LinkedIn contacts. How many of them would
take your call without hesitation? And how many would recognize your name if you
reached out today?
The truth is, most networks fail us not because of their size, but because of our
neglect. Without regular engagement, even the most impressive contact list becomes
little more than a static collection of business cards or outdated email addresses.
The good news? Maintaining a strong, responsive network doesn’t require significant
time or effort—it simply requires consistency and intention. One excellent resource is
the article, How to Keep Your Network Warm, published by the Kellogg School of
Management. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to reinvigorate your current
network, it offers practical strategies for staying connected in a meaningful way. As
legendary actress Ethel Barrymore wisely put it: “The best time to make friends is before
you need them.”
Words That Endure: The Most Inspirational Commencement Speeches of All Time
As graduates prepare to cross the stage and begin new chapters, the right words at the
right time can leave a lasting impact. Commencement speeches, when delivered with
insight and authenticity, have the power to shape perspectives, ignite ambition, and
remind us all—no matter where we are in life—of what truly matters.
Over the years, a select group of commencement speeches has stood the test of time,
resonating far beyond the graduation audience and inspiring millions around the world.
Below, we highlight some of the most memorable and motivational addresses ever
delivered.
- Steve Jobs – Stanford University, 2005
In what is arguably the most widely viewed commencement speech in modern history,
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs spoke candidly about life, death, and the pursuit of passion.
His message: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” Jobs emphasized the importance of trusting in
life’s dots connecting in hindsight and following your intuition, even when the path is
uncertain.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” - Oprah Winfrey – Harvard University, 2013
Oprah’s message to graduates was both empowering and pragmatic. Drawing from
personal and professional setbacks, she spoke about the importance of failure as a
stepping stone to reinvention. Her speech encouraged graduates to align their careers with
a deeper purpose.
“The key to life is to develop an internal, moral, emotional GPS that can tell you which way
to go.” - Admiral William H. McRaven – University of Texas at Austin, 2014
In his now famous “Make Your Bed” speech, Admiral McRaven shared ten life lessons
learned from Navy SEAL training. His practical, no-nonsense advice emphasized
discipline, resilience, and the value of small actions leading to meaningful change.
“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” - Sheryl Sandberg – University of California, Berkeley, 2016
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg gave an emotional and powerful speech following the
sudden loss of her husband. Her remarks on resilience, gratitude, and finding meaning in
the face of adversity offered profound lessons on navigating life’s unexpected challenges.
“You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up.” - Barack Obama – Howard University, 2016
Former President Barack Obama’s address at Howard University was a call to action.
Encouraging graduates to embrace their identity, speak up, and drive change, his speech
was both a reflection on progress and a challenge to shape the future.
“Change requires more than righteous anger. It requires a program, and it requires
organizing.”
Honorable Mentions:
- Ellen DeGeneres – Tulane University, 2009: While peppered with her trademark
humor, DeGeneres’ speech had a serious message about courage and loss,
referencing her decision come out on national television and the aftermath. - J.K. Rowling – Harvard University, 2008: Insights on failure, imagination, and the
moral responsibility of privilege. - Michael Lewis – Princeton University, 2012: A funny and insightful perspective on
the importance of humility and the role of luck in our lives.
These speeches serve as timeless reminders that success is rarely linear, purpose is
deeply personal, and leadership begins with self-awareness. Whether you are a graduate,
a parent, or a professional in mid-career, revisiting these addresses can offer valuable
perspective—and a renewed sense of motivation. If you’re looking for inspiration or simply
a fresh perspective, take a moment to watch or read one of these speeches. The wisdom
shared in just a few minutes can shape decisions for a lifetime.