The Death of Corporate Integrity — And How to Bring It Back | With Eric Ries

The Death of Corporate Integrity — And How to Bring It Back | With Eric Ries

In this episode of _Power & Impact_, Eric Ries, creator of Lean Startup, joins Jim McCann to reveal why even the most successful businesses can lose sight of the core values that first propelled them to greatness—insights found in his new book, Incorruptible. From Costco and Johnson & Johnson to AI, venture capital, Wall Street pressure, and the future of leadership, Eric breaks down the hidden forces that push companies toward short-term thinking, corruption, and cultural collapse. He explains why metrics can become dangerous, why trust is disappearing in modern business, and why the next generation of leaders must rethink what success actually means. The conversation takes a fascinating turn into artificial intelligence, where Eric warns that society may be moving faster than it understands — and why the world could be headed toward a "Chernobyl moment" for AI if innovation outpaces responsibility.

AI Is Moving Fast. Are We Ready? | With Sol Rashidi

In this week's episode of Power & Impact, I speak with Sol Rashidi about one of the biggest questions facing leaders, workers, students, and families today: How do we prepare for a future that is arriving faster than almost anyone expected? Sol is an AI strategist, board adviser, and former chief AI officer who has spent years helping organizations understand how artificial intelligence is changing business. She brings s deep expertise and real concern to this conversation, especially as companies race to adopt AI before they've fully thought through the implications for governance, security, and the people whose work will be affected. We talk about what AI may mean for career paths, classrooms, consulting firms, startups, and family life. Sol explains why efficiency alone is not enough and why critical thinking and judgment may become more valuable than ever. Sol never loses sight of the human side of the issue. AI fluency is becoming essential, but technology alone will not determine the future. The question is whether we can use these tools wisely while preserving the expertise and relationships that make work — and life — meaningful.

The Future Belongs to Those Who Keep Learning | With John Donovan

In this week's Power & Impact, I speak with John Donovan, the former CEO of AT&T Communications, about what it takes to lead when technology is changing the ground beneath your feet. John had a front-row seat to some of the most important technological shifts of the past several decades, including the rise of fiber communications, smartphones, and cloud computing. One of his most important insights is that real innovation happens when an idea reaches customers at the right time and helps them do something better. That lesson feels especially relevant today. As AI reshapes the workplace, leaders cannot promise that every job will stay the same. What we can do is invest in people, help them learn, and build cultures where curiosity and continuous improvement are part of the daily rhythm. John offers a simple formula: Try to do your job a little better each day, do something kind for a teammate without expecting credit, and steal a little time each day to get better. Change may be unavoidable, but how we meet it is still up to us. As John says, the future will belong not only to those who understand the technology, but also those who keep learning and bringing others along.

Why the Best Leaders Don't Trust Their Own Thinking | With Sam Reese

In this week's episode of Power & Impact, I speak with Sam Reese, CEO of Vistage, about a problem almost every leader eventually faces: The more responsibility you have, the fewer people you can be fully honest with. In this week's episode of _Power & Impact_ , I speak with Sam Reese, CEO of Vistage, about a problem almost every leader eventually faces: The more responsibility you have, the fewer people you can be fully honest with. That is where Vistage comes in. The organization brings CEOs and business leaders into confidential peer groups where they can wrestle with the decisions they cannot easily bring to employees, boards, or even family members. Sam knows that need personally. Early in his first CEO role, he felt so overwhelmed that he tried to quit. A board member told him he did not need to walk away. He needed help. That experience changed the course of his career. Today, Sam leads a global organization of more than 45,000 members, giving him a rare view into what leaders are struggling with right now: AI, culture, uncertainty, remote work, burnout, and the loneliness that comes with being the person expected to have the answer. Our conversation explores what separates the best leaders from everyone else: humility, the willingness to listen, and the courage to let others challenge your thinking before the stakes get too high.

He Reached the Top Then Chose to Serve | With Honorable Peter Beshar

In this week's Power & Impact, I sit down with the Honorable Peter Beshar, whose career has spanned law, corporate leadership, and a deep commitment to public service. In our conversation, Peter looks back on his early work with former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance during the effort to bring peace to Bosnia — and how that experience shaped his belief in blending private-sector success with public service. He also shares lessons from his 18 years at Marsh McLennan, where he helped guide the company through crisis, and what he learned about leadership from CEO Dan Glaser. After a long and successful run at Marsh McLennan, Peter felt the pull to serve again. He was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate to become general counsel to the Department of the Air Force. Shaped by a journey spanning elite law firms, corporate boardrooms, global conflict zones, and the Pentagon, Peter offers a rare perspective on leadership and service. His story is a masterclass in leadership, risk-taking, and purpose — and a reminder that the most meaningful work often comes when you answer the call to serve.