Lee McIntire, who serves as an independent member of Fermi's board, has been appointed as the new CEO. This appointment comes over three months after the company parted ways with its co-founder Toby Neugebauer, who previously held the CEO position.

Inc. 5000 CEOs share insights on the critical people-related challenge underlying rapid business growth.

Leading companies featured on this year’s Best Workplaces list empower their employees to take charge. Discover how this employee-driven approach fosters success and drives business growth.

Organizational processes are undergoing a transformation driven by AI advancements.

In his exploration of leadership traits, Jim Collins, author of 'Good to Great,' uncovered a transformative philosophy. Rather than imitating others, Collins emphasizes the power of authentic leadership—leading in a way that is true to oneself for lasting success.

Joelle Emerson, CEO of Paradigm, highlights a critical question as companies rapidly adopt AI and reduce middle management: What role are chief people officers playing in this shift? Emerson believes these HR leaders should be central to guiding organizational transformation with AI, especially as many companies collapse management layers quickly. Despite significant investments in AI and operational efficiency, a Paradigm survey of over 650 HR leaders reveals that many managers are unprepared to lead through these changes. Managers are stretched thin, managing more responsibilities including overseeing AI adoption and output review, yet companies often fail to empower or sufficiently train them.

The study shows a gap between companies’ AI ambitions and actual implementation—many treat AI experimentally without sharing insights broadly. Furthermore, over 30% of companies have yet to integrate AI in HR functions, even though HR leaders are expected to drive this transformation. Emerson stresses that chief people officers need a stronger voice in strategy discussions to fully realize AI’s potential, emphasizing that successful AI adoption depends heavily on understanding human behavior and empowering those who manage it.

This report underscores the paradox companies face: eager to innovate with AI but struggling to prepare and support the people who lead daily change, emphasizing that people-focused leadership is essential for meaningful AI impact.

In 1983, McKinsey consultant Julien Phillips introduced the concept of an "adoption penalty," warning that companies slow to adapt would fall behind. This formed the foundation of McKinsey's change management model. Today, change management is a booming industry, and consulting firms often bundle these services with technology implementations. However, their main goal is usually to protect their larger sales rather than drive real transformation.

Here are three critical realities often overlooked:

1. Overcoming resistance is necessary. Change threatens established routines and identities, so expect pushback. Building a resistance inventory helps anticipate and counter these challenges.

2. Lasting change is driven by small, loosely connected groups united by shared purpose, not by mass persuasion alone. Research shows change tipping points are much smaller than commonly believed.

3. Surviving early victories is crucial. Quick wins may seem impressive but can be undermined by opponents. A sustainable plan anchored in shared values and mission is essential.

Consultants often focus too much on communication and training, failing to empower change through networks and shared purpose. Genuine transformation arises not from slogans or brief campaigns but from aligning shared values with meaningful mission to create a movement.

Andrew Rebhun, formerly chief marketing officer at El Pollo Loco and with experience at Cava, has been named the new chief marketing officer at Panera Bread. He will oversee all marketing initiatives as the fast-casual chain continues its transformation efforts.

Trust in social media is waning despite rising global engagement, as the platforms integral to daily life face growing criticism over the quality of interactions they foster. Booker Loud, founder and CEO of Pin-Social, views this tension as a core design issue impacting the entire industry, highlighting the need for social platforms that genuinely earn and maintain user trust.

Cheryl Martin, Chief Information Security Officer at Company86, shares her passion for solving complex problems within the cybersecurity industry. She highlights how the sector’s skills shortage goes beyond just hiring difficulties, reflecting deeper challenges in the field’s evolving landscape.