Research by Robert Walters highlights that many Irish companies lack a well-defined plan for leadership succession.
After nearly 15 years of leadership, Tim Cook will step down as Apple's CEO on September 1. During his tenure, Apple saw its market value soar from $348 billion to around $4 trillion, and its annual revenue quadrupled to $416 billion. John Ternus, Apple's SVP of hardware engineering responsible for about 80% of the company's revenue-generating products, will succeed Cook as the new CEO.
Often, when forming relationships at work and beyond, people look for strong similarities, especially in values, which reflect what they consider important and good. However, limiting connections to only those who share your core values can isolate you from others pursuing different but equally valid values. Professional partnerships often benefit from diverse perspectives and complementary skills. Research into professional networks shows that shared values strongly influence the formation of connections, particularly when combined with physical proximity or teamwork. Shared values facilitate understanding and smooth communication, but relationships with differing values can also thrive if built on mutual understanding. Spending just ten minutes exchanging value perspectives can foster a strong connection regardless of value similarity. To cultivate these meaningful relationships, start by clarifying your own values through reflection on your best and worst work experiences. Once confident, engage in honest conversations about values with others. These interactions often lead to deeper connections, fostering rewarding and authentic professional relationships even amidst diverse values.
Sophie Rowe, a strategy manager at Accenture, shares insights into her consulting career and reveals what drives her passion and motivation in the workplace.
In a detailed conversation on the Me, Myself, and AI podcast, Peter Koerte, Siemens’ managing board member and chief strategy and technology officer, sheds light on how industrial AI is transforming the infrastructure that underpins daily life. Unlike consumer AI, industrial AI emphasizes near-perfect accuracy and works intimately with specialized domain data to enhance factories, transportation systems, energy grids, and buildings. Koerte explains Siemens’ role in optimizing these vital systems, citing examples like forecasting train door malfunctions well in advance and cutting building energy consumption by 30%. They also discuss the critical role of domain expertise, the challenges of proprietary data sharing, and the significant workflow changes industrial AI brings, including the use of smart glasses to empower workers. Collaboration with tech leaders like Nvidia aims to accelerate simulations and chip design, highlighting the broad impact of AI-driven innovation in industry.
This September, Tim Cook will step down as Apple CEO after nearly 15 years, handing the reins to John Ternus, the company's senior vice president of hardware engineering. Cook praised Ternus as a dedicated engineer with 25 years at Apple, perfectly suited to continue the company's legacy. This internal succession aligns with broader trends highlighted in Egon Zehnder's 2026 Succession study, which shows 82% of CEOs over the past decade were promoted from within, with first-time CEOs being 88% internal hires. External hires tend to represent strategic shifts, whereas internal promotions often indicate a desire for stability and continuity. Ternus’s appointment suggests Apple plans to maintain its current trajectory, focusing on product innovation, a view supported by Morgan Stanley analysts. The study also reveals internally promoted CEOs tend to have longer tenures than those hired from outside. Cook’s own path—from Steve Jobs’ hire in 1998 to CEO in 2011 after 13 years—mirrors this pattern.
In an ever-evolving workplace, how can companies maintain a vibrant culture? Founders from Olipop, HexClad, and Cymbiotika share insights on redefining leadership and creating systems that nurture a sense of belonging and resilience among their teams.
AI-powered search engines increasingly depend on LinkedIn profiles to evaluate professionals. This development has significant implications for founders and executives, as their online presence may influence perceived credibility and opportunities.
Managers play a pivotal role in translating leadership vision into actionable results, as they are the ones who drive execution and shape the organizational culture day-to-day.
Being too serious can actually undermine your authority rather than strengthen it. True leadership shines through a blend of confidence, humility, and a sense of playfulness. These qualities help leaders connect authentically with their teams and inspire genuine respect.
