In this episode of The CEO Podcast, Scott De Long, Ph.D., and Vince Moiso return after a long hiatus to discuss the challenges leaders face in making tough calls during uncertain times in this limited-run series, Leadership at the Crossroads. They open with reflections on the current economic and political landscape, including inflation, tariffs, AI disruption, and fluctuating interest rates of which test a leader's ability to remain calm, focused, and strategic.
Scott emphasizes the importance of staying calm and making data-driven decisions rather than fear-based reactions. He encourages leaders to balance instinct with analysis, ensuring decisions are informed by both experience and data. Vince adds that focus is more critical than ever, urging leaders to eliminate distractions from constant news cycles to phone notifications so they can maintain clarity and productivity. Together, they explore how external noise and media bias can influence leadership decisions and why critical thinking and perspective are essential traits for modern executives.
The conversation shifts to organizational growth, where Scott and Vince share insights on balancing entrepreneurial drive with operational discipline. They discuss a case study of a fast-growing company learning to integrate structure without stifling innovation. The duo agrees that while bold moves are sometimes necessary, leaders must know when to slow down, assess internal processes, and ensure alignment with long-term vision. They conclude by encouraging CEOs to revisit their organizational purpose, assess market realities, and recalibrate their three-year vision to align with today's changing business climate.
Key Takeaways
Key Insights
Connect:
Scott De Long, Ph.D. & Lead2Goals
Vince Moiso & Vis Business Group
The CEO Podcast
