On September 18, 2025, the 5th Annual Leadership Transformative CEO Summit brought together a distinguished group of executives and thought leaders to explore how trust, organizational culture, and artificial intelligence are shaping the next era of growth. The event featured dynamic keynote presentations and interactive workgroup sessions that provided attendees with practical frameworks for leading with purpose and innovation in an increasingly digital and trust-driven world.
The summit opened with an engaging series of keynotes that set the tone for forward-looking leadership and strategy. Stephanie Mehta, CEO of Fast Company and Inc., presented “The Three Keys to Innovate in 2025 and Beyond,” offering insights into how leaders can harness curiosity, collaboration, and courage to drive sustainable innovation. Nick Lane, President of Equitable, shared personal reflections in “How Life Lessons Can Impact Leadership,” emphasizing the importance of empathy, authenticity, and adaptability in guiding teams through change. Stasia Mitchell, Global Entrepreneurship Leader of EY, rounded out the session with “Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship,” highlighting the pivotal role of trust and technology in enabling entrepreneurs to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Attendees then joined focused workgroups designed to translate strategic ideas into actionable insights. Discussions included “The Future of Leadership: The Short & Long Game”, “The Secret of Great Entrepreneurship: Trust, AI, Innovation”, and the SMS-moderated session, “Developing a Long-Term Strategy.”
Workgroup 3 – Developing a Long-Term Strategy, facilitated by SMS Moderator Michael G. Jacobides, Sir Donald Gordon Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Professor of Strategy at London Business School, brought together a panel of influential CEOs including Julie Mulligan, CEO & Co-Founder of Black Tap; Dr. John W. Mitchell, President & CEO of Global Electronics Association; Gerry Chesser, CEO of Every Man Jack; and Asheesh Advani, President & CEO of JA Worldwide (Junior Achievement).
The panel explored the foundational elements of sustained strategic growth, emphasizing how leaders can balance long-term vision with short-term adaptability. Discussion highlights included fostering trust as an organizational asset, embedding innovation into company culture, and leveraging AI as both a disruptor and a catalyst for smarter decision-making. The speakers also shared candid perspectives on leading through uncertainty, underscoring the importance of aligning purpose, culture, and technology to achieve durable success.
The 2025 Transformative CEO Summit provided a powerful platform for dialogue among forward-thinking leaders, reaffirming that growth in the modern era depends on the convergence of human insight and technological innovation.
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