In today’s hyper-connected world, leaders face a tidal wave of information, constant distractions, and rapidly evolving challenges. As the average person’s reading habits decline, top executives like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates are doubling down on deep reading, using books as a secret weapon for critical thinking, empathy, and strategic decision-making. Neuroscience and business research confirm that regular reading not only sharpens cognitive skills but also fosters the emotional intelligence and focus modern leaders need to thrive. In an age of information overload, reading isn’t just self-improvement—it’s a leadership imperative.

Sports are more than just games—they’re living laboratories for understanding the complexities of modern organizations. The Academy of Management Discoveries’ latest Special Research Forum reveals how sports settings provide unique, data-rich opportunities to study leadership, teamwork, ethics, and innovation in action. From the surprising limits of star talent in elite football teams to the nuanced effects of rule-breaking and the real impact of business travel on decision-making, these studies show why sports are an essential lens for management research. Discover how insights from the field can help organizations everywhere navigate today’s fast-changing business landscape.

Effective leadership is the engine that drives organizational success. From shaping culture and inspiring innovation to fostering employee engagement and managing change, great leaders transform potential into performance. Research shows that organizations led by emotionally intelligent, transformational leaders experience higher productivity, stronger retention, and greater adaptability in today’s fast-paced business landscape. By embracing data-driven decision making, prioritizing work-life balance, and cultivating diverse followership, leaders not only achieve superior results—they also create workplaces where people thrive. In a world where change is constant, the right leadership makes all the difference.

Navigating the dual demands of visionary leadership and day-to-day execution is the defining challenge for today’s CEOs. The most effective leaders don’t simply alternate between strategic planning and operational management—they weave these perspectives together, ensuring that every short-term decision advances the long-term mission. By mastering techniques like time blocking, rigorous board meeting preparation, and deliberate “me time,” CEOs can foster both organizational resilience and personal renewal. As research from Harvard Business Review and insights from industry leaders reveal, sustainable success is built on the ability to balance immediate results with a compelling vision for the future—transforming what might seem like competing priorities into a unified, high-impact leadership approach.