Great companies are built on intention, not instinct. Music mogul and entrepreneur Steve Stoute, often called “the CEO other CEOs turn to for advice,” shares what it takes to become a strong leader.

Organizational psychologist Adam Grant emphasizes that while no one excels at a skill initially, effective leadership can uncover and nurture the untapped potential in team members through guidance and practice.

In the operating room, success isn’t about one person but the teamwork behind them. Surgeon Atul Gawande says those lessons under pressure apply far beyond medicine.

Collaboration consultant Erica Dhawan argues that while IQ and emotional intelligence were once prioritized, connectional intelligence (CxQ) is now essential for achieving success in the 21st century.

To thrive in a new leadership role, Michael Watkins advises understanding the organization's culture and assessing its needs, which will help you adapt your leadership style and gain support from superiors and team members.

Restaurateur Will Guidara emphasizes that extending hospitality to employees, alongside customers, fosters a culture of shared values and purposeful communication, ultimately enabling staff to feel valued and perform at their best.

Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.

Jeremy Johnson — co-founder of the talent network Andela — reflects on leadership in the age of remote work and AI.

There are plenty of alternatives to spending a fortune on employee training programs. These 10 options are a great place to start.