Transformative leaders engage in creative disruption by redesigning old systems and defying expectations. Former IBM CEO Louis Gerstner’s appointment marked the first time the tech company hired an outsider. Gerstner, a McKinsey alumnus, didn’t disappoint. Prioritizing company viability over vision, he steered IBM from bankruptcy and shifted its focus from computers to technology services. Under his leadership, the once-embattled company’s stock rose dramatically.
Hans-Jörg Rudloff, former chairman and CEO of Credit Suisse First Boston, rejected the standard bond issue that took weeks to execute and devised a systemic fix. The “bought deal” he developed enabled banks to absorb risks up front and led to faster underwriting and deal completion. Tired of a myopic societal view of people with disabilities, Alice Wong advocated for increased opportunities and healthcare accessibility. Born with spinal muscular dystrophy, she envisioned a platform for those like her to share their stories. Wong founded the Disability Visibility Project to shed light on people living full lives, despite the societal challenges and marginalization they faced.
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