Modern Global Leadership

Corporate innovation is crucial for value creation. What does that have to do with gender diversity? A new global study shows the real influence and impact of gender diversity on boards; when it comes to greater balance, so come greater innovation outcomes. And the effects may be evident sooner than you think.

How did CEOs of Fortune 100 companies come to helm the world’s largest businesses? And is there anything we can learn from their stories that might suggest lessons about how they made it to the top? Professor Kimberly Whitler looked into the education and career choices of every Fortune 100 CEO and made some surprising discoveries.

Valuable: employees who can connect with diverse people to improve relationships, facilitate information flow and communication, increase coordination and reduce conflict. Research shows that “social class transitioners,” people who move between socioeconomic classes, can bring a special skillset to the workforce.

Not so long ago, CEOs were not the public face of their companies. But in the age of always-on media and the rise of superstar chief executives, CEOs must constantly give voice to the organizations they lead. Professor June West and Steve Soltis share what it takes for a CEO to succeed as a communicator.

Football is typically a major source of revenue for university athletics departments — so when game attendance shrinks, money’s left on the table. In this case in point, Professors Sean Martin and Jim Detert discuss ideas UVA explored to energize the fan base, as well as tenets of any strategic turnaround.

Case Foundation CEO and National Geographic Society Chairman Jean Case joins University of Virginia Darden School of Business Professor Mary Margaret Frank in a discussion about what it means for entrepreneurs to “be fearless” and how established companies and entrepreneurs alike should think about mitigating risk versus valuing risk.

Substantial, transformative change requires deep, holistic learning. Darden Professor Joseph W. Harder examines four aspects of self, four approaches to learning and four critical elements of building a learning-conducive environment in this age of rapid change. It all adds up to improved organizational success and quality of life

Effective leadership is essential to progress in both business and society. But what is leadership really, what influences leadership effectiveness and how can the relevant skills be developed? Professor Sean Martin introduces and discusses key concepts to the big idea.

Digital technologies are redefining business landscape, disrupting markets and industries. Darden Professor Michael Lenox offers insights on how large incumbent firms can tackle the challenges of digital transformation.

A study in basketball, team culture, effectiveness and star power: Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan had vastly different styles in leading their teams to victory, both on the court and off. Darden Professor Sean Martin discusses what we can learn from these all-star athletes and what sports have to do with organizational behavior.