Genuine Intelligent Leadership in 2026: Top CEOs Redefining AI-Driven Business

Key Takeaways

  • Jeffrey Sonnenfeld is a renowned leadership and governance scholar and the founder of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute.
  • He has advised five U.S. presidents across different political parties and has written a book titled "Trump’s Ten Commandments" to be published in 2026.
  • Stephen Henriques is a senior research fellow at the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute with a background in consulting and policy analysis.
  • The Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute is a unique institution that provides a platform for incumbent CEOs to learn and grow.
  • The institute’s work is focused on leadership development and governance, with a goal of improving the performance of CEOs and their organizations.

Introduction to Jeffrey Sonnenfeld
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld is a prominent figure in the field of leadership and governance, with a distinguished career spanning several decades. As the Lester Crown Professor of Leadership Practice at the Yale School of Management, he has established himself as a leading expert in his field. According to his biography, Sonnenfeld "created the world’s first school for incumbent CEOs," which is a testament to his innovative approach to leadership development. As he notes, "the goal of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute is to provide a platform for CEOs to learn from each other and from experts in the field, and to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing business environment." With his latest book, "Trump’s Ten Commandments," set to be published by Simon & Schuster in March 2026, Sonnenfeld continues to demonstrate his commitment to sharing his insights and expertise with a wider audience.

The Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute
The Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute is a unique institution that has been at the forefront of leadership development and governance. As Sonnenfeld explains, "the institute was founded on the principle that CEOs need a safe and supportive environment in which to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, and to learn from one another." With its focus on providing a platform for incumbent CEOs to learn and grow, the institute has become a go-to destination for business leaders seeking to improve their performance and stay ahead of the curve. As Stephen Henriques, a senior research fellow at the institute, notes, "the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute is a place where CEOs can come to learn from the best and brightest in the field, and to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing business environment." With its emphasis on leadership development and governance, the institute has established itself as a leading authority in the field.

Stephen Henriques: A Key Player
Stephen Henriques is a senior research fellow at the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With a background in consulting and policy analysis, Henriques has worked with a range of organizations, including McKinsey & Company and the governor of Connecticut. As he notes, "my experience as a consultant and policy analyst has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses and organizations today." Henriques’ work at the institute is focused on supporting the development of CEOs and other business leaders, and he has been instrumental in shaping the institute’s research and programming. According to Sonnenfeld, "Stephen is a valued member of our team, and his insights and expertise have been invaluable in helping us to develop our programs and services."

Leadership Development and Governance
At the heart of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute’s work is a commitment to leadership development and governance. As Sonnenfeld explains, "effective leadership is critical to the success of any organization, and our goal is to provide CEOs with the skills and knowledge they need to lead their organizations effectively." The institute’s programs and services are designed to support the development of CEOs and other business leaders, with a focus on areas such as strategy, innovation, and risk management. As Henriques notes, "our research has shown that CEOs who are able to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances are more likely to succeed, and our programs are designed to support them in this process." With its emphasis on leadership development and governance, the institute is playing a critical role in shaping the next generation of business leaders.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute are at the forefront of leadership development and governance. With a focus on providing a platform for incumbent CEOs to learn and grow, the institute has established itself as a leading authority in the field. As Sonnenfeld notes, "our goal is to support the development of CEOs and other business leaders, and to provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing business environment." With the publication of Sonnenfeld’s latest book, "Trump’s Ten Commandments," and the ongoing work of the institute, it is clear that this is an organization that is committed to making a positive impact on the business world. As Henriques explains, "we believe that effective leadership is critical to the success of any organization, and we are dedicated to supporting the development of CEOs and other business leaders who can make a real difference."

https://fortune.com/2026/01/07/top-ceos-to-watch-2026-starbucks-target-nike-boeing-citi-lauren/

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