In 2018 I plan to write a “Critical Issues” series for CEOs, boards, and senior teams. Drawing from current news events and the real, every-day challenges I work on with CEOs, I hope to spark discussion, debate, and action. In addition to my own writing, I’ll share and provide context around important articles from others. 

Today I want to highlight a Harvard Business Review article on activist investors -- whether by hedge funds, corporate raiders, or family/private investors. The piece uses data and examples to illustrate the flaws in the model most investors have used for decades to measure shareholder value, and offers a new purpose oriented model. David Pyott, our own CEO from Orange County, who led Allergan through their takeover bid, is interviewed following the article.

All purpose-driven leaders have charities they are committed to and charitable works they do. It’s the right thing to do and a practice you naturally gravitate toward. But have you ever stepped back to consider the long-range impact of these efforts and the reach they can have over decades – even a hundred years?

In 1621 the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving, offering thanks to their Creator for the blessings that helped them survive their first winter in the new world.  When the pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower in November 1620, 102 people were on board.  By the Fall of 1621, only 53 had survived, but of these 53 survivors, they took time out to give thanks.