CEO Succession & Social Purpose
At CEO Next Chapter, we have a humanistic lens through which we view every transition, a core belief that an elevated life and an elevated business are inextricably linked.
We see the transition of a leader—a new chapter, if you will—as an opportunity to anchor their work in purpose. It's a chance to intentionally align talent, resources, and influence toward making a palpable difference. For me (Natalie Michael), this realization was a decade in the making, crystallizing into a clear directive for the work we do today.
"I realized about a decade ago that I wanted to use my talents towards making the world better. As I took action and started to affiliate myself with leaders who really care about this, my life and relationships got better. Now, I see a common thread in my clients: We are ready for more. We want to have an impact on the world and do our bit in positive social change.”
This sentiment is the bedrock of CEO Next Chapter's commitment to social impact, moving the conversation from a corporate social responsibility talking point to a fundamental business strategy.
Building a CEO Forum for Social and Business Good
This commitment has translated into tangible action and a track record of supporting leaders who view their organizations as a force for good. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space for this kind of leadership dialogue, I established the first Social Purpose CEO Group at Mackay CEO Forums, prompted by the CEOs in the group who wanted this kind of space for their own leadership growth. This forum brings together leaders who are deeply committed to integrating social impact into the very fabric of their business operations. It’s a space where leaders don't debate if they should care, but instead focus on how they can amplify their impact.
Further underscoring this commitment to pioneering change, I also joined the Board of Foundations for Social Change, an organization dedicated to piloting innovative solutions to pressing social challenges that impact humanity. This hands-on involvement at the forefront of social innovation informs the progressive mindset we bring to our client work.
The Alignment Imperative
The time spent convincing CEOs that their people and the planet matter is over. Our focus is on leaders who have already made this commitment. We choose to align with clients and CEOs who truly care about their people and whose organizations are ready to embrace social purpose as a core part of their thinking. This is not about preaching; it’s about accelerating the work of those already on the path.
I am proud of the decade-long affiliation with Mackay CEO Forums, a certified B Corp. This association reinforces our belief in the power of business to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It demonstrates that CEOS do care about Social Purpose and are willing to actively stand for this value system.