A primary role leaders are charged with is charting a path toward progress. But in moving forward effectively, we must also be willing to leave outdated and harmful concepts behind.
In recent conversation with collegues, it became clear to me that some ideas, while widely accepted in the past, have run their course—and clinging to them not only holds us back, but in many ways are counterproducitve to the world we say we want to crerate. And what once may have seemed like sage wisdom or sound advice may be creating barriers to the outcomes we are working so hard to achieve.
Here are three concepts we need to kill to pave the way for a more equitable, sustainable, and fulfilling future.
1. Shareholder Profit Over Everything
This concept is dated, and its consequences are clear. Prioritizing shareholder profit at all costs has created economic devastation for countless communities. The drive for ever-higher margins often comes at the expense of fair wages, adequate benefits, and affordable goods and services.
When companies cut corners to maximize profits, they erode the foundations of the societies they operate in. The result? Wealth concentrated at the top while workers and communities struggle to make ends meet. Profit should be an outcome of providing value. Not the objective. And certainly not the objective at all costs.
It’s time to kill this concept and replace it with a focus on stakeholder value—ensuring that businesses balance profitability with the well-being of their employees, customers, and communities. Because societies built on exploitation aren’t societies worth leading. Period.
2. Increased Productivity Over Well-Being
As a high performer, I understand the drive for productivity and efficiency. But let’s be honest: it’s run its course.
The relentless push for “more, faster, better” has left workers anxious, burned out, and disconnected. It’s not just a workplace issue; it’s a societal one. Chronic stress—compounded by the typical American diet—has led to severe health problems, from heart disease to mental health crises. This is not the legacy I want to leave my children, nor is it the example I want to set for how they should live their lives.
We need a paradigm shift that values well-being as much as output. When employees are supported physically, mentally, and emotionally, they’re not only healthier—they’re more engaged, creative, and productive. True progress happens when we prioritize people over numbers.
3. Extreme Elitism
Just keeping it real, I’m a bit bougie myself, so I get wanting to set yourself apart. I get wanting high-quality and luxury. But our society’s obsession with elitism has gone too far.
In our pursuit of being part of the “haves,” we’ve crushed the “have-nots” in ways that deepen division, and quite frankly, are exploitative. Extreme elitism has normalized greed and celebrated wealth at the expense of humanity. We worship it, applaud it, and even aspire to it, despite the harm it causes.
It’s time to kill the idea that success means stepping on others to rise. Instead, let’s redefine leadership as building bridges, creating opportunities, and ensuring that success is shared—not hoarded.
Charting a New Path Forward
I want to recognize that killing these concepts isn’t easy, and it won’t happen overnight.
It requires leaders with the courage to challenge old norms and champion new ways of thinking. It means redefining success, valuing well-being, and leading with integrity.
And while most of the leaders I know are certainly well-intentioned, I beleive it's time to self-reflect on how these concepts show up in our leadership stles, philosophies and daily lives.
The future belongs to those bold enough to let go of what no longer serves us and brave enough to create what’s next.
So, the question is: Are you ready to lead the way forward?
Comments