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September 24.2025
3 Minutes Read

Agile Leadership Insights from PNC’s Cressman Bronson's Journey

Agile Leadership spotlight on professional man in suit, confident expression

How Grit and Gratitude Shape Leadership

Cressman Bronson's journey from a promising athlete to the Regional President of PNC Financial Services Group is nothing short of inspirational. Formerly a dream-chasing baseball player who faced rejection, Bronson's story echoes a vital lesson that resonates in today’s business environment: the importance of grit and gratitude in leadership. Instead of succumbing to his disappointment when told he wasn’t cut out for baseball, Bronson turned his focus toward self-improvement and seizing opportunities.

Why Every Leader Needs a Mentor

A critical moment in Bronson's transition came when he leveraged a personal connection to secure a meeting in the banking industry. His courage to connect with others despite a lack of experience is a powerful reminder of the role mentorship can play in career advancement. In a corporate world often steeped in competition, building relationships should be more than just networking; it should be about forming meaningful connections that guide you toward growth and opportunities.

Success is Built on Solutions

In his podcast discussion, Bronson emphasizes that simply being likable isn't enough to succeed in business. He argues that effective leaders are those who bring genuine solutions. “You can hang out and go to games or golf, but if you don’t bring solutions, you’re just a buddy,” he notes. This perspective is a critical takeaway for CIOs and HR leaders striving to create more agile businesses. By fostering a culture that prioritizes actionable insights over mere camaraderie, organizations can position themselves for greater success.

Learning to Navigate Failure

Another compelling point from Bronson’s story stresses the importance of learning to deal with failure early in life. As a youth baseball coach, he highlights teaching children not just the sport but also how to face setbacks. “The life lessons that come from sports—teamwork, resilience, perseverance—those are the building blocks for success later in life.” His approach speaks volumes to how organizations can cultivate a culture of resilience within teams, emphasizing the role of failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.

A Culture of Accountability

Bronson's philosophy extends to how leaders must reflect on the opportunities they've received. “We all got a break from somebody, right?” he states. This perspective encourages leaders to create a culture of mentorship and accountability, where every team member feels they have access to support and guidance. By recognizing the breaks they received, leaders can extend those opportunities to others, fostering an environment of growth and collaboration.

The Future of Agile Leadership

As organizations evolve, the need for agile leadership becomes paramount. Bronson’s story exemplifies how agility in approach, mindset, and response to challenges can positively impact organizational culture. For progressive CIOs and HR leaders, the insights derived from Bronson’s journey can serve as a roadmap for implementing agile leadership within their organizations, ensuring that they are prepared to face the challenges ahead. In this era of rapid change, businesses that foster resilience, mentorship, and solution-oriented cultures will undoubtedly thrive.

In conclusion, Cressman Bronson’s journey illustrates the transformative power of grit, gratitude, and responsibility in leadership. By embracing challenges and prioritizing impactful relationships, we can inspire the next generation of agile leaders. If you're aiming to cultivate a more resilient and solution-focused team, consider how you can implement these lessons in your own leadership practice.

Leadership Spotlights

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10.15.2025

From Weak to Good: Analyzing CEO Optimism in October

Update Renewed Optimism: A Awakening Among CEOs In October 2025, the landscape of CEO optimism saw a notable transformation as evidenced by Chief Executive's latest CEO Confidence Index. Climbing from a score languishing in the "Weak" range, CEO confidence surged more than 10%, reaching 5.7 out of 10. This uplift, albeit modest, marks a critical juncture for business leaders navigating a year riddled with uncertainties and regulatory challenges. Breaking Down the Numbers: What’s Driving This Optimism? The rise in CEO confidence isn't merely a statistical anomaly; it reflects a burgeoning hope for growth amidst economic fluctuations. As noted, a jump to 6.0 out of 10 in the outlook for the upcoming year signifies a cautious yet promising recovery. The prevailing sentiment among leaders shifts from apprehension to a cautious optimism, encouraged by anticipated lower interest rates and the prospect of deregulation. Contextualizing the Changes: Impacts of Tariffs and Policy Uncertainties Despite the upswing, many CEOs remain tethered by concerns over ongoing tariff ramifications and governmental policies that contribute to an unpredictable market. Marvin Cunningham, president of Long-Stanton Manufacturing, articulates these concerns by indicating that tariffs are inflating costs, which could heavily impact future growth opportunities. Consequently, while the confidence index suggests a recovery in mood, it is paired with a backdrop of caution amidst economic vulnerability. Mid-Market Growth: The Engines of Recovery Digging into the data reveals that mid-sized businesses—those with revenues between $50 million and $1 billion—are driving this resurgence of optimism. These firms report the highest ratings for both current and expected business conditions, contrasting sharply with larger corporations that exhibit less optimism due to broader international exposures. This trend emphasizes the unique resilience of mid-market companies, which may find themselves less hampered by global peril. Counterpoints: A Divided Landscape of Expectations While some anticipate growth with excitement, a significant portion of CEOs hold reservations about the future. Only 41% of surveyed CEOs forecast substantial improvement in the coming year, revealing a nuanced narrative of cautious optimism. As one technology CEO encapsulated, "Uncertainty coupled with fears of a market correction complicates a positive forecast." This echoes concerns regarding operational challenges, including workforce shortages and inflation-driven cost increases that could impede growth trajectories. Looking Ahead: Navigating Opportunities in Turbulent Times As we navigate through the remaining months of 2025, businesses face a pivotal moment. Encouragingly, a rising percentage of CEOs—45% now compared to 39% last month—believe economic recovery is on the horizon. This sentiment, however, remains tempered by the persistence of inflation and labor constraints, underscoring the delicate balance between hope for recovery and underlying challenges. The blend of optimism and skepticism paints a complex picture for business leaders, one punctuated by a need for agile leadership and strategic foresight in a landscape punctuated by uncertainty. In times like these, organizations must embrace agile practices to adapt to fluctuations quickly, leveraging diversity across teams and fostering collaborative environments. Amidst these tribulations, it is crucial for CEOs to adopt forward-thinking attitudes, melding optimism with pragmatism as they lay the groundwork for growth. This approach will not only influence corporate strategy but will also serve as a beacon of stability for their teams. Call to Action: Embrace Agile Leadership for Future Resilience To foster an environment conducive to growth and resilience in the face of uncertainty, leaders are encouraged to explore Agile Leadership practices. By integrating agility into organizational frameworks, companies can better navigate challenges, making informed decisions that bolster confidence across all areas of operation. The shift towards agile methodologies could be the key to sustaining momentum amidst changing tides.

10.12.2025

Transform Your Workforce: The Impact of Second-Chance Hiring in Manufacturing

Update A New Dawn for Second-Chance Hiring in Manufacturing In the heart of Gilbert, Arizona, Awake Window & Door Co. is changing the landscape of manufacturing by advocating for second-chance hiring. More than half of their workforce comprises individuals who were formerly incarcerated—a staggering statistic that directly challenges common hiring practices in the industry. Scott Gates, the company’s president, emphasizes, “We wanted to be a company that saw this group of people for their potential and their future, rather than the mistakes of their past.” This mission-driven approach does not just aim to boost profits; it serves as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive hiring. The Value of Untapped Talent As highlighted by industry experts, the manufacturing sector faces an acute labor shortage exacerbated by the impending retirement of the Baby Boomer generation. Hiring practices that previously focused on traditional talent pools are becoming insufficient. Companies like Awake are leveraging second-chance hiring as a survival strategy, tapping into an underrepresented and often overlooked workforce. New data underscores the commitment and productivity of this group: research indicates that formerly incarcerated individuals often demonstrate loyalty and strong work ethics, attributes essential in high-stakes manufacturing environments. Building a Supportive Workplace However, simply hiring individuals with criminal records is not enough. Businesses must create supportive environments that address the unique challenges faced by these employees. Jeffrey Korzenik, chief economist and author of Untapped Talent: How Second Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community, stresses the importance of providing resources that address barriers such as housing, transportation, and emotional support. Just as Gates introduced innovative products to the marketplace, he also champions workplace inclusivity as a business imperative. “Each employee needs more than a job; they need a community that supports their reintegration into society,” he adds. Success Stories and the Path Forward Awake Window & Door is not alone in their endeavors. Many companies have found success through similar initiatives. Nehemiah Manufacturing and Butterball Farms have successfully integrated second-chance employees into their teams, reporting not only improved workplace morale but also enhanced productivity levels. Dan Meyer of Nehemiah emphasizes that when employees know they are valued, they are more likely to remain committed. “You must welcome these individuals into your organization, treat them as human beings, and provide continuous support,” he states. This sentiment echoes a critical theme across the manufacturing sector: the recognition that diverse hiring practices can profoundly benefit modern businesses. The Broader Implications of Second-Chance Hiring The urgency for second-chance hiring is evident as manufacturers seek innovative solutions to workforce challenges. According to a 2024 Forbes article, the implications of hiring those with a criminal background go far beyond individual companies, affecting community rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates overall. Employers must evolve their recruitment strategies to consider the potential benefits of giving individuals a new path. By putting aside biases, workplaces can embrace a vital segment of the labor market that brings not only skills but also remarkable resilience. Conclusion: A Call to Action for Employers As Awake Window & Door Co. illustrates, second-chance hiring is not just about doing what’s right; it’s a strategic move that can drive business success. Employers are encouraged to rethink their hiring strategies and to consider tapping into this abundant source of talent. Be part of the solution: consider how integrating second-chance candidates can not only help change lives but also address the growing labor shortages faced by the manufacturing industry. Join the movement towards mindful hiring practices, and help foster a more inclusive workplace for all.

10.10.2025

Amazon Offers Solutions for Overcoming Financial Noise Among Young Adults

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