Boardrooms are no longer rewarded for being right, Lumen CEO says, and it means executive partnerships are more important than ever | Fortune
Kate Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of Lumen Technologies, recently shared her perspective on the evolving nature of corporate leadership during the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit held in Santa Barbara, California. Speaking on Tuesday, Johnson argued that the traditional model of executive decision-making is becoming obsolete. She suggested that rather than relying solely on internal leadership teams to navigate complex challenges, modern companies must prioritize strategic partnerships across different C-suites to maintain agility in a fast-paced market.
THE Shift from Being Right
During a conversation with Diane Brady of Fortune, Johnson reflected on the professional environment where she began her career. She noted that in the past, executives in boardrooms and conference rooms were rewarded for their ability to be correct and demonstrate total mastery of the facts. According to Johnson, the expectation
Source: fortune.com · 2026-10-16