9 strategic imperatives every business leader must master to survive and thrive in 2026

With the convergence of AI, cyber threats, and geopolitical instability, your traditional leadership playbook is not simply outdated - it's potentially dangerous.

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Tech investments are national security bets - digital strategy inseparable from global stability.
• Businesses must act decisively despite uncertainty and build systems that maximize adaptability. 
• Leaders must be willing to change organizational purpose when circumstances demand it.

My podcast co-host, Ray Wang, CEO of Constellation Research,  reminded me recently that our show reached a significant milestone: a full decade of broadcasting. Over the past 10 years, Ray and I have had the privilege of hosting conversations with some of the brightest minds in business, technology, and leadership. 

As we enter 2026, we mark this anniversary by bringing together three leaders navigating the most complex intersection of technology, geopolitics, and organizational change ...