The search for corporate America’s next Fortune 500 CEOs

Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has raised alarms about China's potential to weaponize its supply chain, particularly in the realm of rare earths. This concern highlights a significant economic threat, as these materials are crucial for various technologies and industries. The implications of such a move could disrupt global markets and supply chains, making it a critical issue for investors and policymakers alike.

At the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, SAIC CEO Toni Townes-Whitley highlighted the challenges posed by America's aging infrastructure in the context of modern warfare. She emphasized that today's conflicts extend beyond traditional battlefields, suggesting that adversaries can leverage their entire industrial base to gain an advantage. This perspective is crucial as it underscores the need for the U.S. to innovate and adapt its defense strategies to remain competitive.

Hanneke Faber, speaking at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, emphasized the importance of integrating AI into decision-making processes. She believes that having an AI agent in every meeting can significantly enhance productivity and insights, suggesting that companies missing out on this technology are at a disadvantage. This perspective highlights the growing role of AI in business strategy and the need for leaders to adapt to technological advancements.

La-Z-Boy has announced significant leadership changes aimed at strengthening its core business. This move is crucial as it reflects the company's commitment to adapt and thrive in a competitive market. By reshaping its leadership team, La-Z-Boy is positioning itself for future growth and innovation, which is essential for maintaining its reputation and market share.

Salesforce has announced a significant investment of $15 billion in San Francisco, highlighting its commitment to the city and the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the tech industry. This move not only strengthens Salesforce's presence but also signals a robust future for AI development, potentially creating thousands of jobs and fostering innovation in the region. As the AI race intensifies, this investment positions Salesforce as a key player in shaping the future of technology.

The term 'workslop' is gaining traction as it highlights the inefficiencies in corporate America, where the push for AI integration is ironically leading to wasted time for workers. While CEOs advocate for the liberal use of AI, the reality is that these technologies can create friction in operations, causing frustration among employees. This matters because it underscores the need for a balanced approach to AI implementation that truly enhances productivity rather than complicating workflows.

The Fortune's Most Powerful Women Asia 2025 list highlights influential CFOs from major companies like Huawei, ByteDance, Sony, and Temasek. This recognition is significant as it showcases the impact of female leaders in shaping industries and driving innovation across Asia, inspiring future generations of women in business.

Recent comments from several CEOs highlight that the ongoing immigration crackdown poses a greater threat to businesses than tariffs ever did. This shift in focus underscores the significant challenges companies face in hiring and retaining talent, which could ultimately impact economic growth. As businesses navigate these turbulent waters, the implications for the labor market and overall productivity are becoming increasingly concerning.

A recent report by Deloitte reveals that UK CFOs are increasingly concerned about the nation's competitiveness and the rising costs of doing business. This sentiment reflects broader economic anxieties, as financial leaders worry that these challenges could hinder growth and innovation in the UK market. Understanding these concerns is crucial for policymakers and businesses alike, as they navigate a complex economic landscape.

In a world where traditional career paths often dominate, four CEOs stand out with their unique journeys to the top. Their stories challenge the notion that success follows a linear trajectory, showcasing how diverse experiences and unconventional choices can lead to remarkable leadership roles. This matters because it inspires aspiring professionals to embrace their individuality and think outside the box when it comes to their careers.

Arkeem Sturgis, a millennial father of six, has transformed his life from homelessness to establishing a successful trades business, highlighting the urgent need for a reskilling revolution in America. He emphasizes that many individuals desire hands-on work, pointing out the shortcomings in how the country prepares its youth for real-world challenges. His journey not only inspires hope but also serves as a blueprint for others seeking to improve their circumstances through practical skills.

In a recent conversation with Fortune, Ben Horowitz and Raghu Raghuram discussed the intersection of AI and politics, shedding light on complex issues that lack straightforward solutions. This dialogue is significant as it highlights the evolving landscape of technology and its implications for society, especially with Raghuram's transition from VMware to the venture capital firm a16z, indicating a shift in focus towards innovative tech solutions.

Samsung Electronics has reported an impressive 32% increase in its operating profit for the third quarter, surpassing market expectations. This significant growth highlights the company's strong performance in a competitive tech landscape, driven by robust demand for its semiconductor and smartphone products. Investors and analysts are optimistic about Samsung's ability to maintain this momentum, which could lead to further innovations and market expansion.

Capstone has successfully sold a 25% stake in its Santo Domingo project to Orion for up to $360 million. This strategic move not only strengthens Capstone's financial position but also highlights the growing interest in mining investments. The deal is significant as it allows Capstone to focus on its core operations while partnering with Orion, a reputable player in the industry. This partnership could lead to enhanced development and exploration opportunities for the Santo Domingo project, benefiting both companies and their stakeholders.

Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has raised alarms about China's potential to weaponize its supply chain, particularly in the realm of rare earths. This concern highlights a significant economic threat, as these materials are crucial for various technologies and industries. The implications of such a move could disrupt global markets and supply chains, making it a critical issue for investors and policymakers alike.

Rio Tinto is optimistic about its fourth quarter performance, which is crucial for meeting its annual iron ore production forecast. The company is also seeing a positive trend in copper production, indicating a strong finish to the year. This is significant as it reflects the company's resilience and ability to adapt to market demands, potentially boosting investor confidence and impacting the global mining sector.

Delta Air Lines, despite being recognized for premium economy satisfaction, is facing backlash as numerous passengers report being stranded overseas due to a peculiar rule. This situation highlights the challenges travelers face and raises questions about airline policies, especially as Delta served over 200 million customers in 2024. The dissatisfaction among travelers could impact Delta's reputation and customer loyalty, making it a significant issue in the airline industry.

The United States has condemned China's actions following a recent vessel clash in the South China Sea involving the Philippines. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, as the US reaffirms its commitment to supporting its allies and maintaining freedom of navigation. The situation is significant as it underscores the geopolitical struggles in the South China Sea, where multiple nations have competing claims, and it could impact future diplomatic relations and security in the area.