The briefing addressed a central question for today’s decision makers: how should leaders act when the assumptions of recent decades no longer hold in the same way? General McChrystal reflected on a world in which alliances are less predictable, global systems remain deeply interdependent, and organisations need to prepare for disruption without assuming that efficiency alone will be enough.

For boards and executive leaders, one of the strongest messages was the need to build resilience into systems, structures and leadership behaviour. In highly efficient organisations, there is often little room to absorb shocks. In a more volatile environment, the capacity to adapt becomes a strategic requirement rather than an operational preference.

The discussion also turned to the role of boards. General McChrystal underlined that boards cannot remain ceremonial observers when organisations face cultural drift, leadership failure or systemic risk. Their responsibility lies not in replacing management, but in understanding the values and standards they expect leaders to uphold, and in acting when those standards are at risk.

The briefing underlined a question that is central to the work of AvS Advisors: in critical moments, leadership judgement is not only about individual performance. It is also about culture, legitimacy, resilience and the willingness to intervene before problems become irreversible.

Watch the full leadership briefing video below.