Richard McWhorter

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While inspiration and influence are both powerful tools, they don’t always mean the same thing or lead to the same results. At their core, both inspiration and influence aim to move people—but how they do so, and what follows, can vary dramatically. For leaders, choosing between (or balancing) the two can shape not only how others respond, but also how trust, motivation and lasting impact are built. Some see inspiration as the deeper force, igniting internal purpose, while others view influence as the practical key to decision-making and action. Below, 20 members of Fast Company Executive Board share how they view the distinction between inspiration and influence, and which they believe carries more weight in effective leadership.

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The right financial advisor can help leaders of a growing business make smarter decisions and stay resilient in the face of change. As a business evolves, there often comes a point when leaders need expert guidance to manage complex finances, plan for growth, and protect what they’ve built. While a professional's qualifications are important, there are many other factors to weigh when choosing a professional in the finance world that you can trust. It's crucial to find someone whose approach, ethics, and understanding of your business truly align—and when you do, it can have a positive impact on your company's long-term success. To help you make this important decision, Fast Company Executive Board members share 13 key questions to think about before inviting a financial advisor into your inner circle.

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When it comes to building and protecting wealth, too many business leaders fall for myths and misconceptions that cost them in the long run. At its core, wealth management is about making thoughtful decisions to grow, protect, and pass on what you’ve built. For business leaders, that means managing not just personal finances but also how money moves through their companies, covering everything from tax strategy and risk management to succession planning. However, several common and persistent myths and missteps can stall or even hinder your financial well-being. To help you avoid these pitfalls, 14 Fast Company Executive Board members debunk the most common business wealth management myths and share what leaders should remember instead.

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In unpredictable conditions, these leaders have found reliable ways to stay focused, energized, and clear-headed. The demands of leadership don’t pause when the ground shifts. For those guiding teams through uncertainty, staying present and motivated is vital to making sound decisions, maintaining team morale, and sustaining long-term momentum.  In volatile environments, personal clarity can be hard for leaders to hold onto. To understand how experienced leaders maintain focus, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share what keeps them steady and inspired. Their answers highlight the habits, values, and real-world reminders that help them lead through disruption without losing direction.

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Here are three truths about financial advisors, as well as how to pick the right one as a business leader.