They will be adaptable, human-centered, and courageous enough to grow alongside their organizations.

The next generation of leaders won’t just react to change; they’ll embrace it, take smart risks, and encourage their teams to see change as an opportunity instead of a threat.

The leaders who will shape the next decade are the ones willing to rethink how they lead, not just what they deliver.

As these systems mature, the reliance on any single currency, corridor, or point of failure naturally begins to decline.

Those who adapt early will have a strategic advantage as settlement options diversify, transaction costs fall, and new regional networks reshape the landscape.

I believe that the leaders who find success in 2026 will be the ones who make others feel part of something bigger and who create conversations that people want to keep coming back to.

When people know what you stand for, they know when to come to you.

Thought leadership is shifting from broadcasting to building.

Building positions that stay with people.
Building content that sparks action and creates momentum.
Building communities that feel seen, supported, and inspired.

The industry is entering a phase where discipline and patience will matter more than speed.

I believe that the next decade will reward investors who can stay disciplined in a world that continues to accelerate.
Not the fastest movers, but the most intentional.

Building cultures where courage guides decision-making will be key to success moving forward.

Because courage compounds.
And the future will belong to the organizations bold enough to lead with it.

Sometimes it’s showing up authentically even if it goes against the norm. And sometimes it’s refusing to stay silent when silence protects fear instead of people.

I believe that in the future, values alignment will be as critical to retention and performance as compensation or career mobility.

In a world where certainty is rare, clarity of process becomes one of the most powerful leadership tools we have.

I believe that the leaders who will succeed in the future will be those who can lead through uncertainty with transparency, grounded judgment, and a willingness to choose a path when none of them feel easy.

1) Map the tradeoffs
2) Pressure-test the plan
3) Use principles to guide decisions, not just policies
4) Name the change

This holiday season, I encourage everyone to consider how they can support local organizations tackling food insecurity. Because even one small, thoughtful gesture can ripple through a community in a major way.

Experiences like this remind me that meaningful impact doesn’t always require massive resources. Sometimes it’s about showing up, sharing time, and supporting organizations that turn meals into moments of care.

I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with New Friends Homeless Center, an organization with a unique mission: providing the food insecure with a full “restaurant experience” complete with appetizers, salad, main course, and dessert.

Finance leaders can respond by modeling liquidity shocks, strengthening communication, and protecting capital continuity.

A sincere thank-you to the Forbes editorial team for their partnership and precision in shaping this discussion.