Peernovation—A Framework for Inclusive Leadership

Diverse business executives seated at a meeting applaud, creating a celebratory mood.

Last week, I shared a deeply personal experience—one that made me confront the reality of leading in a time of heightened hostility.

Moments like those test us. They force us to ask: How do we lead through complexity? How do we build organizations where people feel safe, valued, and heard?

This is where I see the value of Peernovation.

Leo Bottary’s framework for peer-driven leadership provides a powerful model for engaging CEOs in these complex conversations. His book outlines how the collective wisdom of a trusted peer group can help leaders navigate change, build psychological safety, and create resilient organizations. And this is where I want to connect Leo’s principles to Jim Roberts’ recent article entitled, DEI is Dead; Long Live DEI.

Jim’s piece reflects a growing corporate sentiment: DEI, as a term, has become too politically charged, but the fundamental business need for diversity, inclusion, and belonging remains. Forward-thinking CEOs must grapple with this reality—not by retreating, but by rethinking.

That’s why in this month’s series of Real Conversations from the C-Suite, I explore three key ideas:

The Power of Peernovation in the C-Suite – How the principles in Leo’s book foster meaningful peer dialogue among executives and why that matters in today’s climate.
Peernovation as a Framework for Tackling DEI Challenges – How CEOs can use peer-driven learning to critically assess the business case for inclusion, rather than framing DEI as an obligation or a political stance.
Jim’s Article as a Case Study in CEO Decision-Making – How leaders can approach DEI—by whatever name it takes—in a way that aligns with their strategic objectives.

This is more than just a theoretical discussion. It’s a strategic approach to leading inclusively, even when the path forward isn’t clear.

We’ll wrap up this conversation by shifting the focus from theory to action. How can leaders apply these principles in real-time? What does the future of inclusive leadership look like in practice?

Listen to the full episode: How to Leverage the Power of Peernovation in the C-Suite.

You won't want to miss it.