Letter from the Editor - In the Lead Magazine
Welcome to the tenth edition of In the Lead.
Like everything meaningful, In the Lead began with a simple idea — to share the wisdom
of today’s leaders with those who will shape tomorrow. The central idea for the magazine
is rooted in the belief that leadership is learned through experience, shaped by perspective
and enriched through diverse voices.
Our goal then — and now — is to democratize leadership: to improve access to insights that inspire action, growth and accountability.
Over the years, we’ve explored themes that mirror the evolving dialogue of our times: a leader’s journey, leading through disruption, leading innovation, building high-performing teams, the future of work, navigating artificial intelligence, and the emergence of Gen Z in the workforce. We’ve shared real challenges and relevant solutions — grounded, adaptable and implementable.
Each year we have included findings from our Future of Leadership Survey — a longitudinal,
Institutional Review Board
approved study we launched in 2020. Drawing from a global pool of future leaders ages
18–30, the study continues to surface one unmistakable truth: Trust is the single most critical driver of leadership effectiveness.
And so, we’ve dedicated this 10th edition to what brings together diverse perspectives on how leaders earn — or erode — trust. At its core, trust is built on competence (I can do what I’m here to do), integrity (I’ll do what’s right) and empathy (I care about people). Trust is what future leaders expect. And that gives me hope — for a future where leaders internalize one essential truth: You are only a leader if someone chooses to follow you.
I began this publishing journey alongside two imaginative partners — Bryan C. Price, Ph.D. and Steve Lorenzet, Ph.D., — who both have pursued the call to leadership beyond Seton Hall. I felt it only right to invite them back to contribute to this milestone edition.
They say, “it takes a village to raise a child.” So, too, to develop and produce a thought-provoking publication. In the Lead has been shaped by a remarkable village: Pegeen Hopkins, head of Strategic Communications and Brand; Melissa Cerciello from Public Relations and Marketing; and Eric Marquard, our university designer. Their passion and commitment have brought this vision to life issue after issue.
Thank you for your continued readership and support.
For now, I leave you with one simple, powerful question: Are you trusted as a leader?
- Ruchin Kansal, Editor
About the Editor
Ruchin Kansal, M.B.A. is a professor of practice at Seton Hall University and the founding editor of In the Lead. Prior, he led the Business Leadership Center at the Stillman School of Business, and held senior leadership roles at Capgemini, Deloitte, Boehringer Ingelheim & Siemens Healthineers with a distinguished record in strategy and innovation, digital health, strategic partnerships and business launches. He received his M.B.A. from NYU-Stern.