What we read this week: November 17
“Twilight of the Star CEO” (AXIOS)
Takeaways:
Iconic executive leaders like Tim Cook (Apple), Bob Iger (Disney) and Doug McMillon (Walmart) are stepping down, marking a symbolic end of an era.
These leadership transitions come at a time of major economic and geopolitical flux, and investors are paying close attention.
The succession is a signal that these companies may be positioning for the next phase (AI, global pressures, digital transformation).
“The Darkest Thread in the Epstein E-mails” (The New Yorker)
Takeaways:
The newly released Epstein emails expose how elite networks — media, finance, academia, and politics — enabled rationalizations, flattery and complicity around Epstein.
The correspondence reveals disturbing moral ambiguity: powerful figures made grotesque jokes, offered deference and maneuvered to protect relationships, suggesting a culture of elite entitlement and impunity.
Politically, the emails deepen scrutiny of Donald Trump’s ties to Epstein, underscoring serious reputational risk.
“Pennies Are Trash Now” (The Atlantic)
The U.S. Mint estimates there are 300 billion pennies still in circulation, but no coherent government plan exists for what to do with them.
Economically, producing pennies has become deeply inefficient — each one costs more than its face value.
The penny’s phasing out reflects a broader shift: the coin is now largely ignored, “disappearing” into jars or drawers rather than circulating.
“Why More Women Are Facing Breast Cancer in Pregnancy and Postpartum” (SELF)
#CheClient Laura Reitsma, Founder of Fierce Productions, was featured in SELF’s recent article about the connection between pregnancy, postpartum and breast cancer diagnoses.
Biological changes during and after pregnancy (like hormonal shifts and immune modulation) may increase short‑term cancer risk.
Diagnosis is often delayed because cancer symptoms overlap with normal pregnancy or breastfeeding changes, which can make detection harder and worsen outcomes.
Treatment is more complicated in these cases: balancing fetal or infant safety, managing more aggressive disease and dealing with emotional stress places added pressure on patients.
“If Trust Is So Important, Why Aren’t We Measuring It?” (Harvard Business Review)
Although nearly all CEOs agree that trust is central to performance, innovation and loyalty, very few organizations formally measure it.
Because trust isn’t actively tracked, organizations lack early warning systems for trust erosion, such as disengagement, reputational risk or cultural decay.
By measuring, benchmarking and actively managing trust, companies can integrate it into leadership development, performance reviews, making trust a real, actionable asset that can influence promotion, coaching and strategy.
“Case Study 2.0: Affordable, Fire-Resilient Homes for LA Residents” (The Atomic Ranch)
#CheClient Case Study 2.0 was featured in The Atomic Ranch, outlining the catalog of 50+ architect-designed, fire-resilient and affordable homes that revive the spirit of mid-century modern design while enabling faster, safer rebuilding for wildfire-impacted Los Angeles communities.
The homes honor midcentury modern aesthetics (inspired by the original Case Study Houses) while integrating fire-safe features, preserving neighborhood character while addressing urgent climate resilience.
For real estate and architecture brands, it shows a shift toward purpose-driven design: firms are aligning with recovery efforts, building goodwill and relevance in climate‑impacted markets.
Following the media outlets you want to be featured in helps you understand what their contacts are looking for. And the best part? This is something anyone can do without hiring professional support.
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