As a former CEO of a 35,000-person global organization who now sits on the boards of three public companies, I’m feeling empathetic toward my fellow business leaders as we head into a close and contentious election year here in the United States. The June 27 presidential debate feels like the opening act for newly inflamed and heightened emotions, which means business leaders will once again find themselves managing political drama at work.
Even outside the U.S., this is an unprecedented year when it comes to national elections. There are more than 50 worldwide in 2024, affecting nearly half the planet's population. These range from the U.S. presidential contest in November to ones already completed, such as the votes in Mexico and Taiwan, which will hold sway in geopolitics for years to come.
