The final episode looks behind one of the most persistent—and misunderstood—mantras in business: “The market demands higher returns.”

With host Charlene Norman of Good Stewardship; Lasting impact

This episode focuses entirely on Taking Back Control: Building Businesses for the Long Term

Key Highlights

The market isn’t a single, unified force. It’s a collection of actors—investors, shareholders, analysts, customers—each with their own interests and time horizons. This means you have agency. You can choose which investors and stakeholders to engage with. It also means short-term pressure is not inevitable. AND, the loudest voices aren’t always the majority.

Long-term thinking is possible—and necessary—especially in sustainability and climate sectors. Listen in to learn how.

Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.

The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.

Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The look behind one of the most persistent—and misunderstood—mantras in business: “The market demands higher returns.”

With host Charlene Norman of Good Stewardship; Lasting impact

This episode is all about Following the Money. Who or What Exactly is Making the Demands?

Key Highlights:

-The Real Drivers Behind “Market Demands”

-Private Equity & Venture Capital: The Clock is Ticking

-The Short-Term Trap: How Investor Pressure Shapes Decisions

-Activist Investors: The Loud Minority

-Executive Compensation: When Leaders Think Like Traders

-Making Better Trade-Offs: A Framework for Long-Term Thinking

-Sustainability: The Ultimate Long-Term Investment

Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.

The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.

Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

A new series into one of the most persistent—and misunderstood—mantras in business: “The market demands higher returns.”

With host Charlene Norman of Good Stewardship; Lasting impact

If you’re a business leader, executive, or anyone who’s ever sat through a board meeting where this phrase was uttered (likely with a dramatic sigh and a PowerPoint slide), you know how powerful and paralyzing it can be. But what if the “market” isn’t the all-powerful, faceless force we’ve been led to believe? What if the real drivers are far more specific, and the consequences of following this myth are more damaging than we realize?

Key Highlights

-The Origin Story: How the Myth Began

-The 1980s: Corporate Raiders and the Rise of Short-Termism

-The Lasting Impact: Executive Compensation and Activist Investors

-The Real “Market”: Who’s Actually Making Demands?

-The Consequences: What’s at Stake for Long-Term Value

-How Leaders Can Push Back and Prioritize Sustainability

Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.

The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.

Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.