Articles / Forbes Leadership: The Definitive Guide to Leadership Content, Resources and Insights from Forbes Magazine
LeadershipDiscover Forbes leadership content, top contributors, influential lists, and actionable insights. Learn how to leverage Forbes resources for your leadership development journey.
Written by Laura Bouttell • Sun 4th January 2026
For over a century, Forbes has shaped the global conversation on business leadership. What began as a print magazine in 1917 has evolved into a digital powerhouse reaching 140 million users worldwide, with 78 million in the United States alone and over 50 million social media followers. When executives seek authoritative perspectives on leadership, Forbes remains the benchmark against which other business publications measure themselves.
Forbes leadership content spans contributor articles, influential rankings, executive interviews, and thought leadership platforms that collectively offer an unparalleled repository of leadership wisdom. Understanding how to navigate and leverage these resources can accelerate your leadership development in ways that scattered internet searches simply cannot match.
Forbes approaches leadership content through multiple interconnected channels, each serving distinct purposes for different audiences. The publication's leadership ecosystem comprises editorial coverage, contributor networks, paid membership councils, influential rankings, and live events.
At the core sits Forbes' editorial team, responsible for creating and curating high-quality content across business, technology, leadership, and affluent lifestyles. This includes investigative reporting, opinion pieces, and breaking news coverage designed to engage Forbes' global audience. The team comprises diverse roles, including reporters, editors, and contributors specialising in different areas.
The Forbes Leadership Twitter account (@ForbesLeaders) offers "insights on leadership in every aspect of business and life for executives, aspiring leaders, and everyone else." This social channel distils the publication's leadership content into accessible formats for busy professionals.
Beyond editorial content, Forbes operates the Forbes Councils—a collective of vetted professional networking communities for senior executives and business owners across various industries. These invitation-only communities include Forbes Business Council, Forbes Coaches Council, Forbes Communications Council, Forbes Finance Council, Forbes Human Resources Council, Forbes Technology Council, and several others.
| Forbes Channel | Primary Audience | Content Type | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial Leadership Content | General readers | News, analysis, features | Free |
| Forbes Councils | Senior executives | Thought leadership articles | Paid membership |
| Forbes Rankings | Business community | Lists, profiles | Free |
| Forbes Events | Young leaders | Networking, summits | Ticketed |
| Forbes Contributors | Industry experts | Opinion, expertise | By invitation |
Forbes' contributor model represents one of the most significant innovations in business media. The publication has received contributions from over 2,500 individuals, with some contributors earning over $100,000 through traffic-based compensation. By 2019, Forbes published 100 articles daily, produced by 3,000 outside contributors.
Several contributors have built substantial reputations through their Forbes leadership writing:
Mark Murphy and Leadership IQ regularly publish Forbes articles covering psychological safety, team dynamics, and decision-making. Recent contributions include "Psychological Safety at Work: A Comprehensive, Science-Backed Guide for Business Leaders" and "The Herding Effect: How Group Behavior Shapes Decision Making."
Robert Reiss, Founder and CEO of the CEO Forum Group, has written over 350 articles for Forbes Online since 2009. His work covers how top CEOs approach strategy, turnaround leadership, crisis management, and the importance of diversity in leadership during challenging times.
Glenn Llopis has spent over a decade preparing leaders for what he terms "the age of personalisation," contributing articles that challenge conventional leadership thinking.
Ricky Muddimer has been a regular Forbes Councils contributor since 2023, sharing perspectives on leadership, change, culture, and productivity. His recent work explores how trust forms the foundation of effective leadership, noting that "without trust, strategies falter, innovation stalls and organisations come to a standstill."
Esther Choy of Leadership Story Lab contributes articles focused on narrative and storytelling in leadership contexts.
The Forbes Councils model enables industry experts to publish thought leadership directly on Forbes.com. Members receive editorial support to develop their content, though strict guidelines prohibit direct company promotion. Content must align with Forbes Media's broader goals, presenting a limitation for those seeking flexible thought leadership opportunities.
Forbes leadership content consistently returns to several themes that define effective modern leadership. Synthesising insights from numerous contributors reveals patterns that distinguish exceptional leaders from merely competent managers.
Trust emerges as the foundational element across Forbes leadership content. Without trust, strategies falter, innovation stalls, and organisations come to a standstill. This insight resonates particularly in an era of remote work and distributed teams, where leaders cannot rely on physical presence to build relationships.
Forbes contributors frequently address how leaders handle ambiguity. Uncertainty proves anathema to leaders and most human beings. Our minds constantly attempt to predict what happens next, and uncertainty can throw us into either a "Zoom In" or "Zoom Out" state. The best approach involves toggling between both perspectives—examining details whilst maintaining strategic vision.
A leadership gap exists when an organisation's leadership lacks the capabilities to execute on business strategy, either today or in the future. As strategy evolves and changes, leadership requirements must adjust accordingly. Forbes content emphasises that leaders must embrace complexity rather than deny it, run from it, or attempt to reuse outdated playbooks.
Perhaps the most provocative insight comes from automotive executive Javier Pladevall: "Leadership today is about unlearning management and relearning being human." Forbes articles highlight a troubling paradox—the qualities organisations select for and reward, including ambition, perfectionism, and competitiveness, are precisely those unlikely to produce leaders good for employees or long-term organisational performance.
Psychological safety represents the cornerstone of high-performing teams and thriving workplaces, enabling open communication, creativity, and innovation. Forbes contributors warn that even well-intentioned leaders can unknowingly erode this environment through dismissing feedback, micromanaging, or prioritising results over relationships.
| Leadership Theme | Core Insight | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Trust | Foundation of all effective leadership | Demonstrate consistency between words and actions |
| Uncertainty | Toggle between detail and strategic views | Build comfort with ambiguity; avoid false certainty |
| Leadership Gaps | Strategy evolution requires leadership evolution | Regular competency assessment and development |
| Human Leadership | Unlearn management, relearn being human | Prioritise relationships over transactions |
| Psychological Safety | Enables innovation and honest communication | Model vulnerability; welcome dissenting views |
Forbes has established several prestigious rankings that shape perceptions of leadership excellence globally.
Between 2009 and 2018, Forbes compiled an annual list of the world's most powerful people. The list allocated one slot for every 100 million people globally—67 slots in 2009, growing to 75 by 2018. Selection criteria included the human and financial resources individuals commanded and their influence on world events. The list represented the collective wisdom of top Forbes editors, who considered hundreds of nominees before ranking power-brokers based on their scope of influence and financial resources relative to peers.
Since 2004, Forbes has published an annual ranking of the 100 most powerful women globally. Edited by prominent Forbes journalists including Moira Forbes, the list uses criteria including visibility and economic impact. In 2025, the gauge focused on "where do women hold real power." Taylor Swift took fifth place, marking the first time since the list's inception that an entertainer broke into the top five, soaring from 79th place in 2022.
Forbes 30 Under 30 has become one of the most prestigious recognitions awarded to young entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders under 30. Since 2011, Forbes has highlighted individuals disrupting industries across technology, healthcare, entertainment, social activism, and beyond.
The American list comprises 600 people, with 30 selected in each of 20 sectors. By 2016, nominations exceeded 15,000, with Forbes editors and industry experts selecting winners based on innovation, impact, and leadership—specifically "a proven track record of leadership, entrepreneurship, or visionary thinking."
The 2026 class represents the 15th annual list, recognising 600 leaders from North America across 20 industries. Collectively, the 2026 class has raised $3.8 billion in funding and amassed over 200 million social media followers. Notably, 70 percent of the 2026 cohort are Gen Z, up from 50 percent the previous year.
Over fifteen years, Forbes 30 Under 30 lists have spotlighted over 12,000 young leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. The 30 Under 30 Hall of Fame includes past honourees such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, LeBron James, and Spotify founder Daniel Ek.
Forbes partners with data companies to produce the World's Most Influential CMOs list, analysing marketing leadership across global organisations. The list examines both quantitative metrics and qualitative influence assessments.
Using Forbes strategically can significantly enhance leadership development, provided you understand how to navigate its various resources effectively.
Rather than consuming Forbes content passively, develop a systematic approach. Follow @ForbesLeaders on social media for curated leadership insights. Identify contributors whose perspectives align with your leadership challenges and bookmark their contributor pages. Set Google Alerts for Forbes articles on specific leadership topics relevant to your role.
Forbes Councils membership requires investment—standard one-year membership costs $2,700 plus a $600 initiation fee, totalling $3,200. Premium membership reaches $7,400 annually. Benefits include publishing up to 10-12 bylined articles yearly on Forbes.com, appearing in expert panel roundups, accessing a private community of business leaders, and receiving dedicated concierge support.
The membership proves most valuable for executives seeking to establish thought leadership credentials. Articles appear in Google News results and LinkedIn's "Mentioned in the News" feature, building authority and trust. However, strict content guidelines prohibit direct company promotion, and your content must align with Forbes Media's broader goals.
Study Forbes rankings not merely as lists but as case studies in leadership excellence. When Forbes profiles 30 Under 30 honourees or Most Powerful Women, examine the criteria that earned recognition. These selection factors—innovation, impact, leadership track record—offer frameworks for evaluating your own leadership development.
The Forbes Under 30 Summit brings together young leaders and entrepreneurs for networking and learning. The 2026 Summit will be held in Phoenix. These events provide opportunities to learn directly from featured speakers and build relationships with emerging leaders across industries.
| Development Approach | Investment | Key Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Content Consumption | Time only | Broad leadership perspectives | All leaders |
| Forbes Councils Membership | $3,200-$7,400/year | Thought leadership publishing | Senior executives |
| Event Attendance | Varies | Direct networking | Emerging leaders |
| Contributor Tracking | Time only | Deep expertise access | Specialists |
Forbes' executive coverage provides intimate glimpses into leadership philosophy and practice at the highest levels.
Sherry Phillips made history as the first female CEO in Forbes' 107-year history. After joining Forbes in 1996 as publisher of ForbesLife, Phillips held multiple roles including chief sales and marketing officer and chief revenue officer before her promotion. At 53, her ascent demonstrates that sustained excellence across diverse roles builds the foundation for top leadership positions.
Under Phillips' leadership, Forbes has made strategic appointments positioning the company for growth, innovation, and long-term success. Nina Gould was promoted to chief innovation officer overseeing technology and product businesses. Kyle Vinansky became chief business and strategy officer, leading the new "AI & Strategic Platforms Group" focused on identifying, building, and scaling next-generation revenue streams with emphasis on AI, social media, and creators.
Former CEO Mike Federle transformed Forbes from a print magazine into a global digital giant with 140 million users by revamping the newsroom model, building the contributor network, and embracing native advertising. His tenure offers lessons in leading organisational transformation whilst preserving brand heritage.
With over 350 Forbes articles since 2009, Robert Reiss has assembled perhaps the most extensive archive of CEO perspectives available. His interviews reveal patterns: top CEOs agree that customers should drive business strategy; breaking down silos enables innovation; entrepreneurial thinking matters at every organisational level; and great turnarounds focus on people rather than processes.
Forbes leadership content encompasses editorial articles, contributor pieces, executive interviews, and rankings published across Forbes.com and Forbes magazine. The primary access point is Forbes.com, where the Leadership section aggregates relevant content. Additionally, the @ForbesLeaders Twitter account curates leadership insights for social media consumption. Forbes Councils members contribute thought leadership articles that appear throughout the site, often tagged with the contributor's council affiliation.
Becoming a Forbes contributor requires demonstrating expertise and submitting writing samples that meet Forbes' editorial standards. Contributors must write thought-provoking pieces, conduct extensive research, and provide relatively unbiased perspectives. Forbes typically requires contributors to submit several articles monthly to maintain their status. Alternatively, joining Forbes Councils through paid membership provides guaranteed publishing opportunities with editorial support.
Forbes 30 Under 30 is an annual recognition programme identifying 600 notable individuals under 30 across 20 industry sectors. Selection criteria include innovation, impact, and demonstrated leadership—specifically "a proven track record of leadership, entrepreneurship, or visionary thinking." Nominations exceed 15,000 annually, with Forbes editors and industry experts selecting 30 winners per category based on these stated criteria.
Forbes Councils membership value depends on your objectives. At $3,200 to $7,400 annually, the primary benefit is publishing bylined articles on Forbes.com that appear in Google News and LinkedIn's "Mentioned in the News." Members can publish 10-12 articles yearly with editorial support. For executives seeking thought leadership credibility, the Forbes brand association provides significant value. However, strict content guidelines prohibit direct promotion, limiting flexibility for those primarily seeking marketing exposure.
Forbes contributors and editors frequently recommend classic leadership texts including Warren Bennis' "On Becoming a Leader"—Bennis was deemed "the Dean of Leadership Gurus" by Forbes—Peter Drucker's "The Effective Executive," and Jim Collins' "Good to Great." Modern recommendations include Simon Sinek's "Start With Why," Patrick Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," and Kim Scott's "Radical Candor." Michael Watkins' "The First 90 Days" appears on Amazon's "100 Leadership & Success Books to Read in a Lifetime."
Forbes leadership coverage has shifted from purely editorial content to a multi-channel ecosystem including the contributor network, Forbes Councils, rankings, and events. Digital transformation under former CEO Mike Federle expanded reach to 140 million users globally. Recent strategic appointments under CEO Sherry Phillips focus on AI, social media, and creator platforms, suggesting leadership coverage will increasingly incorporate these dimensions. The 30 Under 30 programme reflects growing attention to emerging leadership, with 70 percent of the 2026 class being Gen Z.
Forbes differentiates through scale and accessibility. The contributor network of over 2,500 individuals produces approximately 100 articles daily, offering breadth that traditional editorial teams cannot match. Forbes rankings—Most Powerful People, Most Powerful Women, 30 Under 30—create recognisable benchmarks that shape leadership discourse globally. The paid Forbes Councils model enables executive voices to reach Forbes' audience directly, though this approach has attracted criticism for blurring editorial and sponsored content lines.
Forbes leadership content represents one of the most comprehensive resources available for executives seeking to develop their capabilities. Whether through free editorial content, paid Councils membership, or studying Forbes rankings as case studies, thoughtful engagement with Forbes resources can meaningfully accelerate your leadership journey.