The Latest ‘Ken Banta on Leadership’ Column: How High-Performance Leaders Navigate a Politicized M&A World

In his latest Substack feature, “High Performance Leadership in a Politicized M&A World,” Ken Banta, Founder and CEO of The Vanguard Network, examines how mergers and acquisitions have evolved far beyond financial metrics — becoming a test of leadership in an era defined by politics, regulation, and public scrutiny.

Banta draws on insights from a Vanguard Network discussion featuring experts from law, policy, and communications to reveal how political forces are reshaping global deal-making. From the U.S. Steel case to antitrust “mission creep,” the article highlights how today’s leaders must balance strategy, ethics, and diplomacy to succeed.

“The best leaders now combine business logic with political fluency,” Banta writes. “It’s not just about closing deals — it’s about building trust.”

Read the full article on Substack: High Performance Leadership in a Politicized M&A World.

About The Vanguard Network

The Vanguard Network is a leadership community and advisory platform that helps senior executives sharpen foresight, strengthen performance, and achieve impact. Through forums, exchanges, and programs, Vanguard convenes leaders across industries to share challenges and solutions in a confidential, collaborative setting.