Steve Wolff: Acquisitions Leader & Industrial Real Estate Strategist

There’s no single formula for team success—no silver bullet that guarantees high performance. In reality, thriving functional teams succeed by aligning four key factors: who is on the team (balanced abilities and strong soft skills), why the work matters (a clear, focused priority), how they work (an iterative approach), and what they choose to tackle (empowered decision-making). From strategy and digital transformation teams to governance boards, success is rooted in clarity, focus, and trust—not micromanagement or overloaded agendas.

Michael Crystal is a seasoned leadership advisor, executive coach, and organizational strategist with over 30 years of global experience in financial services, insurance, advertising, and the wine industry. As the founder of Myriad Development, he has guided executives and organizations through transformational change, talent development, and strategic planning. A trusted advisor, he has coached Fortune 500 leaders, including executives featured in Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,” and has played a pivotal role in leadership development across diverse industries. In addition to his consulting work, Michael is an accomplished author, educator, and speaker, having taught at two graduate schools and delivered impactful presentations on change management and talent strategy. He currently serves on multiple boards, providing governance and workforce development insights while contributing to philanthropic initiatives such as The Honor Foundation and WeSpeak. Passionate about leadership excellence, Michael is dedicated to helping organizations cultivate strong, high-performing teams that drive sustainable success.

A leader's fulfillment journey is inseparable from their role—it forms the foundation for empathy, connection, and trust. By developing self-awareness across the five life pillars—Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy—leaders can unlock their capacity to inspire and empower others. This framework isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance and integration, fostering a culture where employees bring their best selves to work. Fulfilled leaders create ripple effects, cultivating engaged teams and thriving organizations. Embracing self-aware leadership is not only a pathway to personal growth but also a blueprint for leaving a lasting legacy of fulfillment.

Building high-performing teams is both an art and a science, as Eric Himes expertly demonstrates in his guide to team excellence. He highlights the importance of understanding team dynamics, fostering trust, and creating a shared vision to align and motivate team members. With actionable strategies for improving communication—such as active listening and conflict resolution—and leadership techniques that inspire empowerment and continuous growth, Himes provides a comprehensive framework for team success. His insights remind us that investing in strong team foundations not only drives organizational achievement but also enriches the experiences of every team member, paving the way for lasting impact.

Executive coaching serves as a powerful catalyst for organizational growth by transforming leaders and driving better business outcomes. By leveraging advancements in applied neuroscience, coaching goes beyond traditional strategies to identify and address the key change-readiness skills that hold leaders back. This process rewires the brain to unlock essential competencies, enhancing both professional effectiveness and personal fulfillment. For example, a global supply chain leader struggling with executive presence can, through data-driven coaching, develop the gravitas needed to lead with confidence and influence. The result is not only improved individual performance but also stronger team dynamics and organizational success.

In today’s fast-paced tech industry, building high-performance technical teams is crucial to staying ahead of the competition. Drawing from my experiences at Wiz and Palo Alto Networks, I’ve learned that success hinges on three key elements: strategic recruitment, dynamic team management, and a culture of continuous innovation. Here’s a deep dive into these essential components and how they can be harnessed to create unstoppable technical teams. Strategic recruitment focuses on finding candidates who not only have the technical skills but also align with the company’s values and culture. Dynamic team management involves clear communication, empowerment, and continuous learning to foster collaboration and growth. Cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence encourages experimentation, recognizes achievements, and promotes a collaborative environment. By focusing on these key areas, leaders can assemble teams that exceed expectations and drive their organizations to new heights. At Wiz and Palo Alto Networks, I’ve seen firsthand the power of these principles in action, leading to teams equipped to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.