Toronto CHRO Forum Webinar - Leading from Anywhere
At the latest Toronto CHRO Forum, i4cp’s Senior Vice President of Research, Rob Cross, explored findings from i4cp’s recent research, Leading from Anywhere: Driving Results in the Age of Distributed Work. Drawing on extensive research across more than 800 organizations, Rob revealed why so many leaders are struggling in today’s dispersed, high-collaboration environments—and what sets the most effective ones apart. He highlighted how invisible demands such as collaboration overload and digital friction drain leadership energy, while emphasizing the targeted practices that high-performing leaders use to stay focused, build trust, and amplify team performance.
Key Takeaways
- Leadership Effectiveness Under Pressure: i4cp’s data shows that 58% of leaders are seen as only somewhat effective in distributed work settings, pointing to an urgent need for new approaches to leadership development.
- The Hidden Burden of Over-Collaboration: Excessive meetings, fragmented priorities, and digital overload are undermining leadership capacity and well-being.
- Six Overlooked Capabilities: Top-performing leaders stand out for their ability to manage energy, foster trust-based networks, and focus collaboration where it matters most.
- Four Leadership Archetypes: Rob introduced four common leadership profiles—from the Overloaded Operator to the Connected Catalyst—that help organizations identify where leaders thrive or struggle.
- From Traits to Practices: High-performance leadership isn’t about charisma or confidence—it’s about precision collaboration, clarity, and purpose-driven connection.
Rob’s insights challenge traditional assumptions about what makes leaders effective in a distributed world. Watch the on-demand recording to uncover how your organization can develop leaders who thrive amid complexity—reducing burnout, improving alignment, and driving sustainable results in the age of distributed work.
Resources Shared
- i4cp’s Executive Brief: Leading from Anywhere—Driving Results in the Age of Distributed Work
- i4cp’s 2026 Next Practices Now Conference – Join senior HR leaders to explore emerging research and case studies in Scottsdale, Arizona.
As a reminder, the Toronto CHRO Forum – co-hosted by i4cp and The Talent Company– was open exclusively to senior HR executives. To encourage open dialogue and collaboration, vendors and consultants were not permitted.
