Director Magazine Autumn 2026  View our autumn issue in full

The magazine features advertising legend Rory Sutherland on the problem with rationality – by leaning too heavily into process and too little into emotion, are firms failing to reach their potential? Dr Alberto Torres says inertia could be to blame – companies are repeating what brought them historic success, thus making them vulnerable to future disruption. Yet perhaps hope is at hand: our cover story shows how CFOs are shedding their fusty stereotype and instead becoming exactly the dynamic, strategic leaders that can lead their firms into new opportunities.

Has your company been beguiled by the stardust of celebrity? International marketing honcho Allyson Stewart-Allen explores the risks of devolving your brand-value to influencers. Be careful out there.

Meanwhile, the BBC’s MaryLou Costa returns with a study of the nepo-CEO. Is it wise to hand your firm to your offspring? Most big companies prefer outsiders. Yet with the right practices, there remain ways to keep things in the family.

And, fresh from party conference season, we feature Rachel Millward, the Greens’ probusiness voice. Read our interview with Millward – and hear how she would combine ecology and economy to help boost growth.