The Strategy Skills Podcast: Management Consulting | Strategy, Operations & Implementation | Critical Thinking

Marcy Syms, former CEO of Syms Corporation and president of the Sy Syms Foundation, reflects on leadership, governance, and the responsibilities of stewarding a family-founded, publicly traded business. Her perspective blends the operational discipline of retail with long-term thinking shaped by philanthropy and board service.   Syms underscores that organizational resilience rests on clear governance, candid communication, and leaders willing to face hard choices directly. As she puts it, “Leaders are not tested when things are going well—they’re tested when the pressure is on and they have to make tough decisions.”   Key insights from the discussion include: Governance as Stewardship Boards must challenge assumptions and safeguard alignment between values, accountability, and performance. “The role of an independent director is not to be a cheerleader, it’s to really be a steward.” Succession in Family Enterprises Generational expectations can create friction with shareholder responsibilities. Codifyi