Celebrating Courageous Leadership: The 2026 Leadership Now Award Winners
The Leadership Now Project is excited to announce the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Leadership Now Awards, set to take place on May 11 in New York City. Recognized for their unwavering dedication to democracy and principled leadership, the awardees include Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve; Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov, co-hosts of the podcast Raging Moderates; and Tom Florsheim Jr., CEO of Weyco Group. This year's summit centers around the theme ‘A Roadmap for America's Next Chapter’, underscoring the vital role of courageous leadership in navigating the current political landscape.
These honorees personify the essence of the Leadership Now Project’s mission, which emphasizes the need for leaders who can rise above partisan politics to ensure a thriving democracy and economy. Each of these awardees has demonstrated extraordinary leadership qualities in their respective fields while advocating for actions that reinforce the rule of law and democracy.
Jerome Powell - Resisting Intimidation
Jerome Powell has exemplified the power of independent institutions during politically charged times. In a January video statement, he highlighted how essential the independence of the Federal Reserve is for maintaining market confidence and managing inflation. Amidst escalating scrutiny and politically driven pressures, Powell’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the foundational role of economic independence in the long-term success of the United States.
Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov - Amplifying the Centrist Voice
Media entrepreneurs Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov utilize their platforms, particularly the Raging Moderates podcast and Tarlov’s role on Fox News’ The Five, to foster dialogue across party lines. They spotlight the centralizing voices that are crucial for re-engaging disenchanted moderates in the political process. Their initiatives serve as a beacon for governing and a clarion call to defend the rule of law, emphasizing that the center of the political spectrum is pivotal for the health of American democracy.
Tom Florsheim Jr. - Business Leadership Against Overreach
As CEO of Weyco Group, Tom Florsheim Jr. has consistently challenged and resisted administration policies that undermine fair trading practices. His legal battles against unjust tariff policies highlight the role that business leaders can play in upholding the rule of law. Florsheim’s advocacy for objective redistricting and the protection of election integrity illustrates how corporate voices can bolster democratic values. His active participation as co-chair of Leadership Now's Wisconsin chapter has made him an instrumental figure in advocating for good governance.
In a heartfelt statement, Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares emphasized the common commitment shared by these leaders: “What unites these leaders is their commitment to our shared values and our Constitution, even if it comes at a personal or professional price. America's next chapter depends on leaders across every sector—including business, media, and government—who are willing to stand on principle.”
Scott Galloway expressed gratitude for the honor received from Leadership Now in a recorded acceptance speech, commending the organization’s role in fostering an environment that encourages principled leadership amid widespread outrage and polarization.
Tom Florsheim will personally accept his award at the summit, emphasizing the importance of the business community's voice in democracy. He stated, “Receiving this recognition from Leadership Now is a profound honor. Over the past five years, I've realized firsthand how powerfully the business community's voice can strengthen and safeguard our democracy.”
Jessica Tarlov will accept the award on behalf of Raging Moderates and facilitate a discussion at the summit about cultivating the next generation of political leadership. This panel will investigate the essentials of talent pipelines and institutional renewal, emphasizing their significance for a robust democracy and competitive economy.
The leadership exhibited by this year’s awardees echoes the central tenets of the Leadership Now Project: courage, pragmatic leadership, and a commitment to lawful conduct, often requiring sacrifices. Since its inception, the Leadership Now Project has recognized individuals who put country above party, standing firm in moments that test the foundations of institutional independence.
As the summit approaches, it promises to feature a diverse roster of speakers, including leaders from various sectors, exemplifying the organization’s commitment to utilizing diverse perspectives to champion democracy.
The 2026 Leadership Now Awards not only honor individual contributions but also highlight the importance of collective action towards maintaining democracy and fostering innovation. With figures like Powell, Galloway, Tarlov, and Florsheim at the forefront, the project exhibits a future where collaborative leadership paves the way for a more resilient America.
These honorees personify the essence of the Leadership Now Project’s mission, which emphasizes the need for leaders who can rise above partisan politics to ensure a thriving democracy and economy. Each of these awardees has demonstrated extraordinary leadership qualities in their respective fields while advocating for actions that reinforce the rule of law and democracy.
Jerome Powell - Resisting Intimidation
Jerome Powell has exemplified the power of independent institutions during politically charged times. In a January video statement, he highlighted how essential the independence of the Federal Reserve is for maintaining market confidence and managing inflation. Amidst escalating scrutiny and politically driven pressures, Powell’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the foundational role of economic independence in the long-term success of the United States.
Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov - Amplifying the Centrist Voice
Media entrepreneurs Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov utilize their platforms, particularly the Raging Moderates podcast and Tarlov’s role on Fox News’ The Five, to foster dialogue across party lines. They spotlight the centralizing voices that are crucial for re-engaging disenchanted moderates in the political process. Their initiatives serve as a beacon for governing and a clarion call to defend the rule of law, emphasizing that the center of the political spectrum is pivotal for the health of American democracy.
Tom Florsheim Jr. - Business Leadership Against Overreach
As CEO of Weyco Group, Tom Florsheim Jr. has consistently challenged and resisted administration policies that undermine fair trading practices. His legal battles against unjust tariff policies highlight the role that business leaders can play in upholding the rule of law. Florsheim’s advocacy for objective redistricting and the protection of election integrity illustrates how corporate voices can bolster democratic values. His active participation as co-chair of Leadership Now's Wisconsin chapter has made him an instrumental figure in advocating for good governance.
In a heartfelt statement, Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares emphasized the common commitment shared by these leaders: “What unites these leaders is their commitment to our shared values and our Constitution, even if it comes at a personal or professional price. America's next chapter depends on leaders across every sector—including business, media, and government—who are willing to stand on principle.”
Scott Galloway expressed gratitude for the honor received from Leadership Now in a recorded acceptance speech, commending the organization’s role in fostering an environment that encourages principled leadership amid widespread outrage and polarization.
Tom Florsheim will personally accept his award at the summit, emphasizing the importance of the business community's voice in democracy. He stated, “Receiving this recognition from Leadership Now is a profound honor. Over the past five years, I've realized firsthand how powerfully the business community's voice can strengthen and safeguard our democracy.”
Jessica Tarlov will accept the award on behalf of Raging Moderates and facilitate a discussion at the summit about cultivating the next generation of political leadership. This panel will investigate the essentials of talent pipelines and institutional renewal, emphasizing their significance for a robust democracy and competitive economy.
The leadership exhibited by this year’s awardees echoes the central tenets of the Leadership Now Project: courage, pragmatic leadership, and a commitment to lawful conduct, often requiring sacrifices. Since its inception, the Leadership Now Project has recognized individuals who put country above party, standing firm in moments that test the foundations of institutional independence.
As the summit approaches, it promises to feature a diverse roster of speakers, including leaders from various sectors, exemplifying the organization’s commitment to utilizing diverse perspectives to champion democracy.
The 2026 Leadership Now Awards not only honor individual contributions but also highlight the importance of collective action towards maintaining democracy and fostering innovation. With figures like Powell, Galloway, Tarlov, and Florsheim at the forefront, the project exhibits a future where collaborative leadership paves the way for a more resilient America.
Topics People & Culture）
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