Network Risk - What's Going to Happen to JPMorgan Chase, Alistair Darling, Peter Mandelson and More?

 The American ethos is hard work. Do that to get what you want. However, the raw reality is that the tool for getting things done and career success is influence. The chase after becoming part of the powerful networks starts pre-school, at least for offspring of seasoned players. You are your networks. Having gold-plated ones attracts invitations to join others.

Yet, those contacts along the influence continuum can throw shade on a career/personal brand or actually trigger a major reversal of fortune as happened with Leon Black.

Currently scrutiny of those on the Jeffrey Epstein network has extended to present and past bigwigs at JPMorgan Chase and across the ocean in the UK to Alistair Darling, former chancellor, and Peter Mandelson, former business secretary. As with Black, the carnage could be comprehensive. Already at JPMorgan Jes Staley has been forced out. More heads could roll. In the UK could this be the start of another far-reaching Profumo scandal of the 1960s?

When the influence game is proceeding in its traditional and expected manner, the goodies can be outsized. Looping in with Epstein brought access to other movers and shakers, concrete business opportunities, funds and even fun.

Then once the well is poisoned there is no predicting the potential for severe penalties. Recall those on Fox News founder Roger Ailes’ network. After the law firm Paul Weiss conducted an internal investigation of alleged sexual misconduct, Ailes departed. Those who remained loyal such as Greta van Sustern lost professional momentum. Later she made public regret for that support.

So, how do you manage what could be called Network Risk? Others entangled in the Epstein web who landed on their feet had developed powerful professional identities independent of that contact point. They range from Bill Gates to Bill Clinton. They hedged. They didn’t put all the eggs in one influence basket. A one-dimensional association can be a platform for branding suicide. In Shakespeare’s history plays the meme is: The mob is fickle.

2023. It’s the year of AI, along with uncertainty, inflation, war and more. Jane Genova provides you with a complimentary check-in for your organization’s communications and your own career. It’s free. Content-creation and coaching provided on a sliding-scale fee basis. (for appointments text 203-468-8570 or janegenova374@gmail.com)