For ASX100 chiefs, experience in the US or Europe is a common ticket to leadership. But few have worked in Asia — and none have studied there.

Left-wing lawyers Slater & Gordon heads a large list of firms yet to withdraw advertising from The Alan Jones' Breakfast Show as pressure mounts on the conservative shock jock over his disgraceful Julia Gillard comments.

Politicians are railing against him, social media is in meltdown and advertisers are pulling their spending. Yet, despite his insensitive comments about Julia Gillard’s father to the Sydney University Liberal Club, Alan Jones’ status as the king of talkback seems as assured as ever.

Telstra is in the middle of a “rebranding campaign” managed by one of the nation’s best-known chief marketing officers, Mark Buckman. His detailed analysis of Telstra’s efforts offer insights for all leading companies about ways to measure return on investment in branding and marketing, although not all of them stand up to the scrutiny of experts.

For women on the ASX, there's hardly an old girls network to rely on for this, at least not in an official capacity based on visible boardroom connections. But there are 10 leading female super connectors, with the ability to reach a significant number of board members directly, or through an introduction.

While names like Rinehart, Forest and Palmer dominate headlines in the mining sector, and business leaders and politicians are prominent in economic debates, it can be hard to identify those who speak for the sector that is fundamentally transforming Australian business and society as we move into a digital age.

The past isn’t what it used to be. Once upon a time, digging up old stories about leaders -- business or political -- was a difficult, slow, painstaking job. But this digital world is different. If you think you have closed the lid on a long-distant problem and nailed it shut, think again.

There's something about David Thodey. In just three years, the Telstra chief's been able to mend fences with customers and suppliers, and even with both political sides.

Yesterday, Fairfax's top editors resigned as the company continued its push into the online era. That's created a new power triumvirate of Greg Hywood, Garry Linnell and Jack Matthews.

Kim Williams' video to staff yesterday, announcing radical surgery at News Ltd to keep the patient alive, displayed a brilliant bedside manner, especially when it came to telling staff that some of them would regrettably have to go.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart's bid to score a seat — or two — on the board of Fairfax Media looks increasingly likely after she lifted her stake in the company to over 15% overnight. So just who would director Rinehart be dealing with in the boardroom?

The men and women at the top of the country's largest organisations can make decisions that affect an incredible number of people: employees, shareholders, customers and suppliers among them. They can also get the government of the day to pay attention. Here's our shortlist of the country's most powerful CEOs and Chairs.

Despite the family trust shenanigans, Gina Rinehart looks likely to once again dominate the BRW Rich 200 list.

Poor Kerry would be turning in his grave, again. The word on the street – according to News Ltd reports – is that James Packer has decided to sell out of the media and spend his money on buying more casinos.

Political power in Canberra has become harder than ever to effectively use, so who's got the skills, popularity and support to wield it best? We're currently counting down the Top 10 most powerful and influential people in Canberra. Here, Bernard Keane presents the shortlist.

When The Power Index spoke to New Ltd boss Kim Williams late last year, he told us that he's not backward in coming forward. We reckon he's lived up to his word today.

Corporate governance experts say Gina Rinehart's big shareholding in Fairfax in no way entitles her to board representation.

We're not sure how Clive Palmer's going to manage his time if all the court battles he's vowed to pursue in recent months actually end up in court.

Casino mogul and political donor James Packer has distanced himself from Bob Katter's much-maligned gay marriage ads.

Australia still has a good way to go on gender equality. Luckily, we've got a long list of incredible women – and men, but mostly women – using their influence to tear down the patriarchy.