Genesco’s proxy fight with the Radoff–Jumana Group tested whether an activist playbook—stake-building, governance pressure, capital allocation criticism, and board nominees—could beat a turnaround story. Shareholders chose Genesco’s Footwear First strategy, but now the company must prove the vote of confidence was deserved.

Volkswagen is cutting up to half of its vehicle lineup, but the real story is what happened in the boardroom. The July 9 Supervisory Board meeting may have approved the first phase of Volkswagen's transformation—while leaving the most difficult decisions for another day.