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Russell Reynolds Associates

Redefiners

A Careers , Business and Management podcast

#160 in Careers · 🇯🇵
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About the show

Call them changemakers. Call them rule breakers. We call them Redefiners. And in this provocative podcast, we explore how daring leaders from across industries and around the globe are redefining their organizations—and themselves—to create extraordinary impact in today’s rapidly changing world. In each episode, Russell Reynolds Associates former CEO Clarke Murphy, Leadership Advisor Marla Oates, and Chief Science Officer Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, host engaging, purposeful conversations with leaders in and out of the business world who share their insights and perspectives on how they lead, boldly. You’ll come away with fresh ideas and tangible takeaways on how you can redefine your own leadership trajectory—no matter where you are on your journey. Leadership Lounge A sister mini-series to the Redefiners podcast, Leadership Lounge gives listeners unfettered access to our global team of leadership experts, who share real-world answers to your most-pressing leadership questions—from how you can give and receive feedback to the benefits of having a mentor. Hosted by RRA leadership advisor Emma Combe, each 15-20-minute episode lifts the curtain on how great leaders think, act, and lead, helping you build your own leadership muscles, whether you’re just starting out or already at the top. Our Hosts: Clarke Murphy, Marla Oates, Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, and Emma Combe : Clarke Murphy leverages 30 years of experience in the executive recruiting industry to advise on critical leadership mandates across sectors—including Fortune 100 board searches and CEO successions. Based in New York, he has provided leadership advisory services to corporations such as Duke Energy, Deutsche Bank and Siemens, as well as private equity firms including the Carlyle Group. Since joining the firm in 1988, Clarke has held several senior level roles at the firm, working both in Europe and the US. Clarke was the CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates from 2011-2021, where he led the firm through unprecedented growth. Previously, he led the CEO & Board Advisory Practice, served as Head of the Americas region, and was a member of the firm’s board of directors and Executive Committee. Marla Oates is a leadership advisor at RRA who is passionate about connecting organizations with influential leaders and trailblazers who can inspire and drive change in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on identifying and recruiting exceptional talent for Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, and board searches, Marla has successfully partnered with hundreds of Fortune 500 organizations and private equity firms throughout the technology, industrial, and consumer sectors to identify and recruit top talent.Based in Austin, she has the privilege of fostering community and curating meaningful connections for C-suite executives and board members. Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Science Officer at RRA and is an international authority in people analytics, talent management, leadership development, and the human-AI interface. His commercial work has focused on the creation of science-based tools that improve organizations' ability to predict performance, and people's ability to understand themselves. He was recently the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, and is a co-founder of DeeperSignals and MyTrudy, as well as Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University. He has previously held academic positions at New York University and the London School of Economics, and lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School, London Business School, Johns Hopkins, IMD, and INSEAD, as well as being the CEO at Hogan Assessment Systems. As the host of Leadership Lounge, Redefiners’ sister podcast, Emma Combe leads the UK Board Practice for Russell Reynolds Associates. She excels at identifying board chairs, CEOs, and executive and non-executive directors for listed, private equity, and family-ow...

Newest episodes

A Foot on the Brake and a Foot on the Accelerator with Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi – Part 2

31 min

The leaders who last are the ones who embrace continuous learning, and who understand what the job really demands. In part two of our conversation with former PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi, Clarke and Indra explore what leading through change costs, and what it takes to govern and invest in a world where technology is outpacing most boardrooms. Indra discusses prioritizing her time carrying the message of transformation country by country, while earning board support with a 20-page memo and one-on-one meetings. She shares why early wins matter and why it’s critical to focus on both the right and left sides of the decimal point. As a director, she explains how boards can stay relevant in the age of AI and makes the case for a "3.0" model of private equity built on growth and patience. She also reflects on the redefining moments of her career and why she prefers work-life "coexistence" to balance.  We’ll also hear from Laura Sanderson, Global Co-Lead of Russell Reynolds Associates’ Transformation Practice, who shares why leaders may need to rethink what successful transformation looks like when change never really stops.  Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  Sequence early wins and focus on both sides of the decimalBoth CEOs and board members must be lifelong learnersPrivate equity 3.0 needs a new growth model built on patience and leadership successionCareers are built through agility and redefining moments, not a rigid plan A closer look at the research from this episode: Transforming Without a Finish Line2025 Transformational Leadership StudyGlobal CEO Turnover IndexGlobal Corporate Governance Trends for 2026The Catalyst CEO: Why CEOs Can’t Lead Transformation Alone—And What the Best Do InsteadWhy Tech-Q Alone Isn’t Enough: Bringing the Right Technology Expertise into the Boardroom If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Lessons from a Catalyst CEO: How Jean-Pascal Tricoire Sparked a 20-Year Transformation at Sc...

A Foot on the Brake and a Foot on the Accelerator with Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi – Part 1

24 min

Transformation is easy to praise when it’s successful but hard to live through, especially when the business appears to be doing well and the market isn’t demanding you to change it. In a special in-person two-part episode, Clarke Murphy sits down with Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo and now a board director at Honeywell, Amazon, and Philips, for a masterclass conversation for any leader pursuing change that the market may not reward right away. Indra traces how growing up in Madras, India, with "a foot on the brake and a foot on the accelerator," shaped her leadership. She unpacks the thinking behind PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose: why she launched it from a position of strength, how she won her board over one director at a time, and how she held her ground against skeptics. She makes the case that AI transformation starts with leaders going back to school and running pilots before writing big consulting checks. And she explains the difference between "micro understanding" versus micromanagement. We’ll also hear from Jens-Thomas Pietralla, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates and co-leader of our Global Board and CEO Advisory Partners practice, who shares how boards can bring the right technology expertise into the boardroom.  Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  Run the company for its lifetime, not your tenure, to better recognize and act on transformation opportunitiesTrain the top, then go deep into the details to develop micro-understandingStart AI with leadership education and pilots before deploying itFreedom within an established frame builds better leaders A closer look at the research from this episode: 2025 Transformational Leadership StudyGlobal CEO Turnover IndexGlobal Corporate Governance Trends for 2026The Catalyst CEO: Why CEOs Can’t Lead Transformation Alone—And What the Best Do InsteadWhy Tech-Q Alone Isn’t Enough: Bringing the Right Technology Expertise into the Boardroom If you enjoyed this episode,...

How CEOs Can Overcome Resistance to Transformation and Make Change Stick

18 min

Transformation is at the top of the agenda for CEOs. The rise of AI is forcing even the most successful organizations to rethink how they operate and create value. Yet despite the time, energy, and investment going into transformation, success remains stubbornly difficult to achieve. The reality is that transformation is incredibly complex. It requires thousands of people to let go of familiar ways of working, make different decisions, and move in a new direction. And that inevitably creates resistance. So, how can CEOs overcome that resistance and make transformation stick? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Russell Reynolds Associates CEO and author of The Catalyst CEO, Constantine Alexandrakis, alongside leadership advisors Sean Dineen and David Mills,who share their perspectives on: Why even the strongest transformation strategies can struggle to translate into lasting changeHow CEOs can identify and respond to different forms of resistanceWhy building ownership across the leadership team, board, and wider organization mattersHow CEOs need to adapt their own leadership style to make transformation stick “The key shift CEOs need to make is from seeing themselves as someone who has to command transformation from the top to creating the conditions where people can co-own and co-lead it together.” Constantine Alexandrakis  CEO, Russell Reynolds Associates and author of The Catalyst CEO Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Four things you'll learn from this episode Resistance to transformation does not have a single cause. People may not understand why change is necessary, feel a natural pull toward the status quo, or genuinely support the transformation but face barriers that prevent them from acting. Understanding which type of resistance you are dealing with is critical to responding effectively.CEOs cannot impose transformation and expect it to stick. Lasting change requires ownership across the organization. Bringing the l...

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All episodes

A Foot on the Brake and a Foot on the Accelerator with Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi – Part 2

31 min

The leaders who last are the ones who embrace continuous learning, and who understand what the job really demands. In part two of our conversation with former PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi, Clarke and Indra explore what leading through change costs, and what it takes to govern and invest in a world where technology is outpacing most boardrooms. Indra discusses prioritizing her time carrying the message of transformation country by country, while earning board support with a 20-page memo and one-on-one meetings. She shares why early wins matter and why it’s critical to focus on both the right and left sides of the decimal point. As a director, she explains how boards can stay relevant in the age of AI and makes the case for a "3.0" model of private equity built on growth and patience. She also reflects on the redefining moments of her career and why she prefers work-life "coexistence" to balance.  We’ll also hear from Laura Sanderson, Global Co-Lead of Russell Reynolds Associates’ Transformation Practice, who shares why leaders may need to rethink what successful transformation looks like when change never really stops.  Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  Sequence early wins and focus on both sides of the decimalBoth CEOs and board members must be lifelong learnersPrivate equity 3.0 needs a new growth model built on patience and leadership successionCareers are built through agility and redefining moments, not a rigid plan A closer look at the research from this episode: Transforming Without a Finish Line2025 Transformational Leadership StudyGlobal CEO Turnover IndexGlobal Corporate Governance Trends for 2026The Catalyst CEO: Why CEOs Can’t Lead Transformation Alone—And What the Best Do InsteadWhy Tech-Q Alone Isn’t Enough: Bringing the Right Technology Expertise into the Boardroom If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Lessons from a Catalyst CEO: How Jean-Pascal Tricoire Sparked a 20-Year Transformation at Sc...

A Foot on the Brake and a Foot on the Accelerator with Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi – Part 1

24 min

Transformation is easy to praise when it’s successful but hard to live through, especially when the business appears to be doing well and the market isn’t demanding you to change it. In a special in-person two-part episode, Clarke Murphy sits down with Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo and now a board director at Honeywell, Amazon, and Philips, for a masterclass conversation for any leader pursuing change that the market may not reward right away. Indra traces how growing up in Madras, India, with "a foot on the brake and a foot on the accelerator," shaped her leadership. She unpacks the thinking behind PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose: why she launched it from a position of strength, how she won her board over one director at a time, and how she held her ground against skeptics. She makes the case that AI transformation starts with leaders going back to school and running pilots before writing big consulting checks. And she explains the difference between "micro understanding" versus micromanagement. We’ll also hear from Jens-Thomas Pietralla, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates and co-leader of our Global Board and CEO Advisory Partners practice, who shares how boards can bring the right technology expertise into the boardroom.  Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  Run the company for its lifetime, not your tenure, to better recognize and act on transformation opportunitiesTrain the top, then go deep into the details to develop micro-understandingStart AI with leadership education and pilots before deploying itFreedom within an established frame builds better leaders A closer look at the research from this episode: 2025 Transformational Leadership StudyGlobal CEO Turnover IndexGlobal Corporate Governance Trends for 2026The Catalyst CEO: Why CEOs Can’t Lead Transformation Alone—And What the Best Do InsteadWhy Tech-Q Alone Isn’t Enough: Bringing the Right Technology Expertise into the Boardroom If you enjoyed this episode,...

How CEOs Can Overcome Resistance to Transformation and Make Change Stick

18 min

Transformation is at the top of the agenda for CEOs. The rise of AI is forcing even the most successful organizations to rethink how they operate and create value. Yet despite the time, energy, and investment going into transformation, success remains stubbornly difficult to achieve. The reality is that transformation is incredibly complex. It requires thousands of people to let go of familiar ways of working, make different decisions, and move in a new direction. And that inevitably creates resistance. So, how can CEOs overcome that resistance and make transformation stick? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Russell Reynolds Associates CEO and author of The Catalyst CEO, Constantine Alexandrakis, alongside leadership advisors Sean Dineen and David Mills,who share their perspectives on: Why even the strongest transformation strategies can struggle to translate into lasting changeHow CEOs can identify and respond to different forms of resistanceWhy building ownership across the leadership team, board, and wider organization mattersHow CEOs need to adapt their own leadership style to make transformation stick “The key shift CEOs need to make is from seeing themselves as someone who has to command transformation from the top to creating the conditions where people can co-own and co-lead it together.” Constantine Alexandrakis  CEO, Russell Reynolds Associates and author of The Catalyst CEO Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Four things you'll learn from this episode Resistance to transformation does not have a single cause. People may not understand why change is necessary, feel a natural pull toward the status quo, or genuinely support the transformation but face barriers that prevent them from acting. Understanding which type of resistance you are dealing with is critical to responding effectively.CEOs cannot impose transformation and expect it to stick. Lasting change requires ownership across the organization. Bringing the l...

Lessons from a Catalyst CEO: How Jean-Pascal Tricoire Sparked a 20-Year Transformation at Schneider Electric

31 min

In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability for an organization to adapt and transform is critical. But while nearly 75% of leaders believe that their organization risks going out of business without fundamental transformation in the next decade, only 29% say that their organization has been very or extremely successful in its transformation efforts. In today’s Redefiners, Schneider Electric Chairman Jean-Pascal Tricoire joins Russell Reynolds Associates CEO Constantine Alexandrakis and leadership advisor Marla Oates to talk about why and how he led an audacious transformation of the company to become a global technology leader in software, sustainability, digitization, and electrification. Jean-Pascal talks about how he got the board, executive leaders, and team aligned around this new sense of transformational urgency and the first steps he took in the process. He shares why he built a leadership team designed for tension and friction to drive better decision-making, and how he got things back on track if something didn’t go according to plan. And he shares how he maintained his own vision and energy throughout the 20-year transformation process. We’ll also hear from Sean Dineen, leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who shares why organizations can struggle to make change stick—even when the need to transform is clear. Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  What it means to be a Catalyst CEO to recognize transformation opportunities while aligning your board, leadership team, and people around the urgency How to use “micro-movements” and storytelling to create transformation at scale How to create productive tension and friction on a leadership team for better decision-makingThe differences of driving transformation as a board member versus a CEO If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine AlexandrakisLeadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Futu...

Leadership Lounge: From Offer Letter to Day One: How First-Time CEOs Lay the Groundwork for Success

18 min

When a CEO steps into the role, the focus is often on the first 100 days. But preparation should begin much earlier. The weeks—and sometimes months—between accepting the offer and officially starting provides a valuable opportunity to build (or evolve) relationships, reflect on the leader you want to be, and put the right support around you. So, how can first-time CEOs use the period before day one to lay the groundwork for a strong start? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe is joined by leadership advisors Ty Wiggins, Shannon Knott, and Marie-Osmonde Le Roy de Lanauze-Molines to explore how first-time CEOs can make the most of the transition period between accepting the role and officially starting. They discuss: Why the transition period looks different for internal and external CEO appointmentsWhat new CEOs should prioritize before day one.How first-time CEOs can prepare themselves personally for the demands of the roleWhy thinking about impact, legacy, and support systems shouldn’t wait until after you start “Every CEO transition introduces change, and every change is experienced through people.” — Shannon Knott  Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Four things you’ll learn from this episode: Why external CEOs should be wary of early assumptions: Board papers, interviews, and conversations can tell you a lot about an organization, but they cannot give you a complete picture of its culture, ways of working, or leadership team. External CEOs need to remain open-minded and be prepared to test their early impressions once they are in the role. Which relationships matter early on: Use the transition period to establish a strong working relationship with the chair, listen to individual board members, and understand the perspectives of other influential leaders.How your leadership may need to evolve: The appointment process can offer valuable insight into your strengths, blind spots, and development areas. Use that feedback to consider how your leaders...

From Bankruptcy to Revival: Cracking the Gen Z Code with Pacsun CEO Brieane Olson

33 min

With around 2 billion people globally in Gen Z—roughly 25% of the world’s population—it’s no surprise so many consumer companies are racing to connect with them, drawn to their spending influence today and their growing economic power tomorrow. Yet capturing their loyalty is anything but straightforward. In today’s Redefiners episode, Tomas and Marla talk with a leader in youth fashion, Pacsun CEO Brieane Olson, who seems to have cracked the code on Gen Z and even wrote a book on it: Co-Created: The Cultural Strategy That Redefined Pacsun. Brieane shares how she helped lead Pacsun's turnaround after bankruptcy, the leadership lessons that shaped her early days as CEO, and how she shifted the culture from "brand telling" to "customer listening" and co-creation. She also covers how Pacsun is using AI to deepen customer relationships and drive sales, along with her playbook for building authentic partnerships that resonate. We’ll also hear from Emmy Melville, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who shares how today’s leadership teams can sustain performance when change never stops. Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  Tips on stepping into the CEO roleHow to go from “brand telling” to customer listening Insights on developing authentic brand partnershipsIdeas on how to use AI to deepen customer connections If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Paws, Purpose & Profit: A Conversation with Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowanLeadership Lounge: Why Decision-Making Is Becoming Harder for C-Suite Leaders—and How You Can Overcome ItMusic with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with PurposeLeadership Lounge: How to Create and Maintain Impact as a LeaderOutwork the Competition: Jordan Brand’s Winning Strategy with President Sarah MensahLeadership Lounge: Generation Collaboration: How Leaders Can Harness the Power of Multi-Generational Teams A closer look at the research from this...

Leadership Lounge: How to Build Trust as an Outside CEO in a Family Enterprise

16 min

Stepping into a family enterprise as an outside CEO is unlike taking the helm of almost any other organization. You’re stepping into a business shaped by generations of history, deeply held values, and personal relationships. That means trust cannot be assumed. Outside CEOs need to understand what matters to the family, build relationships across the enterprise, and recognize that even seemingly small decisions can carry significant weight. So, how can outside CEOs earn the trust they need to lead effectively, while respecting the legacy they have been entrusted to protect? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe is joined by leadership advisors Hugo Healing and Burak Gorbon to explore what it takes to succeed as an outside CEO in a family enterprise. They discuss: What makes leading a family enterprise different from other CEO rolesHow outside CEOs can establish credibility and build relationships with family stakeholdersHow to navigate the expectations and complexities that come with leading a family-owned enterpriseHow to balance the need for transformation with respect for the family’s legacy “You're a custodian of something that's very personal to people.” — Hugo Healing Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Four things you’ll learn from this episode: Trust must be earned: The CEO title provides authority, but family stakeholders still need to develop confidence in the person behind it.Preparation starts before day one: Learning the family’s history, relationships, values, and expectations gives outside CEOs a stronger foundation for success.Small actions send big signals: Seemingly routine decisions can take on greater significance when they appear inconsistent with the family’s values.Transformation needs shared ownership: Involving family stakeholders and recognizing their contribution can help position change as evolution rather than rejection of the past. In this episode, we discuss: (00:05:32) Why modifying a company car caused one outside CE...

The Eight Moves to Rewrite Your Leadership Playbook with Former IG Group CEO June Yee Felix

26 min

Every leader needs a playbook to keep the organization operating consistently, cut through ambiguity, and align teams around a shared vision and goals. But many playbooks weren’t designed for an era defined by increasing uncertainty and relentless change. In today’s Redefiners, Tomas and Marla talk with former IG Group CEO June Yee Felix about how she had to rewrite her own leadership playbook after stepping into the CEO role during a time of increased regulation and scrutiny. She explores why leaders need to rewrite their playbooks to better navigate chaos and uncertainty, and shares the eight moves they’ll need to do it. She also discusses the characteristics that make up an effective board and the role boards play when it comes to tech and AI governance.  We’ll also hear from Margot McShane, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates and co-founder of RRA Artemis, an initiative to create more future-ready CEOs. She’ll explain why traditional CEO succession planning is no longer enough and how boards can build stronger leadership pipelines for an uncertain future. Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to prepare for stepping into a leadership role at a difficult time Why leaders need to change their leadership playbooks and what should they doWhat are the characteristics of an effective board and what is its role when it comes to tech and AI governanceWhat is contributing to increasing CEO turnover and how are boards preparing for CEO appointments and succession If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Winning in Volatility: How Trafigura Chairman Jeremy Weir Built a Global PowerhouseLeadership Lounge: Why Decision-Making Is Becoming Harder for C-Suite Leaders—and How You Can Overcome ItThe Only Certainty Is Change: Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on AI, Innovation & Market EvolutionLeadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual TransformationThe Necessity of Change with...

Leadership Lounge: How to Succeed as an Interim CEO

19 min

Interim CEO appointments are on the rise. As boards contend with increasing leadership turnover, unexpected CEO departures, and growing pressure from stakeholders, many are turning to interim leaders to provide stability while they identify the right long-term successor. But succeeding as an interim CEO is far from straightforward. Leaders are often expected to build trust quickly, make important decisions with limited information, and create momentum across the organization—all while operating under significant uncertainty about their own future. So, how can interim CEOs succeed in the role? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Efe Ekhaese, Aimee Williamson, and Justus O'Brien—who share their perspectives on: ▪ Why boards are increasingly appointing interim CEOs  ▪ The unique pressures and challenges that come with leading on an interim basis  ▪ How leaders can build trust, clarity, and momentum during periods of transition  ▪ What aspiring permanent CEOs should consider when navigating interim appointments "The most fraught word in interim leadership is ambiguity. The first question that an interim CEO needs to ask is: Why am I here? What am I trying to accomplish?" Justus O'Brien  Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Four things you'll learn from this episode Interim CEOs don't have the luxury of a traditional onboarding period. With limited time and high expectations, they must absorb information quickly and make decisions before they have complete certainty.There is no universal playbook for interim leadership. Some situations require leaders to preserve stability, while others demand rapid transformation—success depends on understanding which mandate the board has given you.Trust is built faster when leaders look beyond the executive leadership team and listen to the layers below. Engaging stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization helps interim CEOs make better...

Rewriting the Playbook: How FMF President Mikel Arriola Is Reinventing Football in Mexico

29 min

World Cup madness has taken over the world. And while you’re screaming “Allez les Bleus!”, “Vamos Vamos Argentina!”, “I Believe That We Will Win!”, “It’s coming home!”, “Vamos Nippon!”, “¡Cielito Lindo”, "Olé, Olé, Olé!" or any other team chant at the World Cup, there are thousands of people who have been planning and sweating the details so that you can watch the games and cheer your team to victory. Today, we’ll speak with someone who is leading that team in Mexico, as Marla and Tomas sit down with the Commissioner and President of Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Mikel Arriola. Mikel shares how he regrouped after a setback running for political office to step into the top roles at FMF and Liga MX. He digs into how he aligned his team to execute an audacious World Cup strategy across three host cities in Mexico, guiding the organization through the complexity, politics, and stakeholder demands of both FMF and FIFA. And he discusses how technology and AI are redefining sports. We’ll also hear from Navio Kwok, a leadership specialist at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will share his perspective on whether the lessons learned in professional sport can help explain why so many athletes go on to become successful leaders.  Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to align your leadership team and navigate complexity, politics, and stakeholder demands to execute an audacious strategyHow to regroup and move forward after a setbackHow to manage competing priorities and conflicts to drive decisionsIdeas on building the culture and skills needed for technology and AI transformation If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: The Business of Football with Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin DemoffLeadership Lounge: Why Decision-Making Is Becoming Harder for C-Suite Leaders—and How You Can Overcome ItExploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth PoratLeadership Lounge: How GenAI Can Elevate—A...

Leadership Lounge: Why Decision-Making Is Becoming Harder for C-Suite Leaders—and How You Can Overcome It

18 min

The ability to make sound decisions has always been a defining leadership capability. But for today’s C-suite leaders, the challenge is greater than ever. Rapid change, increasing uncertainty, and a constant flow of information mean leaders are often required to make high-stakes decisions without having all the answers. In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with leadership advisors Ilana Abramowicz and Henryk Krajewski to explore why decision-making is becoming more challenging in the C-suite—and the practices leaders can adopt to make better decisions and sustain performance. They discuss: The forces making decision-making harder at the top of organizations How leaders can navigate decisions when every option involves difficult trade-offsThe practical tools leaders can use to make better decisions under pressure “Go fast where learning is cheap. Be careful where being wrong is expensive.” Henryk Krajewski Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates Four things you'll learn from this episode: Great decision-making starts with creating space to think. C-suite leaders who are “always on" risk burnout and decision fatigue, making it harder to exercise sound judgment when it matters most.Values provide critical decision-making guardrails. When facts are incomplete and every option carries consequences, clarity about what leaders stand for helps them make difficult decisions with confidence and integrity.Strong leaders know the difference between conviction and ego. The best decision-makers remain open to new evidence and avoid becoming overly attached to their original ideas.High-performing executive teams bring discipline to decision-making. Clear accountability, constructive challenge, and knowing when to move quickly—or slow down—help top teams make better decisions and execute them more effectively. In this episode, we will cover: (02:33) Why leaders often fall into analysis paralysis (04:12) The impact of being "always on" and how it can...

Banking on Change: How Standard Chartered Group Chief Executive Bill Winters Stays Ahead

29 min

Stepping into the CEO role is a challenging transition for any leader to make. It’s even more challenging when you know you’re stepping into the role at a turbulent time in an organization’s history. Our guest today experienced that transition over a decade ago and has since built a compelling story of transformation and value creation. Standard Chartered Group Chief Executive Bill Winters joins Marla Oates and Clarke Murphy to talk about why he knowingly stepped into the role at a challenging time at the bank and what he did to restore confidence in the company. Bill shares how he manages innovation and perpetual transformation in a highly regulated industry, including how the bank is using AI, reskilling teams, and continuing to evolve with digital assets. He also unpacks how he builds relationships and trust with his board, including plans for the next CEO succession.  We’ll also hear from Henryk Krajewski, leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who shares his perspective on how CEOs can unlock greater value in today’s environment. Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  What are some the first steps to take to restore confidence in a company in turmoilWhat are the keys to value creation and balancing innovation with risk How to think about succession planning and working with your boardHow to lead perpetual change  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Transformation in Turbulent Times with Former Telstra CEO Andy PennLeadership Lounge: How New CEOs Build Productive Relationships With Their BoardTalking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie KochLeadership Lounge: The Art of Succession: How to Identify Tomorrow's Leaders TodayThe Necessity of Change with President and CEO of Wells Fargo Charlie ScharfLeadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual Transformation A closer look at the research from this episode: How CEOs Unlock the Hidden Barrier to Value...

Leadership Lounge: Staying Sharp at the Top: How CEOs Can Use Mentors to Sustain Performance

14 min

The demands of the CEO role don’t stand still—and neither can the leaders in it. Yet while many executives benefit from mentorship on the path to the top, far fewer maintain it once they arrive. In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Suzanne Bose-Mallick to explore how mentorship helps CEOs sustain performance in one of the most demanding roles in business. They discuss: Why many CEOs stop engaging with mentors—and why that can limit their effectivenessThe moments when mentorship matters most, from succession to transformationHow mentors support CEOs in building relationships with their boards, making top team decisions, and deciding between competing prioritiesThe difference between a mentor and a chair—and why independence can be important “An external mentor allows a CEO to have consequence-free conversations…a space where they can truly express their concerns.” - Suzanne Bose-Mallick, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates Four things you’ll learn from this episode: Mentorship becomes more valuable at the top: The transition into the CEO role often increases the need for external perspective, not reduces it. Challenge sharpens performance: The best mentors hold CEOs to account, helping them make better, more grounded decisions. Independence creates space for honesty: Unlike internal stakeholders, external mentors offer a confidential environment for candid reflection and clearer thinking. Impact depends on the CEO: The most effective mentoring relationships require preparation, openness, and a willingness to be challenged.  In this episode, we will cover: (1:53) Why CEOs must continually evolve to stay effective  (2:38) How mentorship supports leaders through high-stakes transitions  (5:20) When to seek a mentor—and why it’s never too late  (6:53) The role of mentors in grounding decision-making under pressure  (8:44) Mentor vs. chair: understanding the difference  (10:55) What CEOs must bring to get value from mentorship  (...

Scaling Giving: How GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan Connects 190 Million People to Help Each Other

30 min

The term “crowdfunding” was coined in 2006 by entrepreneur and technologist, Michael Sullivan. The number of crowdfunding tools and companies have grown since then, but the purpose has remained the same—democratizing access to capital for those who need it. GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan joins Marla Oates and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to talk about how his organization is helping people help each other, connecting more than 190 million people to raise $40 billion since the company’s founding in 2010. Tim digs into the key drivers to scaling and growing the business, including embedding purpose, technology, and AI. He delves into the psychology of asking for and receiving help, and how emotion and the need for human connection impact fundraising. And he shares his journey from entrepreneur CEO to board chair, and how he shifted and evolved his leadership style along the way. We’ll also hear from Emma Combe, leadership advisor and the UK Board Practice Leader at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will share what it really takes to move from an executive role into the boardroom. Emma is also the host of Redefiners’ sister podcast, Leadership Lounge, where she asks our advisors to answer some of the most pressing questions senior leaders face.   Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  The top leadership and tech/AI drivers to scaling and growing a businessHow to embed purpose into a culture and team to help guide strategy and decision makingThe psychology of giving and asking for helpTips on building your leadership team across different stages of a company’s growth If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David MilibandLeadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board DirectorLeading with Faith and Purpose with His Eminence Cardinal DolanLeadership Lounge: How GenAI Can Elevate—And Expose—Today’s LeadersMusic with a Mission: Former MTV...

Leadership Lounge: Advice on How to Be an Effective Board Chair

20 min

Stepping into the board chair role is a pivotal moment in any leadership journey—one that requires a fundamental shift in mindset and approach. You’re not just contributing to the discussion; you’re responsible for shaping boardroom dynamics, drawing out collective insight, and ensuring the board focuses on what matters most.  In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe is joined by Rich Fields, Laura Sanderson, and Margot McShane to explore what separates effective board chairs from the rest—and how new chairs can establish credibility and impact from day one.  They discuss:  How the board chair role differs across governance structures and geographies  The balance between facilitating discussion and maintaining strategic focus  The leadership behaviors of high-performing board chairs  How board chairs can build strong, productive relationships with their CEOs    “Being an effective chair isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating the conditions for better questions, better conversations, and ultimately better decisions.”  Emma Combe, Leadership Advisor, RRA   Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  The role of the chair is to enable—not control: Great chairs focus on orchestrating the board’s effectiveness, rather than driving outcomes themselves.  Facilitation is a critical leadership skill: The best chairs create space for diverse perspectives, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.  Perspective shapes performance: High-performing chairs bring a broad internal and external view, helping boards focus on the issues that matter most.  The chair–CEO relationship is foundational: Trust, clarity, and open communication between the chair and CEO are essential to organizational success.   In this episode, we will cover:  (02.11) The evolving role of the board chair across different governance models  (03.54) The core responsibilities of board chairs and how they differ from executives (07.28) The leadership behaviors of high-performing board...

Winning in Volatility: How Trafigura Chairman Jeremy Weir Built a Global Powerhouse

26 min

There’s no shortage of uncertainty and change in the world these days, which is why it’s a frequent topic on Redefiners. This is especially true in the world of commodities, as perhaps no other industry has to deal with the level of uncertainty and volatility that comes with the global trade of energy, metals, and minerals.    Trafigura Chairman Jeremy Weir joins Clarke Murphy and Marla Oates to discuss how he scaled the employee-owned company during his time as CEO to become one of the world’s leading commodities groups. Jeremy talks about how he identified and developed leaders and talent to manage that growth while staying ahead of constant volatility and change. He shares insights from his transition into the CEO role, and how he’s shifted his leadership style as Chairman to help the company and the next CEO succeed. He also talks about how AI is being used at Trafigura to reshape the business and where they’re placing the biggest bets.    We’ll also hear from Dee Symons, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will share her perspective on how leaders can respond effectively in times of uncertainty.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:   Preparing for a transition to a CEO and board role Ways to identify and develop leaders and talent during times of rapid growth Decision-making during volatile and uncertain times Making big bets with AI and how to manage the risks If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Digging Deep: Leadership, Growth & Risk with BHP CEO Mike Henry Leadership Lounge: How New CEOs Build Productive Relationships With Their Board From Chaos to Clarity: How Bain Capital’s John Connaughton Leads Through Volatility Leadership Lounge: How to Build a Top-Performing C-suite – The Leadership Blueprint for Sustained High Performance The Only Certainty Is Change: Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on AI, Innovation & Market Evolution Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leader...

All in the Family: Leadership Lessons from the World’s Biggest Family Offices with Stephan Roche

35 min

Since the establishment of the first family offices in the 19th century, there are now more than 8,000 single family offices globally. These offices hold over $5 trillion in total estimated wealth today, an amount expected to grow to over $9 trillion by 2030.    In today’s Redefiners episode, Marla Oates and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic talk with Stephan Roche, a Partner with BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors. His previous roles included CEO of Walton Enterprises – the philanthropic and private investment group for the Walton family – and COO of Cascade Asset Management – the private investment office for Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation. Stephan talks about the importance of purpose in a family office and how he navigates decision making with family members who may have a different perspective when it comes to the family wealth strategy. He shares his thoughts on the role of philanthropy and impact in a family office. And he talks about the importance of developing next generation leaders to ensure they’re ready to take on the leadership and governance roles of a family office.    We’ll also hear from Jeff Warren, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will share what truly distinguishes today’s most effective family office leaders—and why the role is more complex than ever.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:   The key traits needed to be a successful family office leader, including navigating decision making with family members The roles of leadership, power, philanthropy and impact in family offices The critical need to develop next generation leaders in a family office How family office leaders can avoid falling into the Tradition Trap to ensure success and longevity   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Sweet Success: How Mars Blends Family, Values, and Growth with former Mars SVP & Head of Corporate Development Valerie Mars Leadership Lounge: How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead i...

Leadership Lounge: How GenAI Can Elevate—And Expose—Today’s Leaders

19 min

Generative AI is reshaping how leaders think, decide, and communicate. Used thoughtfully, it can sharpen strategic thinking and accelerate decision-making. But when GenAI output replaces genuine insight, it can expose leaders who can't defend their thinking under pressure.  In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Amy Scissons, Sean Dineen, and Fawad Bajwa to explore how senior leaders can harness GenAI's potential while avoiding its pitfalls.  They discuss:  How C-suite leaders are using GenAI in their work  The growing concern about "workslop"—GenAI-generated output that lacks real insight The critical skills needed to pressure-test GenAI output and avoid shallow thinking Why transparency and accountability matter more as GenAI becomes embedded in workflows   “Leaders carry a lot of wisdom. They need to feed that wisdom into AI and educate it. Context is king.”  Sean Dineen, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates    Four things you'll learn from this episode:  1. GenAI can elevate strategic thinking: senior leaders are using GenAI as a sparring partner to pressure-test decisions, create board personas, and refine their perspectives before high-stakes moments.  2. Polish doesn't equal depth: GenAI-generated output can look impressive, but it can also lack substance. Leaders who can't defend their thinking under scrutiny will be exposed.  3. Critical thinking is your competitive advantage: the ability to interrogate GenAI output, provide context, and apply wisdom separates leaders who use GenAI effectively from those who outsource their judgment.  4. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable: leaders must own their outputs, regardless of how much GenAI contributed to the process.  In this episode, we will cover:  (02:00) Using GenAI as a sparring partner and creating board personas to pressure-test strategic thinking.  (04:39) Why senior leaders should experiment with GenAI tools to build confidence before trusting them...

Transformation in Turbulent Times with Former Telstra CEO Andy Penn

32 min

Transformation continues to be the word at the top of leaders’ minds. Whether it’s due to changes in technology with AI, market shifts, the regulatory landscape, or unexpected global events, leaders are looking to transform their organization’s operations and culture to be more agile, innovative, and resilient.    In today’s Redefiners, Marla Oates and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic talk with former Telstra CEO and managing Director, Andy Penn, about how he led the transformation of Australia’s largest telecommunications company. Andy shares what it was like stepping into the CEO role at Telstra at a turbulent time for the company, its customers, and the board. He talks about the key lessons he learned leading a multi-year company-wide transformation effort, and how he put the right team and culture together to get it done. He also talks about his current roles in cybersecurity, providing critical insights on how to prepare for and deter cyber-attacks.     We’ll also hear from Tuck Rickards, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will discuss what he believes is the leadership formula for effective AI transformation.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:   The key steps and KPIs when implementing a transformation project Tips on putting together the right leadership team and organizational culture to help make reinvention happen How to prepare for cyber-security risks while balance the productivity benefits of AI projects How to successfully transition from CEO to board and advisory roles   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Leadership Lounge: How to Build a Top-Performing C-suite: The Leadership Blueprint for Sustained High Performance Trust Your Gut: AXA’s Thomas Buberl Talks Transformation and Reinvention Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual Transformation Driving Transformat...

Leadership Lounge: How New CEOs Build Productive Relationships With Their Board

21 min

For new CEOs, few relationships matter more—and few are more complex—than the relationship with their board. The tone set in the first year can either establish the board as a powerful ally or create friction that slows progress.   In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe is joined by three of our trusted leadership advisors Rusty O’Kelley, Anita Wingrove, and Ty Wiggins, to explore how new CEOs can build trust, alignment, and effective ways of working with their boards—and how that relationship evolves over time.   They discuss:   Why the CEO–board relationship is so critical in the first year of leadership  What new CEOs should seek to understand about their board before and during the transition  How transparency and candor build credibility and trust  Where conflict most often arises between CEOs and boards—and how to navigate it constructively     “You ultimately want their perspective on key matters. And for that, they need to have the unvarnished truth.”    Ty Wiggins  Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:   Early engagement with board members helps new CEOs understand individual perspectives, priorities, and expectations—reducing the risk of misalignment later on.  Clear priorities, timelines, and metrics give boards confidence and prevent anxiety from filling information gaps.  Candor builds trust—boards are most effective when CEOs share the full picture, including challenges, alongside a clear plan forward.  The CEO–board relationship must evolve over time, with periodic resets helping to maintain alignment.    In this episode, we will cover:   (01:45) Why the CEO–board relationship is critical in the first year   (03:10) How new CEOs should prepare for working with multiple board perspectives   (05:05) What to understand about the board during the selection and transition phase   (10:30) What effective transparency with the board really looks like   (13:40) How to share difficult news witho...

Leading with Faith and Purpose with His Eminence Cardinal Dolan

29 min

Leadership is crucial to provide vision, direction, and motivation, guiding individuals and organizations toward common goals and overall success. This is true whether it’s in business, society, or your local community.     Today, Clarke Murphy sits down with His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a well-known leader in the Catholic church, in the New York City community, and around the world. Cardinal Dolan shares his path to leadership roles in the Church and how he looks at developing the next generation of Church leaders. He talks about what goes into electing the next Pope and lessons on leading through uncertainty. He’ll explore the commonalities that business and religious leaders have when it comes to the challenge of earning and developing trust. And he shares his views on the role of faith in today’s world of technology and change.    We’ll also hear from Dean Stamoulis, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who shares why thoughtful succession planning—and the responsible transfer of power—are essential to long-term leadership continuity.     Four things you’ll learn from this episode:   The key insights business leaders can learn from religious leaders to help them build and maintain trust in their organizations The criteria that go into deciding who the next Pope will be and how to manage through leadership uncertainty The critical skills and traits to look for in the next generation of leaders His views on the role of faith today in a fast-changing world   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  The Urgent Race to Create 800 Million Jobs: World Bank President Ajay Banga’s Global Challenge Leadership Lounge: How to Create and Maintain Impact as a Leader Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David Miliband Leadership Lounge: The Art of Succession: How to Identify Tomorrow's Leaders Today Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems Leade...

The Truth About Talent, AI, and Why Some Leaders Get It Wrong with RRA Chief Science Officer Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

33 min

Welcome back for Season 6 of Redefiners! What better way to kick off the new year than introducing Russell Reynolds Associates’ first-ever Chief Science Officer, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic. And if that wasn’t enough, Emma Combe from the Leadership Lounge joins Marla Oates for this special conversation.    In this episode, Tomas shares his latest research on talent management, leadership development, and the human-AI interface. He’ll explain why authenticity is overrated, how to use negative thinking as a positive force, and what leaders new in their roles can do to gain competence and confidence to be successful. He’ll dig into AI and how people can stand out in a sea of technology while avoiding the growing problem of “AI workslop.” He’ll look at how AI is impacting the traditional career ladder and what leaders need to do to develop young talent for future leadership roles. And he’ll highlight the key leadership topics he’s tracking in 2026.    We’ll also hear from Amy Scissons, RRA’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, who will highlight a key AI challenge many leaders are only just beginning to notice.     Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to rethink authenticity and use negative thinking as a positive force What leaders new to their roles need to do to gain competence and be successful How to avoid AI workslop and how AI is impacting the traditional career ladder What are the key leadership topics Tomas is tracking in 2026   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  The Leadership Lessons That Shaped Us: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Redefiners Leadership Lounge: How to Create and Maintain Impact as a Leader Banking on AI: How Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti Is Rewriting the AI Playbook Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI’s potential: Are you ready to lead the charge? Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO 

Redefiners 2025 Wrapped: What's Next for Leaders

46 min

There was no shortage of challenges for leaders in 2025, as they navigated a year filled with uncertainty and change. Leaders’ skills were tested as they steered their organizations through changes in the global economy, geopolitics, AI transformation, succession planning, and board relationships.    In this final Redefiners episode of the season, hosts Marla Oates and Simon Kingston take a look back at 2025, highlighting how guests from the year are navigating these challenges. Hear from former CEO and current Chairman of Coveo Louis Têtu and Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti on AI transformation; World Bank President Ajay Banga on culture change; Russell Reynolds Associates CEO Constantine Alexandrakis, Pets At Home CEO Lyssa McGowan, and former President and CEO of Marvel Entertainment Peter Cuneo on stepping into the CEO role; Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman and former chair and CEO of MTV International Bill Roedy on leadership; plus insights from RRA leadership advisors in the Leadership Lounge.    If you’d like to hear more, check out all the episodes of Redefiners and Leadership Lounge.    Redefiners and Leadership Lounge will return with more conversations with global leaders in January 2026, so be sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode!     Happy holidays! 

Leadership Lounge: How to Create and Maintain Impact as a Leader

18 min

Creating leadership impact isn’t about one defining moment—it’s about the ripple effects your leadership generates over time. In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Shannon Knott and Erin Marie Collins to unpack what meaningful impact looks like today, and how leaders can sustain it.  They explore:  Why impact extends beyond results to the experience others have of your leadership. The key skills—curiosity, adaptability, and an understanding of your purpose—that enable long-term influence. How to evaluate whether your leadership is truly landing across stakeholder groups. Why reflection and feedback loops are essential to maintaining credibility and trust.   “Leaders who can sustain real impact do so because they’re able to stay curious. They continually learn and adjust. They treat leadership less like a position and more as a practice.”    — Shannon Knott, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates    Four things you'll learn from this episode  Impact is intentional: define it consciously and test it objectively through feedback. Curiosity sustains relevance: stay adaptable and open to learning at every stage. Feedback fuels evolution: build a trusted “cabinet” to give unfiltered perspectives. Purpose anchors action: a clear sense of values helps leaders maintain credibility and trust.   In this episode, we cover:  (01:35) How you define leadership impact and why it extends beyond results to lasting influence  (04:10) The skills that sustain long-term impact  (07:25) Why leadership must shift from mastery and control to influence and judgment as careers progress  (09:42) Practical ways to assess whether your impact is landing across teams and stakeholders  (12:10) How reflection, feedback, and purpose create a rhythm for sustained leadership effectiveness  (14:38) What inspirational leaders do differently to remain authentic and effective over time      A closer look at the research from this episode:  Edelman Trust Baromet...

The Urgent Race to Create 800 Million Jobs: World Bank President Ajay Banga’s Global Challenge

28 min

Roughly 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in developing countries over the next 10-15 years. However, current projections show that only 420 million jobs are expected to be created by that time, meaning millions of young people will be left without a clear path to employment.     World Bank President Ajay Banga joins Clarke Murphy and Marla Oates on Redefiners to talk about what the Bank is doing about it, and why job creation is so critical to both developing countries and the global economy. Ajay talks about what he’s doing to transform the 80-year old institution into a faster, more efficient, and more impactful partner in development, including partnering more with the private sector to increase investments in emerging markets. He also discusses what he calls the Decency Quotient and how leaders can tap into that in order to lead people with a hand on their back, not in their face.    We’ll also hear from Rebecca Hart, a leadership advisor in our Atlanta office, who will discuss why the most successful leaders prioritize curiosity over having all the answers.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to get everyone aligned with a bold mandate, mission and vision and how to deal with challenging feedback Why job creation is a critical piece in global development Why the private sector is critical to international development  What the Decency Quotient is and why it matters for leaders today   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Music with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with Purpose Leadership Lounge: Built to Last or Built to Learn: How Leaders Can Develop Resilience Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David Miliband Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual Transformation Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems Leadership Lounge: Be...

Leadership Lounge: How to Be an Effective Board Director When Everything Is On Fire

18 min

Board directors operate in an environment of high complexity and volatility. The question isn't whether crises will occur—it's whether directors have the skills, judgment, and relationships to navigate them effectively. In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to two of our trusted advisors—Gwenael Quere and Ted Dysart—who share their perspectives on: The key skills effective board directors utilize during periods of sustained uncertaintyWhen it's appropriate to step in versus trust management to handle critical decisionsHow to balance individual perspective with building board consensus during volatile momentsThe best approach for managing competing demands when serving on multiple boards facing simultaneous challenges "One key trait is being able to ask the right questions, but also ask those questions in the right way. If a director gets into a meeting and starts asking questions that feel like a trap, the management team will just shut down." -Ted Dysart  Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates Four things you'll learn from this episode Staying calm, exercising sound judgment, and leading with empathy are three essential traits needed by board directors to effectively navigate volatility.How to get the balance right between being deeply informed and engaged without crossing the line into managing the business during a crisis. Why you must support your CEO’s wellbeing during prolonged stress. A CEO who can’t think clearly is a risk to the entire organization.Structured post-crisis reflection builds organizational resilience—boards that capture and institutionalize lessons from crisis experiences perform better in the future. In this episode, we will cover: (01.50) The key skills board directors should utilize during sustained volatility (03.31) The art of asking the right questions without creating traps for management (05.44) How to decide when to step in versus when to let management handle critical decisions (09.45) Balancing individual perspect...

Sweet Success: How Mars Blends Family, Values, and Growth with former Mars SVP & Head of Corporate Development Valerie Mars

36 min

How does a more than 100-year-old family-owned business continue to evolve and grow across generations to become one of the largest privately held companies in the world? On today’s Redefiners episode, Clarke and Marla are joined by Valerie Mars, former Senior Vice President & Head of Corporate Development for Mars, Incorporated, to talk about how the Mars family grew a small kitchen-table candy company into a $55 billion diversified global food and pet care enterprise.    Valerie talks about the family’s decision to bring in a non-family CEO, how the Five Principles and Mars Compass are used to guide decision-making and nurture a values-driven culture, and what they’re doing to develop the next generation of family leaders.    We’ll also hear from Anuradha Chawla, a leadership advisor in our Toronto office, who will explore when family enterprises should consider introducing non-family management.   Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  The business and cultural impact of bringing in a non-family CEO to a family-owned enterprise The key traits that make a successful non-family CEO Mars’ Five Principles and the Mars Compass and how they’ve helped guide the company through growth and change How to develop future next generation leaders and how to deal with family succession tensions that may arise    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Leading with a North Star: Former Decathlon CEO Barbara Martin Coppola's Blueprint for Bold Change Leadership Lounge: How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world? From Chaos to Clarity: How Bain Capital’s John Connaughton Leads Through Volatility Leadership Lounge: The Art of Succession: How to Identify Tomorrow's Leaders Today Paws, Purpose & Profit: A Conversation with Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan Leadership Lounge: Built to Last or Built to Learn: How Leaders Can Develop Resilience 

Leadership Lounge: How to Build a Top-Performing C-suite: The Leadership Blueprint for Sustained High Performance

16 min

The C-suite is the engine room of organizational success, yet most leaders struggle to build one that truly performs. It's not just about hiring talented individuals—you need the right mix of complementary skills, aligned vision, and chemistry that transforms organizations.  In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to two of our trusted advisors—Danny Ryan and Andres Gil-Casares—who share their perspectives on:  The biggest mistakes CEOs make when building executive teams and how to avoid them Why cultural fit and behavioral alignment matter as much as technical excellence How to build C-suites that can drive transformation and adapt to future challenges Why leaders who admit mistakes and foster open dialogue create higher-performing teams   "You need to find people that are interested in learning things instead of just knowing things. This means having people on your teams who are interested in asking questions, getting out of the comfort zone, and thinking outside the box."     Andres Gil-Casares  Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates    Four things you'll learn from this episode  Avoid the echo chamber—hiring executives who think like you can create dangerous groupthink; prioritize diversity of thought over comfort and familiarity. Balance technical excellence with cultural fit—the most damaging hires have strong credentials but undermine company values, causing talented people to leave. Create psychological safety for fast learning—C-suites that can admit mistakes, test quickly, and iterate outperform those focused on appearing perfect. Address performance issues quickly and compassionately—the top regret amongst new CEOs is not moving fast enough on making changes to their top team.   In this episode, we will cover:  (01:52) The risk of unconscious bias and why hiring people who challenge you is critical  (03:49) Why cultural fit can't be underestimated when making C-suite hires  (06:17) The distinction between learning and knowing and why curio...

The Art of the Superhero Turnaround with former Marvel Entertainment CEO Peter Cuneo

29 min

Marvel Studios and many of its numerous characters are household names around the world. Their superhero-powered movies earn hundreds of millions and sometimes billions of dollars at the box office, including the #2 top grossing movie of all time – Avengers: Endgame. They’re also arguably one of the top turnaround stories of the past 20 years, as they rose like a phoenix from the ashes of bankruptcy to ultimately sell to Disney for $4.5 billion.    In today’s Redefiners episode, Simon and Marla suit up to talk with Peter Cuneo, former CEO of Marvel Entertainment and the leader who led the turnaround of this storied company, along with several other global brands. Peter shares his story of how he got into the business of turnarounds and why he’s attracted to risk as a leader. He takes us through how he conquers the common challenge of getting the leadership and culture right at the companies he’s led. And he shares some of the 28 leadership tips he’s compiled over the course of his storied career into a list he fittingly calls Essentials for Superhero Leadership (which you can also find in podcast form at Superhero Leadership).    We’ll also hear from Hetty Pye, a leadership advisor in our London office, who will discuss why transformation efforts fail and what senior leaders can do about it.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  What are the first things to focus on in a turnaround and how to get your people and board aligned  How to make an organization’s culture more productive, creative, and effective What to look out for in a shift from CEO to Board role What are the top leadership essentials of Superhero Leadership   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Leading with a North Star: Former Decathlon CEO Barbara Martin Coppola's Blueprint for Bold Change Leadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board Director Music with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bi...

Leadership Lounge: Built to Last or Built to Learn: How Leaders Can Develop Resilience

18 min

In an era where adaptability trumps consistency, the leaders who survive and thrive are those who've mastered the art of bouncing back stronger. Yet our Global Leadership Monitor reveals that leaders' preparedness to face threats such as uncertain economic growth and geopolitical uncertainty is at its lowest point since we began tracking in 2021.    The question isn't whether setbacks will come—it's whether leaders have built the genuine resilience to weather them. And more critically, how can executives create resilient organizations where entire leadership pipelines can adapt and flourish under pressure?    In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to two of our trusted advisors—Joey Berk and Maja Hadziomerovic—who share their perspectives on:    How to recognize the warning signs when leadership resilience is waning Practical strategies for recovery and building sustainable energy management practices The role of vulnerability in creating high-performance, psychologically safe teams Why the biggest misconceptions about resilience actually undermine leadership effectiveness   "When we think about exercising physically or learning a new skill, being in that growth mentality and constantly stretching is what builds resilience and pushes us to do what's less comfortable."   — Joey Berk, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates    Four things you'll learn from this episode:  1.True resilience integrates three sources of intelligence—cognitive clarity, somatic awareness, and emotional authenticity work together to create leaders who can navigate uncertainty with confidence.   2.Energy management beats time management—resilient leaders audit and proactively manage their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy.    3.Organizational resilience requires systematic investment—build resilience at scale through stretch assignments, mentorship programs, and cultures that reward vulnerability over impression management.   4.Authentic vulnerability drives per...

The Leadership Lessons That Shaped Us: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Redefiners

35 min

After four years and 100 episodes of extraordinary conversations with world-class leaders, what are the most powerful leadership lessons that have emerged? In this milestone episode, hosts Simon Kingston and Marla Oates dig through the Redefiners archives to share the top 10 leadership insights.     From Ruth Porat's revelation that not having a rigid career plan was her secret weapon, and Debra Martin Chase's unshakeable determination in Hollywood, to Will Guidara's $2 hot dog that redefined hospitality excellence—these aren't just inspiring anecdotes. They're battle-tested lessons from leaders who've built careers with real impact across technology, finance, entertainment, hospitality, and global governance.    Simon and Marla reveal their most memorable moments from conversations with CEOs like Adena Friedman at Nasdaq, Brad Smith at Microsoft, Tony Capuano at Marriott, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the World Trade Organization. They explore how these leaders navigated everything from AI transformation and crisis management to building authentic cultures and making unpopular decisions.    "Do people need to learn before they leap? I actually think they need to leap in order to learn.” – Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President     Four things you'll learn from this episode:  Why the most successful leaders embrace uncertainty and leave their doors open to unexpected opportunities How to build the resilience and grit needed to navigate setbacks and transform failure into your competitive advantage The critical importance of putting people first during times of crisis and organizational transition Why authentic leadership—being unapologetically yourself—creates the strongest foundation for long-term success Featured leaders:  Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer, Alphabet and Google Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO, Nasdaq Debra Martin Chase, Film and Television Producer Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft David Rubenstein, Co-Founder...

Leadership Lounge: Leadership Under Fire: How Mentorship Can Help C-suites Turn Headwinds Into Opportunity

18 min

C-suite executives face an unprecedented cascade of simultaneous challenges—AI transformation, regulatory upheaval, geopolitical instability, and economic turbulence. Unlike previous generations who weathered single crises, today’s leaders must navigate sustained uncertainty that many have never experienced before.    So, how can the right mentor transform leadership under pressure? And what makes mentorship relationships truly effective for senior executives?    In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to three of our trusted advisors—Kurt Harrison, Amanda Foster, and Jeffrey Cheng—who share their perspectives on:  Why seeking the support of a mentor doesn’t equate to weakness Why finding mentors with experiential alignment is more important than industry experience Why vulnerability and authenticity are critical in building fruitful mentor-mentee relationships The common mistakes leaders make when entering mentorship engagements   "Mentorship is not remedial. It's developmental, and it's all part of an agile, constantly learning mindset, which keeps executives fresh in how they look at the future rather than looking backwards."    Amanda Foster, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates    Four things you'll learn from this episode:  Seek mentors who've weathered multiple crises—their battle-tested wisdom is invaluable when facing today's sustained uncertainty. Mentorship isn't remedial—it's about gaining fresh perspectives that keep even experienced leaders sharp. Having an external mentor means a leader can be vulnerable without career consequences—they can discuss real struggles openly. Come prepared with clear goals and be genuinely open—mentorship is a relationship, not a transaction.  In this episode, we will cover:  (00:01:56) How sustained uncertainty differs from episodic crises and why this changes mentorship needs  (00:04:02) Why cross-industry mentor-mentee pairings are often the most successful  (00:10:07) The importance of building authent...

Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual Transformation

21 min

Transformation is no longer a project with a distinct beginning, middle, and end—it's the water leaders swim in. For leaders, the ability to lead through perpetual transformation has become mission critical.     In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to four of our trusted advisors—Bob Marcus, Hetty Pye, Sean Dineen, and Alain Ishak—who share their perspectives on:  How to build cultures that thrive on continuous change without burning out teams The evolution from decision-maker to enabler and why this identity shift can be psychologically challenging for leaders What "AI-ready leadership" looks like and how to move beyond the pilot phase The balance between top-down conviction and bottom-up creativity in transformation efforts    "Organizations change when people change, and people change when leaders change. Leaders need to role model and project the changes they want to see in the world."  Bob Marcus, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates     Four things you'll learn from this episode:  The most effective leaders maintain a consistent, compelling vision while demonstrating tactical agility—providing direction and stability even when the path forward requires continuous course correction. Leaders must flex different muscles and manage competing polarities depending on context to effectively spearhead transformation—sometimes leading from the front, sometimes from behind, balancing disruption with pragmatism. The shift from expert decision-maker to enabler requires leaders to accept that their value comes from asking better questions, rather than having all the answers. Organizations can have the best technical infrastructure, but without leaders who embrace AI and role model its use in strategy, decision-making, and operations, transformation efforts will fall flat.    In this episode, we will cover:  (00:00:08) Why traditional five-year roadmaps no longer work in today's accelerated business environment   (00:03:03) What perpetual transformation...

From Chaos to Clarity: How Bain Capital’s John Connaughton Leads Through Volatility

36 min

While the terms “uncertainty” and “volatility” get thrown around a lot, they certainly describe what’s going on now in global markets, especially when it comes to private equity. In this episode of Redefiners, Clarke Murphy and Marla Oates talk with Bain Capital Co-Managing Partner John Connaughton to get his take on leading through change.     As someone who has successfully managed through several periods of volatility during his more than 36-year career with Bain Capital, John takes us through how he’s been able to look past current unpredictability with an eye towards the long term. He shares tips and key learnings on how to increase adaptability and agility across the firm, including AI adoption and transformation. He talks about recruiting and retaining top talent, and the top traits he looks for in leaders. Plus, he shares his thoughts on how universities can help redefine the skills needed for next generation leaders to excel in a rapidly changing world.    We'll also hear from Chris Davis, a leadership advisor in our New York City office, who will discuss the critical leadership traits financial services CEOs need to master AI transformation.     Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to find and keep the best talent, including the top traits to look for in leadership How to build resilience and adaptability in teams to deal with uncertainty and change How technology and AI impacts investment strategy and growth How educational institutions need to redefine what skills will be needed in a rapidly changing world

Banking on AI: How Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti Is Rewriting the AI Playbook

41 min

The world has gone through several technology transformations in the past 30+ years. From the launch of the Internet to the rise of mobile, cloud computing, digital transformation, and now AI transformation. In our second live recording of Redefiners, Clarke Murphy goes in-studio at Goldman Sachs to talk with someone who’s been through it all and continues to lead through change.    As CIO at Goldman Sachs, Marco Argenti is redefining how business is done with the help of AI at one of the world’s leading financial services firms. Marco takes us through his career in tech leadership roles at AWS, Nokia, and now Goldman Sachs, and shares his key lesson of focusing on the “why” before figuring out the “what” and the “how” when it comes to creating IT solutions. He discusses the three leadership skills that are critical when it comes to AI and how to balance the pace of AI business adoption with employee demands for faster change. He also talks about his commitment to cancer research and how AI will be a game changer when it comes to accelerating both research and new treatments.    We'll also hear from Jennifer Flock, a leadership advisor in our Paris office, who explores what it takes for leaders to build transformation capabilities that last.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to manage the pace of change and growing expectations of AI What are the key business challenges AI is helping to solve now and how will that evolve in the near future How leaders need to redefine how they manage a hybrid workforce of people and AI agents and how to create a cross-functional approach to AI across the C-suite  How AI is accelerating cancer research and treatment   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  The Only Certainty Is Change: Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on AI, Innovation & Market Evolution Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI’s potential: Are you ready to lead the charge? AI or Die: A Conversation with Coveo Chairman and CEO...

Leadership Lounge: Generation Collaboration: How Leaders Can Harness the Power of Multi-Generational Teams

18 min

Today, leaders are working side-by-side with up to five different generations. This creates both significant challenges and unique opportunities for building cohesive, high-performing teams.    In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to three of our trusted advisors—Kat Armstrong, Paco Ruiz-Maza, and Michelle Mion—who share their perspectives on:    The leadership behaviors that foster truly inclusive multi-generational cultures How to manage productive conflict that arises from generational differences Effective cross-generational knowledge sharing strategies, including mentoring and shadow boards How emerging leaders develop critical thinking skills alongside AI adoption How to navigate the tension between preserving legacy and embracing innovation   "It's managing conflict, not avoiding conflict. An adequately managed conflict, dispute, or conversation can be highly productive and enlightening for both sides." - Paco Ruiz-Maza Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates    Four things you'll learn from this episode    Curiosity drives collaboration. Leaders who cultivate open dialogue and demonstrate genuine curiosity about different perspectives create environments where feedback flows freely in all directions, enhancing productivity across generations. Productive conflict is powerful. Rather than avoiding generational disagreements, effective leaders create channels for constructive conflict by parking formal hierarchies and viewing disagreement as an opportunity for innovation. Knowledge sharing works both ways. Innovative approaches like shadow boards and ‘skip meetings’ create valuable exchanges where both younger and more experienced team members learn from each other's unique perspectives and expertise. Balance AI with human judgment. While 86% of leaders are implementing AI, ensuring emerging leaders develop foundational critical thinking skills remains crucial—AI enhances but cannot replace human expertise and judgment. 

Leading with a North Star: Former Decathlon CEO Barbara Martin Coppola’s Blueprint for Bold Change

41 min

Born in France almost 50 years ago, Decathlon has grown into the world’s largest sporting goods retailer with over 1,700 stores in more than 70 countries. On today’s episode of Redefiners, Simon Kingston is joined by our new co-host, Marla Oates, as they sit down with former CEO of Decathlon Barbara Martin Coppola.    Barbara takes us through her globe-hopping journey in leadership roles across several industries, including technology, home furnishings, food delivery, and consumer electronics before she came to the CEO role at Decathlon. She talks about the need for a clear North Star to enable transformation, creating a culture of innovation, driving a circular product strategy, and redefining Decathlon’s customer experience in-store and online. Plus, as a member of the board of directors at INSEAD, she shares her insights on how educational institutions’ next generation leaders need to redefine what skills will be needed in a rapidly changing world.    We'll also hear from Pam Fitzpatrick, Global Head of Sustainability at Russell Reynolds Associates. Pam will discuss key insights from our 2024 Sustainability Report and the commitments we’ve made as a firm.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How a North Star and guiding purpose can shape overall business strategy and leadership development How to build a culture of innovation while maintaining a clear vision of quarterly, annual, and longer-term goals How a circular product strategy impacts product life cycle from design and distribution through end of life How educational institutions and young people need to redefine the skills needed in a rapidly changing world   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Paws, Purpose & Profit: A Conversation with Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan Leadership Lounge: Beyond Handshakes – How to Build Trust and Transform Executive Team Performance Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano Lea...

Leadership Lounge: The Art of Succession: How to Identify Tomorrow's Leaders Today

21 min

Identifying and developing the next generation of leadership talent is critically important. No decision will have a bigger impact on the performance of an organization and its enduring legacy. Yet, many leaders struggle with effective succession planning.      In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to three of our trusted advisors—James Diggines, Rebecca Slan Jerusalim, and Stacey Shapiro—who share their perspectives on:  The critical first steps CEOs should take to build effective succession processes How to spot leadership potential beyond the obvious candidates Common succession planning mistakes that can derail organizations Strategies for keeping unsuccessful candidates engaged and motivated How succession decisions can transform organizational culture      "Too often succession is really a check the box exercise at a critical point in time, as opposed to having a long-term focus." Rebecca Slan Jerusalim, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates     Four things you'll learn from this episode:  Timing is everything in succession planning. Start succession planning as soon as you step into a new leadership role. The longer the duration, the easier it is to develop internal talent. Succession isn't replacement—it's development. Effective succession encompasses long-term talent development. Organizations must actively identify and invest in key talent year-over-year. Keep your talent pipelines broad and dynamic. Resist the urge to quickly converge on one or two candidates. Business conditions shift, and what you need in a leader today may differ dramatically from what you need tomorrow. Transparency builds loyalty. When succession decisions are made, providing clear feedback and development opportunities to unsuccessful candidates can retain crucial senior talent. A closer look at the research from this episode:  Board Culture and Director Behavior Study | Russell Reynolds Associates Global CFO Turnover Index | Russell Reynolds Associates Russell...

Music with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with Purpose

48 min

Many of us have heard the expression “doing good is good for business.” In this episode, Simon Kingston sits down with former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy about how he put this concept into practice on a truly global scale.    Bill takes us on his journey of how he redefined broadcast television, launching the most channels in television history with more than 200 global channels and 20 brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and numerous others. He discusses how and why he started MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation, Suga, and other social responsibility initiatives to realize the ethos of “doing good is good for business.” And Bill shares his journey from West Point to MTV to GAVI and beyond.     We'll also hear from Andrew White, a leadership advisor who specializes in executive assessment and development, who will discuss why curiosity and adaptability are essential leadership traits in today's business environment.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  Why doing good is good for business and how to achieve it at scale How to navigate the various challenges when launching a media startup How to deal with uncertainty and risk to realize global growth  How to adapt a business background to serve in global non-profits and NGOs  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Leadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board Director Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David Miliband Leadership Lounge: How to develop your personal leadership brand The Business of Football with Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff Leadership Lounge: Advice on when—and how—to weigh in on social issues

Leadership Lounge: How to Build Trust and Transform Executive Team Performance

17 min

Today's senior executives operate in an environment where trust has never been more critical, or more fragile. According to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in business leaders is at an all-time low, with people's fear that business leaders are dishonest increasing by 12% in the last year.    So, as a leader, how can you cultivate trust within your team and organization?    In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to three of our trusted advisors—Henryk Krajewski, Emmy Melville, and Ilana Abramowicz—who share their perspectives on:  How trust is evolving in today's fast-paced business environment The specific behaviors that distinguish highly trusted executives Practical strategies for building and rebuilding trust within teams How to accurately assess trust levels rather than relying on gut feeling   “Don’t take somebody else’s credit. If you make a mistake, you own it. You don’t bury somebody else.” Ilana Abramowicz, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates    Four things you'll learn from this episode: Trust is built on consistency. You need to demonstrate that you can follow through on your promises and commitments, no matter how small. Trust isn’t something that’s nice-to-have in an organization. It needs to be intentionally built at a foundational level. Transparent communication is vital for trust—sharing relevant information openly, explaining decisions clearly, and being forthright about challenges creates a culture where trust can flourish. Trusted leaders give credit, own mistakes (even if minimal), and maintain confidentiality.    In this episode, we will cover:  The four fundamental components that make up trust in the leadership context Why trust should be a foundational priority rather than an afterthought Why trust is critical for accelerating decision-making and enabling productive conflict The ‘1% rule’ for initiating trust repair when relationships have fractured The connection between trust and concrete business outcomes How...

The Only Certainty Is Change: Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on AI, Innovation & Market Evolution

39 min

When it comes to global financial markets, the only certainty is the likelihood of uncertainty and change. The world is in a period of transformation on multiple levels fueled by AI and technology innovation, shifting economic policies, and infrastructure modernization. At the foundation of all of this transformation is the unrelenting need for long-term capital.    In today’s special in-studio episode, Clarke Murphy sits down with a leader who’s not only deftly navigating her organization through change in her role as Nasdaq CEO, but she’s doing it all at the speed of global capital. Adena Friedman talks about Nasdaq’s evolution from the world’s first electronic stock exchange to its current role as a global technology company serving the broader financial system and capital markets. She digs into her career journey from intern to CEO at Nasdaq, how Nasdaq stays on the leading edge of technology and innovation, and how to compete for and keep top tech talent. And she discusses the $80 trillion investment opportunity to bring every society in every economy forward to face the realities of the world that we're living in today.    We'll also hear from Tristan Jervis, a leadership advisor specializing in AI transformation, who will discuss the four critical steps CEOs can take to build AI-powered organizations.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  Adena’s personal story, career and leadership journey, and advice on how to navigate change and uncertainty What to do to take advantage of impending changes to the global economy  How to nurture and grow a culture of innovation to stay ahead of disruption How Nasdaq competes for and keeps top tech and AI talent    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch Leadership Lounge: How to Future-Proof Your Leadership Elections, Geopolitics, and Global Business: A Conversation with Former President of the European Commission Jo...

Leadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board Director

15 min

Today's board directors operate in a complex business landscape, balancing strategic guidance, technological innovation, and heightened governance expectations. They must provide critical leadership while navigating rapid change and increasing stakeholder scrutiny.    So, as an executive, do you have what it takes to thrive in a board role? And how can you maximize your impact once you're there? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Maggie Benkert, Edward Mason, and Rusty O'Kelley—who share their perspectives on:  How to evaluate whether a board opportunity is the right fit What board chairs are looking for in new directors The behaviors that set exceptional board directors apart How to build effective relationships with fellow board members   "I advise clients and candidates to be really selective about taking a board role. You want to find an opportunity where you can add considerable value, but it's also developmental or stretching for you, and helps support you in your career."    Ed Mason, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.    Four things you'll learn from this episode: Be strategic and selective when pursuing board opportunities. Ensures it aligns with your career goals, skills, and values. Board selection committees value ‘T-shaped’ leaders who bring both breadth across strategic decision-making and depth in specialized focus areas. The most effective board directors demonstrate five key behaviors: sound judgment, constructive engagement, integrity, asking the right questions, and bringing independent perspectives. Don’t underestimate the importance of building strong connections with fellow board members. Small gestures can make a big difference.    In this episode, we will cover:  What questions executives should ask themselves before pursuing board opportunities. Three key things boards look for when appointing new directors. The importance of speaking the language of governance rather than management...

Paws, Purpose & Profit: A Conversation with Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan

48 min

The global pet industry is expected to grow from $320 billion today to nearly $500 billion by 2030, as more pet parents treat their pets like their own children, often sparing no expense on their pets’ nutrition, health, and wellness.     As we celebrate International Women’s Day, today’s episode features a conversation with Simon, Hoda and Lyssa McGowan, CEO of Pets at Home, the UK’s leading pet care business. Lyssa will “shed” some light on how she’s “grooming” Pets at Home for growth by creating an omnichannel pet care platform in the UK. She talks about how she balances keeping what works in a purpose-driven organization while adding new capacity in data and technology. She’ll also share her insights on how and when she uses customer feedback to develop new products and services.    We'll also hear from Hetty Pye, leadership advisor and co-founder of RRA Artemis, a movement designed to accelerate the development of women from the world’s most influential organizations into the CEO seat. Hetty will discuss our latest research on the media’s representation of women CEOs.     Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  What are the key barriers getting in the way of more women becoming CEOs and how to get past them How to lead through rapid scaling and a subsequent slowdown  How a unified customer platform, data, and AI create consistent customer experience at scale  What role customer feedback plays in shaping product and service innovations   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat Leadership Lounge: How to develop your personal leadership brand Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch Leadership Lounge: Why are there so few women in the CEO seat? Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO Outwork the Competition: Jordan Brand’s Winning Strategy with President Sarah Mensah 

Digging Deep: Leadership, Growth & Risk with BHP CEO Mike Henry

42 min

The world needs more metals, minerals, and natural resources to fuel the global economy, power the energy transition, and feed a growing population. As the CEO of the world’s largest mining company, BHP’s Mike Henry is redefining his business in a competitive industry which is projected to grow to $2.8 trillion by 2028.    In today’s episode, Clarke digs into Mike’s leadership lessons and insights, including his career journey, his CEO transition in the midst of two major crises, and the advantages of being a global citizen living and working in multiple countries. Mike shares how he balances growth alongside risk, safety, and respecting communities in the company’s mining efforts. He also talks about the BHP Operating System, which serves as the foundation for how BHP’s 90,000 employees continuously improve and make decisions in the face of uncertainty on a day-to-day basis.     Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How BHP is decarbonizing and becoming more sustainable while meeting growing global demand How an Operating System can help ground company culture and drive continuous improvement across the organization How to balance growth with risk, safety, and working with local governments and communities How technology and an internal venture capital arm can power a culture innovation   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis AI or Die: A Conversation with Coveo Chairman and CEO Louis Têtu Leadership Lounge: How to develop your personal leadership brand Waste In, Shareholder Value Out: A Conversation with WM President and CEO Jim Fish Putting Sustainability Talk into Action with former Enel CEO Francesco Starace Leadership Lounge: What do top-performing teams have in common? How the Barely Possible Can Overcome the Barely Solvable with First Mode’s Chris Voorhees 

Leadership Lounge: How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world?

16 min

We explore how family enterprise leaders can strike the right balance between preserving their organization's legacy and adapting to an evolving business landscape.    How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world?    Family enterprises are the backbone of economies worldwide, but their leaders face an increasingly critical challenge: how to preserve their organizations' legacies in a fast-changing world.    What makes some family enterprises thrive across generations while others struggle to adapt? How can leaders maintain what made their organization successful while meeting the demands of a new business landscape? And what skills will the next generation of family enterprise leaders need to navigate an increasingly complex future?    In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Justus O'Brien, Anupama Puranik, Diego Esteban, and Peter Gramkov—who share their perspectives on:  How successful family enterprises maintain their core values while adapting to market changes Why engaging the next generation is critical for innovation and growth How to navigate tension during periods of transformation What skills future family enterprise leaders will need to thrive   "One key skill that leaders need is emotional intelligence. You need to understand what is going on in the family. You need to understand the values. But it's super important not only to understand potentially one generation, but several generations.”  Peter Gramkov, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.    Four things you'll learn from this episode    Values and traditions are the heart of every family enterprise. Next-generation leaders must understand the importance of carrying them forward.  Keeping pace with transformation can be the difference between whether a family enterprise can endure across generations—or not. The most successful family enterprises approach succession proactively rather than in reaction to a leadership departure...

AI or Die: A Conversation with Coveo Chairman and CEO Louis Têtu

42 min

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key topic in C-suite and board room discussions these days; one with the potential to redefine or at least impact every aspect of business and society. Leaders around the world and across industries are racing to figure out how to best implement the technology to gain efficiencies, increase productivity, and ultimately grow their business.     Today, Hoda and Simon talk with serial entrepreneur and Coveo Chairman and CEO Louis Têtu to help shed some light on how leaders can harness the power of AI in their business. With more than 25 years in the tech industry, Louis shares his perspectives on how leaders can take advantage of AI transformation and what mistakes to look out for. He’ll talk about the importance of AI ethics, and how leaders can navigate the culture change that AI brings to an organization. He’ll also share how AI and GenAI can create better experiences for their customers and employees. And as someone who’s worked with and served on several boards, he’ll talk about what goes into building a successful board and the power of optimism.    We'll also hear from Harpreet Khurana, Chief Digital and Data Analytics Officer at RRA. Harpreet will outline the risk when organizations don’t use AI ethically and sets out RRA’s people-first approach to responsible AI. Read more about our RRA’s Responsible AI Principles.     Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How leaders can leverage AI in their organizations and how that might impact how they lead their teams What leaders need to keep in mind when it comes to AI ethics and culture change What goes into building a successful board Leadership tips on building a successful company   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI’s pote...

Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis

37 min

In today’s fast-paced, competitive business landscape, hiring and developing future-ready, transformational C-suite leaders is critical to organizational success. Making the wrong hiring decision can often lead to higher costs, damage to workplace culture, or worse. So what are the key things to keep in mind as you think about the leaders who can help take your organization to the next level?     In our first episode of Season 5, Simon sits down with Russell Reynolds Associates’ own CEO, Constantine Alexandrakis, to talk about what to look for in transformational C-suite leaders and how to use leadership assessment tools – like RRA’s Leadership Portrait – to find them. He’ll reveal how to take the next step in building transformational teams and what makes them successful. He’ll also share tips from his own CEO journey and the steps he took to prepare for that transition to nail his first year in the role.     We'll also hear from Erin Zolna, a leadership advisor in our New York office, who will outline our latest research on the skills that leaders need in a fast-changing world.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to start well when stepping into a new CEO role How to assess transformational leaders and why it’s important before they take on leadership roles What makes transformational teams different and how they operate What C-suite leaders are thinking about AI and the top challenges they’re facing   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat Leadership Lounge: How to Future-Proof Your Leadership Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano 

Redefiners Rewind: Insights and Takeaways from 2024

53 min

Leaders have to make tough decisions and overcome adversity, often navigating through uncertainty and challenges along their leadership journeys. In this final episode of 2024, we’ll take a look back at the conversations we’ve had with the incredible leaders who joined us on Redefiners this past season to share their leadership stories and insights.     Hoda and Simon dig into the Season 4 archives to highlight how guests have led, and in some cases redefined, their organizations in an unprecedented year of change. Topics include AI and tech transformation, CEO transitions, geopolitical uncertainty and national elections, boards, climate change and sustainability, and more. And continuing our end of year holiday tradition, Hoda and Simon put themselves in our guests’ shoes to answer some fun end of year rapid fire questions.    Redefiners will return with more conversations with global leaders in January 2025, so be sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode!     In the meantime, you can listen to and watch all Redefiners episodes at https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/redefiners or wherever you get your podcasts.    Happy holidays! 

Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat

40 min

Change is something all leaders deal with at various points in their careers. Whether it’s technological change, organizational change, or perhaps even changing careers or industries. Our guest today has managed through all of that change and more.    In today’s episode, Clarke and Hoda talk with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet and Google. Ruth shares her story of career change, transitioning from her long-time role as CFO at both Morgan Stanley and Google to leading investments and philanthropic efforts at Google. Through it all, she talks about how she’s led through both business and personal change and uncertainty – including the financial meltdown in 2007-2008 when she was with Morgan Stanley, the fast-paced change that comes with technology transformation at Google, as well as her own personal battle with cancer. She’ll also talk about the promise of AI, especially in science, healthcare, education, climate, and other key areas.     We'll also hear from Robert Voth, a Managing Director in our Chicago office, who will discuss the critical challenge of CEO succession facing banking leadership today.     Four things you’ll learn from this episode:  How to lead through uncertainty and change What steps leaders can take to ensure they’re preparing their organizations and people for the changes AI will bring What skills organizations should look for when it comes to finding technology and AI-enabled leaders How to consider future-looking investment swings when there’s no guarantee they’ll pay off   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  Science Fiction to Science Fact: A Conversation with Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson Reimagining Patient Care: A Conversation with Healthcare Innovator Ashley McEvoy Trust Your Gut: AXA’s Thomas Buberl Talks Transformation and Reinvention Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top 

Leadership Lounge: The art of feedback - How to have honest and candid conversations

17 min

We share how leaders can master the art of giving and receiving regular, effective feedback—and the benefits when they get it right.    As the end of the year draws closer, you’re likely reflecting on your team’s performance—and how to give feedback that helps your leaders develop and improve. But, these types of conversations aren’t always easy to navigate.     So, what skills are important to hone when giving feedback? And what are some of the common pitfalls you may encounter when having these honest conversations?      But it’s not just about giving feedback. It’s also important that you’re getting the feedback you need to develop. So, how can you encourage honest, upward feedback? And what benefits will you see when you act on it? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Dee Fitzgerald, David Lange, and Silvia Lago—who share their perspectives on:      How to give actionable upward feedback What to do when someone disagrees with you during a feedback session The skills required to receive feedback effectively  How leaders can create a feedback-rich culture.    “If the direct report feels like there's an environment of psychological safety…upward feedback actually becomes something that a direct report will offer regularly and proactively to their leaders.”    David Lange, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.     Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.      Four things you’ll learn from this episode     Effective feedback focuses on specific behaviors, not personality. Frame feedback constructively to enable growth and development, avoiding subjective or contradictory comments. Creating a culture of psychological safety is essential for encouraging honest, upward feedback, which requires leaders to actively solicit input at all levels. It’s important to hone key skills, including actively listening to feedback, asking clarifying questions, and approaching it as a collaborative dialogue, rather than defensively....

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