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. Integrating feedback into regular interactions, rather than relying on annual reviews, and seeking diverse perspectives through mentors or team debriefs, helps leaders continuously grow and innovate.  In this 17 minute episode, we will cover:   (1:32) How leaders can frame their feedback to ensure it’s delivered effectively.  (3:09) Why it’s critical feedback is a two-way conversation.  (5:06) What’s at the root of all effective upward feedback.   (7:18) The two key ways CEOs can generate constructive, unfiltered feedback.  (9:53) Why nothing should come as a surprise at an end-of-year review.    (10:33) Why active listening is such an important trait for leaders receiving feedback.  A closer look at the research from this episode:   Walk the Talk: Inclusive Leadership Development Moves the Needle On DE&I | Russell Reynolds Associates  Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.   

It’s never been more important to get your personal leadership brand right as a leader. But, it isn’t easy to concisely articulate what you want to be known for and what your unique value proposition is.   So, what is a personal leadership brand and how can you begin crafting it? How can you activate your leadership brand in the market? And, what are some of the common mistakes leaders make when cultivating their personal leadership brand?   In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Jenna Fisher, Rafael Martinez Gallardo, Shoon Lim, and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Executive Producer of Redefiners Amy Scissons—who share their perspectives on:    The three key elements that make up a strong personal leadership brand. How leaders can effectively activate their brand in the market. The benefits when leaders get it right—for themselves and their organization.  The advice they have for emerging leaders who are starting to craft their brand.   “I think earlier in one's career, there’s a tendency to want to be well-rounded and to try to hone things that perhaps you're not as naturally good with, and that's great. But I also think what's really important is to do the self-reflection, to figure out what is it that I am uniquely good at? What can I opine on to others? What can I be an expert at?”  Jenna Fisher, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.       Four things you’ll learn from this episode   Your leadership brand exists whether you shape it or not. Take control of your narrative by clearly defining your values, passions, and the legacy you wish to leave behind.  Authenticity is key to a powerful leadership brand. Align your public persona with your true self to build trust and credibility. Don’t try to imitate anyone else. Don't just broadcast; interact. Your brand thrives on meaningful engagement with your community. Curate, create, and contribute to discussions to establish a dynamic presence.  Your brand is a journey, not a destination. Continuously refine it through self-reflection, feedback, and intentional content creation. Remember, depth and consistency over time yield a robust presence.  In this 16-minute episode, we will cover:   (3.00) How a well-crafted personal leadership brand can differentiate you in a crowded marketplace.  (3.47) The importance of clarity, congruence, and consistency when building your brand.  (7.51) How much of what a leader shares should be personal.  (8.12) How to identify what topics you should speak on.  (11.17) One common mistake leaders make when creating their personal leadership brand.  (14.04) Why there are no quick fixes to establishing your brand.   A closer look at the research from this episode:   Global Leadership Monitor 2022, Russell Reynolds Associates  The New Leadership Portrait, Russell Reynolds Associates   Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.  

Not many CEOs would roll up their sleeves and ride on the back of a waste truck at 2am once a week for seven years. But for today’s guest, it was the best way to get to know his employees and learn first-hand what impacts their productivity in the field.  In this episode, Waste Management President and CEO Jim Fish joins Simon and guest host Emma Combe – host of Redefiners’ sister podcast, Leadership Lounge – to dig into what it takes to run a $20 billion company working on the frontlines of sustainability. Jim shares his insights into the importance of putting people first and creating sustainable value through all phases of the waste cycle – from recycling and composting to producing renewable natural gas as a byproduct from landfills to running his waste fleet on natural gas. He also talks about his views on CEOs weighing in on social topics and the delicate balance leaders need to strike between having a personal opinion and the broader responsibility to shareholders.   We'll also hear from Justus O’ Brien, a Managing Director in our Stamford office, who will outline what it takes to transition from the CFO role to the top seat.   Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How to get your team on board with sustainability initiatives How to adapt your business to changing market conditions  What it takes to create a people-first organization What is the CEO’s role when it comes to social issues How to balance and prioritize the many responsibilities and stakeholders a CEO has to manage  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Putting Sustainability Talk into Action with former Enel CEO Francesco Starace Leadership Lounge: Advice on when—and how—to weigh in on social issues Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano 

Leaders today are operating in a business landscape with new issues, expectations, and pressures to contend with. This new world demands a new breed of leader.So, how can you become a future-ready leader? What key skills will help you stand out and succeed in a fast-changing world? How can hiring managers identify whether leaders are ready for the role today—and are able to continue to develop and succeed in the role long-term?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Erin Zolna, Tobias Bothe-Hutschenreuter, and Dana Landis—who share their perspectives on:  The four foundational skills that are important for leaders to succeed today.How leaders can boost their staying power in the role through self-awareness and making time for reflection.Why continuous development is critical—no matter how senior a leader is. The knock-on impact for diversity when hiring managers hire for potential and experience.Four things you’ll learn from this episode When hiring your next leader, look at their readiness for the role today, but also their capacity to grow and evolve for when the operating environments inevitably shift. Curiosity, resilience, systems thinking, and social intelligence are key skills that you will want to ramp up to succeed in the long term.The higher up you go in an organization, the less likely you are to think about yourself as someone who is growing and developing. But it’s important you continue to look for learning opportunities. Having a purpose and knowing your values as a leader is critical to not only your longevity, but the legacy you leave at an organization. A closer look at the research from this episode: The Future of LeadershipSeason 4 - Ep. 10 | Driving Transformation with Volvo Cars President and CEO Jim Rowan | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds AssociatesGlobal Leadership Monitor CEO Turnover Index Power, Influence, and CEO Succession (hbr.org) 

What does it take to transform a small regional traditional energy provider into a global renewable energy powerhouse? In today’s episode, Hoda and Simon are joined by the Chair of the Governance Board for Sustainable Energy for All and former Enel CEO Francesco Starace, who led the transformation of Enel from its start in electric generation in Italy to become a world leader in all renewable technologies, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal, operating in 30 markets. Francesco shares his insights into how he scaled the business, while keeping everyone’s focus on their north star of purpose and vision. He also talks about how Enel used a three-year-out timeline to make key decisions on strategic investments and how he uses technology and digital transformation to better serve customers. We'll also hear from Rich Fields, a Managing Director in our Boston office, who will outline how boards can leverage the transformational impact of AI while being mindful of the significant risks. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn Leadership Lounge: What do top-performing teams have in common? Transforming the Energy Sector with Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli Doing Well by Doing Good: Feike Sijbesma, CEO Emeritus of Royal DSM, on the Power of Bold Change Feeding the World and Protecting the Planet with Yara International CEO Svein Tore Holsether 

In the last year, AI has moved from a boardroom buzzword to a business imperative. But, while some leaders have sprinted ahead in their AI adoption, others remain at the starting line. So, what skills are important to help you unleash the potential of AI? Why is AI a leadership issue? And how do you overcome barriers that might be preventing you from acting?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Tuck Rickards, Dana Landis, and Dan Cullen—who share their perspectives on:Why everyone in the organization must own AI—not just the tech department.The key reason why most tech transformations fail.The benefits and risks that AI poses for leaders.A closer look at the research from this episode:Global Leadership Monitor Leadership Labs | Russell Reynolds Associates

Being a first-time CEO can be a daunting transition filled with risk and opportunity, something that TCW Group President and CEO Katie Koch has experienced firsthand. In today’s episode, Clarke and Hoda talk with Katie about her career journey in the financial industry, from her early years as an intern at Goldman Sachs to becoming a first-time CEO at TCW. She shares what it takes to be a good leader and the skills needed to make tough decisions and take people where they may not want to go, including empathy, asking questions and listening, discipline of process, and the importance of having a great coach. She also shares her thoughts on how to navigate volatile global markets and the inherent friction of AI and business transformation.  We'll also hear from Sean Dineen, a Managing Director in our Boston office, who will outline what it takes to succeed in the first few days and months as a new CEO.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO In the Fast Lane: A Conversation with FIA CEO Natalie Robyn Planting Long-Term Investment Seeds with Markel Group CEO Tom Gayner Opening Hearts and Minds on Late Night News with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle 

No one is immune from burnout. Not even accomplished leaders. In fact, we often find that it’s thehighest performing, most passionate leaders who are most at risk from burnout.So, what can you do to address this growing problem? What are the warning signs of burnout? And,when a leader reaches burnout, what are the consequences for the individual and the organization?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Nic Cutts, GuylaineDavid, and Henryk Krajewski—who share their perspectives on:How leaders can spot the warning signs of burnout in themselves—and their teams.Why it’s important leaders reframe their attitudes toward burnout.How leaders can avoid creating a burnout culture in their organization.How toxic positivity can lead to burnout.A closer look at the research from this episode:World Health Organization, Burnout: An Occupational PhenomenonRussell Reynolds Associates, Redefiners Podcast, Season 2 - Ep. 18 | From Burnout to Performance: Creating a Culture of Resiliency (Re-Release) with Annastiina Hintsa, CEO, Hintsa PerformanceRussell Reynolds Associates, Executive Assessment & BenchmarkingRussell Reynolds Associates, The New Wellness at Work: Improving Culture via Employee WellbeingAXA UK and Centre of Economic and Business Research, The true cost of running on empty: work-related stress costing UK economy £28bn a yearThe Mindful Business CharterBBC News Lloyds boss: Mental health issues can break livesBBC News Jacinda Ardern to quit: ‘I no longer have enough in the tank’The Negative Impact Of Toxic Positivity In The Workplace (forbes.com)Why Six Hours Of Sleep Is As Bad As None At All - Fast Company

When it comes to technology and transformation, the automotive industry is at the forefront of change. Government regulations, changing consumer demands, new technology and climate change have forced auto manufacturers to evolve their approach.  In today’s episode of Redefiners, Clarke and Hoda talk with Jim Rowan, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, about his career “shift” from consumer electronics to the automotive industry. Jim talks about Volvo’s ambitious goal of going fully electric by 2030, the intersection of design, collaboration and innovation, leading through disruption, and the power of curiosity and hard work to accelerate learning and solve big problems.   We'll also hear from Tristan Jervis, a Managing Director in our London office, who will outline what it takes to cultivate a tech-first culture—and how it can boost your organization’s resilience to face what’s next.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: The Necessity of Change with President and CEO of Wells Fargo Charlie Scharf In the Fast Lane: A Conversation with FIA CEO Natalie Robyn Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO Leadership Reimagined: Transformation Tips from Jim Hagemann Snabe   

How well a leadership team performs can make or break an organization. But, given that market conditions are in constant flux, and C-suites are shouldering more responsibility than ever before, getting the balance right in your top team is far from easy.So, what are some of the key characteristics of a high-performing leadership team? How do successful teams foster a culture of collaboration and trust? And, how do you go about having uncomfortable conversations with your team?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Emmy Melville, Nicholas Anderson, and Miriam Capelli—who share how CEOs can elevate their team’s performance and drive the organization forward. Tune in to discover the importance of productive tension in your C-suite, how psychometric data can aid challenging conversations, and why T-shaped leaders are considered key to the success of an executive leadership team.A closer look at the research from this episode:Bain & Company, At the Top, It’s All about TeamworkForbes, Phil Jackson Brings NY Knicks ’Mindful ManagementRussell Reynolds Associates, CEO Turnover IndexRussell Reynolds Associates, Indispensable Tensions: Leadership Span and the Science of C-suite Success

When it comes to disruption, transformation, and change, perhaps no industry has experienced this more over the past decade than the financial services industry. From online and mobile banking, to FinTechs, to data analytics and AI, to changing regulations, leaders of banking and financial service institutions have had to navigate through a tremendous amount of change.   On this episode of Redefiners, President and CEO of Wells Fargo, Charlie Scharf, sits down with Clarke and Hoda to peel back the covers on how he’s managed through so much change over his more than 25-year career in financial services. Charlie talks about his leadership journey, from his early years working with banking legends Jamie Dimon, Sandy Weill, and Bob Lipp, to his first actions to restore trust and confidence as a new CEO at Wells Fargo during a tumultuous time for the company. He’ll share his insights on how he manages culture to balance the risk of change while protecting what’s working in the business, how he views FinTech companies, gaining new perspectives from board roles, and how technology and AI have transformed the financial services industry and where it’s going next.  We'll also hear from Tuck Rickards, a Managing Director in our San Francisco office, who will outline the barriers leaders face when implementing AI—and how to bridge them.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Leadership Lounge – Why even top leaders need a mentor Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano Front Row Seat to the Digital Revolution with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith – Part 1 and Part 2 Private Investment Guru David Rubenstein Goes Public on How to Be a Successful Leader & Investor 

When Tony Capuano took over as President and CEO at Marriott, the company was wrestling with the most significant challenge it’s ever faced as travel essentially shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further complicating matters, Marriott’s beloved, iconic CEO, Arne Sorenson, had recently passed away and many in the company were dealing with the loss of their visionary leader, mentor, and friend.   On this episode of Redefiners, Tony talks with Clarke and Hoda about leadership lessons he’s gleaned from almost 30 years at Marriott, including his top advice for leaders transitioning into the CEO role. He’ll also dig into Marriott’s Bonvoy customer loyalty program, sustainability at scale in the hospitality industry, and how technology and AI can help deliver high touch personal service.   We'll also hear from Ty Wiggins, an Executive Director in our London office and author of RRA’s latest book, The New CEO: Lessons from CEOs on How to Start Well and Perform Quickly (Minus the Common Mistakes). Ty discusses why transitioning into the CEO role is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—moves of an executive’s career, and how new leaders can get off to a strong start.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Leadership Lounge – How to nail your first year as CEO The Business of Football with Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff Planting Long-Term Investment Seeds with Markel Group CEO Tom Gayner Reimagining Patient Care: A Conversation with Healthcare Innovator Ashley McEvoy Sunscreen and Success: Supergoop!'s Winning Formula with CEO Amanda Baldwin 

Why are there so few women in the CEO seat? We know that diverse C-Suites are more resilient, innovative, and drive better financial performance. But in 2023, women accounted for only 12% of CEO appointments globally. Based on the current rate of progress, public companies are 81 years from gender parity in CEO appointments. Change needs to happen—and fast. So, how do you best develop high-potential women leaders? What does an optimal CEO succession plan within an organization need to look like to support the movement of women into the top seat? And, what can you do to retain women CEOs? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted leadership advisors—Margot McShane, Hetty Pye, and Shannon Knott—who share their perspectives on how to help close the gender gap. We also discuss RRA Artemis, our brand-new CEO accelerator program aimed at expediting more women to the top of organizations.  Tune in to discover the importance of switching your succession planning from an opt-out to an opt-in approach, why assessing for potential rather than experience is critical when identifying future CEOs, and why organizations need to rethink the traditional route to the top seat. 

Unprecedented may be an overused word these days, but it certainly applies to the record number of national elections happening around the world in 2024. With more than 70 national elections and almost half the world’s population voting on their country’s leader, the results of this year’s elections could impact countries, business leaders, and perhaps the world for years to come.  In today’s Redefiners episode, José Manuel Barroso – chair of Goldman Sachs’ International Advisors, former President of the European Commission, and former Prime Minister of Portugal – sits down with Simon and Hoda to try to make sense of these global elections and much more. José Manuel talks about his journey from academia to politics, and the multitude of insights he’s gained during his various leadership roles over the years. He digs into what’s at stake with the elections and the growing risk of misinformation/disinformation in the democratic process. And he shares his perspectives on globalization, the critical role of democracy around the world, the green energy transition, and the future of the European Union.   We’ll also hear from Tom Handcock, the global lead of our Center for Leadership Insight team, based in London. Tom will highlight key findings from our latest Global Leadership Monitor—which tracks the top external business threats facing organizations and leaders’ preparedness to face them.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David Miliband Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems Front Row Seat to the Digital Revolution with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith – Part 1 and Part 2 

On today’s Redefiners episode, Simon and Hoda sit down with David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). David oversees the agency’s humanitarian relief operations in more than 50 war-affected countries and its refugee resettlement and assistance programs in 28 United States cities.   David shares the journey of how the IRC was founded by Albert Einstein and has since grown to help 33 million people in countries affected by crisis in 2023 alone. He talks about how the IRC prioritizes its limited resources to help those in need and how he manages through the complexities of not only providing aid to clients living in war-torn areas, but also of working with a host of partners often with competing agendas. He also digs into the importance of trust and what leaders can do to build or rebuild trust with their organizations, partners, and clients/customers.  We’ll also hear from Dee Symons, a Managing Director in our London office, who will highlight why trust is such a critical component of an effective team, and how leaders can best foster a culture of trust.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Leadership Lounge | Advice on when—and how—to weigh in on social issues  Doing Well by Doing Good: Feike Sijbesma, CEO Emeritus of Royal DSM, on the Power of Bold Change Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems 

It’s not easy being a CEO. In fact, it’s the most challenging role in business. The scope, gravity, responsibility, accountability, and exposure of the position are unparalleled. Despite its complexity, it's also often hailed as the most rewarding and life-affirming move of an executive’s career. It’s a time when you can truly execute your vision and put to use everything you’ve learned up until now.But, to set yourself up for success, how do you approach your first few days and months in the role? What are the common surprises new CEOs experience? Why is it so important to get your CEO transition right, and what are the risks if you don’t? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we put these questions and more to Ty Wiggins, leadership advisor and author of our latest book, The New CEO: How to Start Well and Perform Quickly (Minus the Common Mistakes), and two other RRA leadership advisors, Laura Sanderson and Justus O’ Brien, who partnered with Ty on the book. Here, our guests share lessons that will help any executive get off to a strong start as a new leader.Tune in to discover why it’s so important to act fast when assessing and building your team, how you can avoid loneliness taking root as a new CEO, and why aiming for perfection isn’t sustainable.

On today’s Redefiners episode, we talk with Natalie Robyn, the first ever CEO of the International Automobile Federation (or the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile or our French listeners). The FIA is the governing body for world motor sport, including Formula One, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and some of the world’s most exciting motorsports races on and off the track. Natalie shares her leadership story, shifting from auto production at Volvo, Nissan, and DaimlerChrysler, to auto racing. She talks about how she and the FIA team manage the challenges and complexity involved in managing 24 races in 21 countries on five continents, working with a variety of stakeholders, local politics and regulations to make it all happen successfully and safely.   Natalie talks about how the FIA parses through the more than three terabytes of data per Formula One car per race weekend to share data between competitions, which helps foster innovation and safety. All that data also helps inform sustainability as well, as Natalie outlines how the FIA plans to achieve their commitment to net zero emissions by 2030.   We’ll also hear from Dee Fitzgerald, a Managing Director in our Sydney office, who highlights how important it is for CEOs to have the right top team around them, and the five actions CEOs can take to maximize C-suite performance.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: The Business of Football with Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff Outwork the Competition: Jordan Brand’s Winning Strategy with President Sarah Mensah Transforming the Energy Sector with Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli 

Today’s CEOs are not just trusted to deliver on profits and lead their organizations forward. They’re also tasked with driving broader societal change.For the past few years, Edelman’s Trust Barometer has consistently found that business leaders are the most trusted group in society, ahead of the media and government. But with great power comes great responsibility. Society has now come to expect leaders to take a public position on an increasing number of complex issues—from climate catastrophes and geopolitical flare-ups, to changes in legislation and social justice movements like Black Lives Matter.But, taking a stand can carry huge risks. When is the right time to raise your head above the parapet? How can you best prepare and position your response to ensure your personal and professional reputation remains intact? What would we advise CEOs to say—and not say?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we put these questions and more to four of our esteemed leadership advisors: Ty Wiggins, Kimberly Archer, Richard Davis, and Laura Mantoura. Here, our guests shed some light on how leaders can navigate this minefield and find a path forward that’s right for them—and their organization.

Today’s guest grew up in a landlocked region of the UK, with more than a hundred miles separating her from the open ocean. Not your typical start for someone who went on to become a trailblazing, record-breaking yachtswoman. On today’s Redefiners episode, Clarke Murphy sits down with long-time sailing buddy Dee Caffari MBE—the only woman to have sailed solo while circumnavigating the world, in both directions. Throughout her career, Dee has continued to surprise and inspire others with her courage, grit, and determination to enter uncharted waters. Dee shares her deep experience in leading teams through adversity—how you get them to pull together and perform, even in stormy times, and how she overcame loneliness when sailing solo for the first time. She also talks about the importance of demonstrating self-awareness as a leader, as well as how she responded when told that she was ‘too emotional’ to lead a team. Dee also imparts a key piece of advice—you learn the best lessons from your mistakes, so don’t be afraid to be bold and take a risk.We’ll also hear from Marie-Osmonde Le Roy de Lanauze-Molines, a Managing Director in our Paris office, who will highlight the gender imbalance in global CEO appointments and discuss how organizations can chart a path to achieving gender parity. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Doubling Down on Double Standards: British Journalist Mary Ann Sieghart on Closing The Authority Gap | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds AssociatesFrom Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds AssociatesLeadership Lounge - Ep.3 | How to recover from failure | Russell Reynolds Associates

Today’s healthcare industry has gone from science fiction to science fact in a very short period of time. Gene editing, artificial intelligence (AI), and a host of medical innovations are helping researchers discover new life-changing solutions to target previously incurable diseases like sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy, and more.  On today’s Redefiners episode, Clarke Murphy and Emma Combe talk with Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, about how he’s transforming the practice of medicine in a highly competitive industry through new technologies and breakthrough science. Beyond drug discovery, Paul discusses how he’s embracing innovation and AI across his organization to drive efficiency and new thinking, as well as finding ways to make healthcare more equitable for those who need it around the world. He talks about how he balances financial risk and return on investment inherent in the pharmaceutical industry. He shares his approach to talent management, dynamic resource allocation, and how the explosion of digital technologies have upended the traditional path to the C-suite. Paul also talks about the impact of business on society, including Sanofi’s sponsorship of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  We’ll also hear from Danny Ryan, an Executive Director in our London office, who will discuss how organizations can not only weather today’s volatile biopharma market but thrive in it.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Risk-taking and Dealmaking with Global MedTech Leader, Kevin Lobo A Front Row Seat to the AI Revolution with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith – Part 2 Leadership Lounge | Ep. 6 – How can leaders succeed in a Gen-AI-driven world? How the Barely Possible Can Overcome the Barely Solvable with First Mode’s Chris Voorhees 

Leaders today are grappling with uncertainty on multiple fronts. And the quickening pace of change is leaving many feeling overwhelmed and underprepared.It’s in high-stakes moments like these that mentoring can help leaders overcome loneliness, gain a new vantage point, or benefit from objective advice from someone who’s been there before. In fact, in our recent Global Leadership Monitor, 71% of the CEOs we surveyed felt that mentoring could have been better incorporated during their transition into the role.But, when it comes to choosing a mentor, what should you prioritize? What does a great mentor-mentee relationship look like? And when in your career can you benefit most from a mentor?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we put these questions and more to three of our esteemed leadership advisors: Symon Elliott, Mia Keinanen, and Steve Morse. Here, they share real-life examples of how mentors can propel leaders forward for professional and personal success.Tune in to discover how having a mentor can increase the longevity of your success as a leader, and why vulnerability and honesty are key traits to harness for a fruitful mentoring relationship. 

What does it take to win the Super Bowl? The obvious factors include drive, grit, determination, and excellence to make it to the championship level. But what else goes into the winning formula to propel teams through the ups and downs of an NFL season where only one team can be called the champion?  Today on Redefiners, we talk with Kevin Demoff, Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Rams football team, who won Super Bowl LVI in 2022. Kevin takes us into the locker room and the front office to share what it takes to be a Super Bowl championship team. He talks about the importance of consistency and authenticity as a leader, how he uses fan feedback to solve problems, the importance of inclusion and diversity to reflect your fan community in your staff, and how fear of failure and vulnerability help him propel his organization to new heights. Kevin also goes beyond football to talk about the vision and sustainability plans behind Hollywood Park, the 300-acre sports and entertainment complex that houses SoFi Stadium where the Rams play.  Pull up a chair and grab your nachos, chicken wings, and a favorite beverage for this insightful conversation.  We’ll also hear from Ben Shrewsbury, a Managing Director in our Dallas office, who will discuss why COOs are often first choice for the CEO role, and the skills they’ll need to dial up to thrive in the top seat.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Leadership Lessons from the Field with Troy Vincent From Gillette to Jamba Juice: How to Lead Iconic Brands with Empathy, Purpose & Integrity Leading with Vulnerability with Bestselling Author Jacob Morgan  

Great leaders at the top of their game have the audacity to continue to believe in themselves, to continue to work harder and keep trying, even when faced with failure. It’s a superpower that helps them redefine themselves, their companies, their industries, and ultimately be successful.  Today, we sit down with one of those audacious leaders. Sarah Mensah is the first female president of Jordan Brand, which revolutionized sports marketing in 1984 when Nike partnered with Michael Jordan to create the first Air Jordan basketball shoe. Sarah has broken barriers throughout her career at the Portland Trailblazers, Nike, and now Jordan Brand. We’ll talk with Sarah about the power to be unabashedly yourself, harness humility and courage, and use your voice in the right way to be a trailblazer in your career. We’ll explore how Jordan Brand is committed to improving the lives of Black people and inspiring communities across the world to ensure racial equality, social justice and greater access to education. And she’ll share how risk-taking, innovation, and values-based decision-making are core parts of the DNA driving Jordan Brand’s global growth.   We’ll also hear from Hetty Pye, a Managing Director in our London office, who will discuss the gender imbalance in today’s C-suites and the steps organizations can take to close the gap.  If you’d like to read more about Sarah Mensah and how women are rewriting the rules for success to close the gender gap at the top of organizations today, pick up a copy of To The Top by Russell Reynolds Associates Managing Director Jenna Fisher.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Sunscreen and Success: Supergoop!'s Winning Formula with CEO Amanda Baldwin Opening Hearts and Minds on Late Night News with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top 

In this final episode of 2023, we’ll take a look back at the conversations we’ve had with the incredible leaders who joined us on Redefiners this past season. We’ll dig into how these leaders are guiding and redefining their organizations through some of this year’s top issues, including sustainability, AI, technology and transformation, purpose and culture, and, of course, risk and uncertainty – perhaps the biggest topic of 2023.    We’ll also be joined by Emma Combe, a Managing Director in our London office and host of our Redefiners spinoff podcast, Leadership Lounge, who will share some of the insights she learned this past year. And as a special treat, Clarke and Hoda put themselves in our guests’ shoes to answer some fun, end of year rapid fire questions.   Redefiners will return with more conversations in January 2024, so be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode!    In the meantime, you can listen to all of our Redefiners episodes at https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/redefiners.   Happy holidays! 

Technology has the power to redefine business and the world. The printing press. The telephone. The automobile. The personal computer. The Internet. These are just a few inventions that have transformed how we work and live. And each invention came with both the promise and peril of a new technology that had the power to uplift society while also threatening the way things had been done for years before. Today we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the introduction of another world-changing technology – artificial intelligence (AI) – that has been the hot topic in boardrooms, captured the attention of leaders and employees, and captivated consumers around the world.    In this episode of Redefiners, we continue our special two-part conversation with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, to dig into the complex issues around AI. Brad shares his thoughts on the scale of impact that AI will have, whether efficiency is more powerful than innovation, the promise and peril of technology, and how much leaders really need to learn before they leap. We’ll also talk with Brad about his view that every technology can be used as a tool and a weapon depending on who is using it, and the urgent need to find the right combination of private sector company responsibility and government regulation on a global scale.   We’ll also hear from Joe Ghory, a Managing Director in our Stamford, CT office, who shares the five key areas to help CEOs, boards, and senior technology leaders navigate the impact of generative AI on their organizations.   To learn more about Brad’s book, Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age, visit  https://news.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/tools-and-weapons/.   And if you missed Part 1 of our conversation with Brad Smith, you can listen here.   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

Unless you’ve somehow avoided all technology for the past three decades, you’ve likely used Microsoft products. The company has been a global technology leader since the start of the Digital Revolution and has positioned itself to grow even further as a leader in the future of computing and artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT.    In this special two-part episode of Redefiners, we’re joined by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, who in his 30 years with the company has had a front row seat to not only how much the tech industry has changed, but also in how much it’s changed business and society in a relatively short timeframe. In fact, The New York Times has called this redefining leader “a de facto ambassador for the technology industry at large.”  We’ll talk with Brad about the big shifts in technology and the tech industry he’s seen over the past three decades, the critical role of government and regulation when it comes to digital technology, how to find common ground in the cybersecurity threat landscape, and how he develops systems thinking with his team to “inspect the trees” while “analyzing the forest” to identify patterns and better navigate complexity. Brad also talks about Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, which he calls “…the issue of the decade, if not the century.” He likens where we are with sustainability now to where the United States was in 1961 after committing to go to the moon – we may not fully understand the problems we need to solve and we clearly don’t have all the answers, but it’s critical that we figure it out.   We’ll also hear from Maneesh Dube, an Executive Director in our New York office, who explains why finding leaders who are tech-savvy is crucial to the success of your organization.  Be sure to check back for part two of our conversation with Brad in two weeks, where we’ll dig into artificial intelligence (AI), productivity, and his thoughts on the need for the tech sector to assume more responsibility and governments to move faster to address the challenges that new technologies are creating.   To learn more about Brad’s book, Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age, visit  https://news.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/tools-and-weapons/.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

We’re in the midst of a new technology revolution—one that is completely rewriting the rules of the game. Gen-AI isn’t hype. It’s here to stay. And the leaders who are quickest to learn how to ride this innovation wave will be the ones that stay ahead.  It’s a high-stakes moment. And yet, there are still questions to be answered: In this time of seismic transformation, how do you keep up? How will Gen-AI challenge our definitions of what it takes to lead? And which traits do you need to hone to thrive in a Gen-AI-driven world?  To help leaders navigate this complex moment in history, we invited Fawad Bajwa and Joe Ghory, our AI practice co-leads, and Harpreet Khurana, our Chief Digital and Data Analytics Officer, into the Leadership Lounge.  They talk through the biggest opportunities (and risks) of Gen-AI for leaders, and share their extensive experience on what it takes to succeed during periods of large-scale transformation. Tune in to discover how to get your hands dirty with Gen-AI, why a learning mindset is key, and why it’s so important to see Gen-AI as a sparring partner, rather than a threat. 

If your organization is like many around the world, you’re trying to figure out how to better lead through uncertainty and change, attract and retain talent, increase employee engagement, and adapt to rapid technological change. In fact, according to our latest Global Leadership Monitor report, only 55% of leaders feel prepared to face these top external threats in the year ahead.   Well, today’s episode should help give you some guidance as we sit down with Jacob Morgan, speaker and bestselling author of five books. We’ll talk with Jacob about his passion and mission to create great leaders, engaged employees, and future-ready organizations. He’ll share his insights gleaned from interviewing hundreds of CEOs and thousands of employees to help you improve your leadership and transform your organization. Jacob discusses what it means to lead with vulnerability and how can leaders tap into it more authentically and effectively; how to increase employee engagement (hint: it’s not more free lunches and happy hours!); his views on return-to-office (RTO) and hybrid work to find a balance between productivity, collaboration, and innovation; and how technology like AI will impact the future of work.  We’ll also hear from Laura Mantoura, a Managing Director in our Stamford office, who dives into our latest research on why employee experience matters—and how boards can take meaningful action.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

What do you get when you combine values-centered leadership with a long-term view of investing? In Tom Gayner’s case, you get an incredible recipe for success! As CEO of Markel Group, Tom helped grow the company over three decades from a relatively small insurance company into the diversified global conglomerate it is today. No wonder Markel Group is often called a "Baby Berkshire." In this conversation, Tom shares his career journey from teenage investor to CEO and how he dealt with various challenges along that path. He’ll talk about how the Markel Style crafted in 1986 has been so critical to their success and continues to serve as the organization’s north star today. Key to that success, Tom shares Markel’s four criteria they use to make investment decisions, including how to define a fair price on a deal. He also talks about his view on the pendulum of investment optimization versus satisfaction. And if you ever wondered how the low interest rates of the past decade encouraged risky decisions, you won’t want to miss Tom’s insightful analogy of interest rates as a form of curfew. So enjoy this episode and get to bed at a reasonable hour!  We’ll also hear from Kurt Harrison, a Managing Director in Russell Reynolds Associates New York office. Kurt digs into our latest Divides & Dividends report to explain why even though sustainability progress is being made, there are four sustainability gaps CEOs must bridge.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

Becoming a leader is an exciting (and daunting) milestone. Here we share the common pitfalls—and how to avoid them.  Whether you’re joining the C-suite for the first time or are about to take on the coveted CEO role—the stakes are high.  For CEOs in particular, you have the unique challenge of transitioning into a role that only a small number of people have ever held.  Any mistakes or missteps made will impact the entire organization, as well as investors, and stakeholders. Couple that with the fact that the current business climate is turbulent at best, and it makes for an incredibly complex role.  How do new leaders put their best foot forward? What sets successful leaders apart?  In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we put these questions and more to four of our leadership advisors; Shannon Knott, Joey Berk, Ty Wiggins, and David Lange. Here they use their extensive experience speaking with new leaders to share their tips and tricks. Tune in to discover why as a new leader you no longer need to be the smartest person in the room, the importance of humility, and why you need to become comfortable with constructive conflict.

Sustainability has quickly risen to the top of corporate agendas, as shareholders, investors, employees, policy makers, and other stakeholders demand action. We talk with two passionate leaders – Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google and Sophia Mendelsohn, former Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of ESG at Cognizant – about how they embed sustainability into their organizations’ core business strategy. They’ll share how they’ve mastered the role of “CEO whisperer” to drive top-down change and connect sustainability initiatives to their company’s business, products and supply chain. We’ll talk about why it’s critical to shift our thinking from how to reduce our business impact on climate change to how to reduce climate change's impact on our business. And for those interested in becoming a CSO, Kate and Sophia share their career advice on how to navigate the often-undefined path to the role.  If you’d like to learn more about Sustainable Leadership, check out Redefiners host Clarke Murphy’s new book, Sustainable Leadership: Lessons of Vision, Courage, and Grit from the CEOs Who Dared to Build a Better World. The book is a complete blueprint for infusing sustainability across business strategy, all while growing your bottom line. Drawing on the stories of 35+ CEOs at world-leading companies, including Adidas, Heineken, Duke Energy, Natura &Co, Maersk, Mahindra Steel, and Salesforce, veteran leadership expert Clarke shows how sustainability action is within reach of every business executive. Perfect for CEOs and boards across industries, Sustainable Leadership is also a can’t miss book for sustainability experts, entrepreneurs, and next-generation leaders looking to make sense of the latest—and most profitable—sustainability strategies. Order your copy here.  To hear more from other global leaders on sustainability, you might also enjoy these Redefiners episodes: 

What’s life really like at the top of a $30 billion healthcare company? While many might find the prospect of serving 300 million patients around the world daunting, Ashley McEvoy, Worldwide Chairman of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, sees it as a privilege. While at the helm of J&J MedTech, her impact has been significant: she has tripled its revenue growth since 2017 and spearheaded its entrance into telehealth, robotics, and digital surgery. At a time when senior executive tenure is often short, Ashley has carved out a career at J&J MedTech spanning almost three decades—all while maintaining an unwavering passion for providing the very best care to patients when they need it most. In this fascinating episode of Redefiners, Ashley lifts the lid on how J&J MedTech is transforming how it delivers care to patients with the help of AI, why being an exceptional listener should be in every leader's toolbox, and why your inner voice is the most powerful voice of anyone in the world. It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss. We’ll also hear from Fawad Bajwa, a Managing Director in our Toronto office. He’ll outline how generative AI tools like ChatGPT are changing the game for leaders, and how great leadership is critical to its successful implementation. Click HERE to access our report How will ChatGPT and other generative AI impact leadership? If you enjoyed this interview, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:• Risk-taking and Dealmaking with Global MedTech Leader, Kevin Lobo• Confessions of a Serial Entrepreneur with Mario Schlosser, CEO and co-founder of Oscar• Break the Bias: Closing the Gender Wealth Gap with Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and c-founder of Ellevest 

There are many reasons why people choose to take a career break. We share how leaders can re-enter the executive world with confidence.  Did you know that 62% of all employees worldwide have taken a career break at some point?  Career breaks have become far more commonplace, likely caused by the period of deep reflection that the pandemic sparked.   Often we associate career breaks with being on maternity leave or taking time out to look after children. But in reality, there are lots of reasons why men and women choose to take a break from the typical 9-5—whether that be for mental health reasons, to care for elderly or sick relatives, or to go on a sabbatical.   Even though career breaks have become more common, a stigma remains associated with taking time away. And that means many people still brush their career breaks under the carpet during executive interviews.   In our Leadership Lounge podcast, we invited four of our leadership advisors; Sarah Galloway, Shoon Lim, David Lange, and Stephanie Tomasso, into the conversation, who share their advice for those looking to re-enter the executive world with confidence.   Tune in to discover why taking time away can help you hone different, desirable leadership skills, the importance of leveraging your network when you choose to re-enter the job market, and why honesty is the best policy when it comes to talking about your career break. 

Lorenzo Simonelli knows how to lead and transform businesses in times of uncertainty and change. He did it for more than two decades at GE, leading the company’s Energy, Transportation, and Consumer & Industrial businesses. As Chairman and CEO of energy technology company Baker Hughes, he’s doing it again, helping to redefine the energy sector by accelerating sustainability to decarbonize the energy system. We talk with Lorenzo about how he’s using technology to accelerate the transition to more sustainable energy in the 120+ countries in which Baker Hughes operates. We’ll also learn the key attributes of what he thinks makes a successful CEO, especially when leading in times of crisis, and how to prepare for unexpected change.    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

Failure can be difficult to come to terms with. Even more so if you’re a CEO at a top organization. But we’ve come to learn that failure isn’t all bad.Leaders who have experienced the biggest failures are often the ones who make the biggest strides in their careers.What’s important is how leaders choose to recover from failure. It’s about engaging constructively with failure to understand what went wrong, knowing how to correct course, and applying those learnings to future decision-making.Leaders are also role models for others. Accepting failure and learning from it encourages others to do the same. It moves away from the sense that everyone needs to be perfect—something that’s highly unsustainable.To unpack this fascinating topic in more depth, we invited four of our esteemed leadership advisors Anupama Puranik, Gurprriet Siingh, Shoon Lim, and Nick Henderson into the Leadership Lounge to answer questions about their experience in coaching leaders who’ve experienced failure—and know a thing or two about coming out the other side of it.Tune in to discover why it’s important not to personalize the failure, and crucially, what sets leaders apart when it comes to recovering from failure.

As we arrive at the midway point of Redefiners Season 3, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the key takeaways and insights our guests have shared with us so far. This season’s episodes have covered several critical topics leaders are facing today – leadership and culture, sustainability, technology and transformation, innovation, and managing uncertainty and change.   In this episode, Clarke and Nanaz take us through some highlights from this season’s conversations with guests including:  If you want to hear more from one of our Redefiners guests, you can listen to any episode from Season 1, 2 or 3 at https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/redefiners-overview.  

Behind the glamour of the beauty industry is the fast-paced corporate pulse keeping it afloat. Marketing veteran and former Wall Street investor Amanda Baldwin knows the intricacies and nuances of both. After years of working with some of the most established beauty brands in the world, Amanda made the bold decision to start fresh when she met the founder of Supergoop!. The skincare brand, with a specialization in sunscreen, offered something special through its product, mission, and story. With Amanda as CEO, Supergoop! has skyrocketed from a startup to a massive global beauty brand, growing over twenty times its size in just five years.   In this episode of Redefiners, Clarke and Hoda sit down with Amanda to discuss how her unique perspective on branding (with a capital B!) can be applied across industries. Listen in to why Amanda believes that chasing trends is a brand killer, how she learned to embrace her strengths, and how the satisfaction of building a business from scratch is worth the blurring of work-life balance.  We’ll also hear from Margot McShane, a Managing director in our San Francisco office. She’ll explain how top executives can engage and retain women leaders in their organizations. Click HERE to access our report, What's Motivating Your Women Leaders?  If you enjoyed this interview, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

In the past, whenever top companies wanted to hire their next leader, they knew what to look for: somebody with technical expertise and a proven track record of delivering financial returns.But the world has changed. And so has what top companies expect from a leader.While the ‘command and control’ hierarchical leader still exists and can deliver for a business, today’s future-proof organizations are increasingly looking for leaders who promote inclusion, diversity of thought, and individual empowerment through their leadership.When done right, leaders are able to demonstrate emotional intelligence and open communication—Ingredients for visionary leaders.But how do you get these skills across in an interview? You can’t just tell the interviewer that you have them. You have to be able to show them.We invited four of our esteemed leadership advisors, Edward Mason, Mina Paul, Evan Sharp, and Nick Henderson into the Leadership Lounge to share how leaders can demonstrate that they have what it takes to be an effective, visionary leader.Tune in to discover what the core leadership traits of a successful leader are, and why it’s important that as a leader, you’re able to flex your leadership style to suit the situation you’re in.

What does youthful rebellion look like when you grow up in an artistic family? For Max Hollein it was going to business school. But he didn’t turn his back completely on his roots. Max quickly added a Masters Degree in art history to his Masters in business administration. A perfect combo for the now director and soon-to-be CEO, come July 2023, of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Max made a risky move earlier in his career by leaving the Guggenheim and New York to lead a prestigious but stumbling museum in Frankfurt. It paid off. Now, Max is entrusted with safeguarding and curating the Met’s 1.5 million cultural items while overseeing the museum's 80,000 square foot, $500 million expansion, all while first and foremost remaining a true lover of art.   In this episode of Redefiners, hear Max’s approach to ensuring one of the world’s most significant artistic institutions is truly sustainable in both the ecological and cultural sense. From brutal honesty at a job interview to hiding his playful side behind tailored suits, you’re not going to want to miss this conversation with Max Hollein.  To read our report, The New Philanthropists: The World is Changing, So Must Philanthropy as discussed by Katie Nivard, click here.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  

Promptly at 11:00 pm every weekday, Stephanie Ruhle sets out to make the world better and smarter. The host of MSNBC’s The Eleventh Hour sheds light on the day's events for her millions of watchers. Stephanie believes building trust is a process, so she takes the slow and steady approach while forming relationships with her audience and her newsmaking guests.    In this episode of Redefiners, we'll hear how Stephanie spent years climbing the ladder to the top of Wall Street, only to bet it all on a move to broadcasting. With careful calculations, the risk paid off. She leads from the news desk as she does everything else, with grit, determination, and honesty. From living in the moment and believing in the power of love to wanting (but not quite getting) enough sleep, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.    Our report, In Leaders We Trust: How to Build and Inspire Trust, is introduced in this episode by Nicole Mai. For insights into building a thriving team through building trust, find the report here.      If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  

As a youngster struggling through grade school, it was hard to imagine Feike Sijbesma would go on to be the formidable leader he is today. But, after a slow start, Feike found success in school and life through hard work, determination, and a desire to make the world better. Feike left his mark in business by transforming Royal DSM (a multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees) from a bulk chemicals company to a leader in nutrition, health and biosciences. Now, he’s leaving his mark on the world by bringing equity and food security to some of the poorest people on the planet.  In this episode of Redefiners, Feike shares how his admiration of Charles Darwin inspired his belief in the power of adaptability. From funerals for failed ideas to a belief in doing good in the world, don’t miss this conversation with Feike Sijbesma.   To read our report, How CEO Commitment Affects Sustainability Integration, as discussed by RRA Managing Director Sarah Galloway, click here.   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  

The board director role is one of the most coveted roles in business. But how do you land your first board seat? And what is life really like when you get there? We invited RRA leadership advisors Alvin Chiang and Anupama Puranik into the Leadership Lounge to share why a board role isn’t just something you should think about once you’ve already made it. Gone are the days when boards are only populated with ex-CEOs, CFOs or other senior leaders. As new issues emerge at breakneck speed—sustainability, DE&I, digital transformation, economic volatility, and geopolitical tensions—boards need diversity of thought more than ever before. Leaders who can help boards steer confidently into the unknown are now in high demand. As Alvin Chiang makes clear: Being a board director is no longer just about stopping the ship from sinking. It’s about making sure there’s a strategy for sailing your boat and crew from point A to point B. Tune in to discover more about what sets great board directors apart—and how to land your first board role (and stay there). 

The Leadership Lounge is a new Redefiners spin-off podcast providing real-world learnings on enduring leadership issues. Host Emma Combe, Board and CEO Advisor in the Russell Reynolds Associates London office, brings her expertise and insight to a range of topics including, how to secure your first board role, how to recover from failure, lessons on avoiding the pitfalls of new leadership, and how to really prepare for an executive interview. Emma puts listeners’ most pressing questions to RRA’s global team of leaders who are on the ground, every day, working with clients and gaining insights that you will not find on any other podcast. 

Ram Charan is a world-renowned business advisor who has been called the most influential consultant alive by Fortune magazine. He started his business education as a child in his family’s shoe shop, where holidays and weekends did not mean a day off. He’s taken that knowledge and work ethic far beyond the borders of his small village in India. Ram’s intellect caught the eye of Harvard Business School and eventually led to a career in academia. But his thirst for knowledge and action couldn’t be confined to the classroom. Ram set out on his own, where his business acumen and ability to whittle any problem down to an actionable task list earned him a seat at the table of some of the biggest corporations in the world. He has advised global companies such as Toyota, Bank of America, and Novartis, helping them cut through complexities in order to focus on core business problems. Ram has also authored and co-authored over 30 books- including four Wall Street Journal bestsellers.  In this episode we manage to get Ram, the constant world traveler, to stop for 30 minutes and share his insights. Hosts Clarke Murphy and Nanaz Mohtashami chat with Ram about his coaching style and why EQ and LQ are often more important than IQ. From sports analogies to business anecdotes, listen in as Ram shares his expertise on how to turn advice into action. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:   How the Barely Possible Can Overcome the Barely Solvable with First Mode’s Chris Voorhees  Leadership Reimagined: Transformation Tips from Jim Hagemann Snabe  Private Investme

Emily Chang is a master bridge builder – and it’s made her a wildly successful leader in the US and in Asia. As the former CEO of McCann Worldgroup China, she bridged US and Chinese cultures to establish brands that are thriving, global, and remarkably agile. We’ll talk about the differences between the two markets, and how brands can succeed in the notoriously challenging Chinese market. We’ll also talk about another kind of bridge—between people—and how Emily literally opens her home to those in need and how that led her to the concept of social legacy, the topic of her bestselling book Spare Room. We’ll also talk about capacity and how to take control of your time – perhaps the most valuable commodity of all. There’s a lot to learn from this leader who, prior to McCann, was a top exec at Starbucks China, InterContinental Hotels Group China, Procter & Gamble, and Apple.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:  From Burnout to Performance: Creating a Culture of Resiliency  Unreasonable Hospitality: Will Guidara’s Recipe for Greatness  Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems  From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top 

Kat Cole went from restaurant server to VP within seven years. Forging her own path is something that’s built into Kat’s DNA. The first person in her family to be admitted to college, she had the vision and courage to drop out in order to follow bigger opportunities. The risk paid off. Kat Cole saved Cinnabon from the ashes of a post-recession economy and went on to a leading role at the parent company overseeing 7000 operations and over $1billion in annual sales. Always choosing opportunities based on her passions and ability to make change, Kat is now President and COO at Athletic Greens.   In this episode of Redefiners, Kat spells out her formula for success which centers around three key things: ask, answer, and act. From salary negotiations to navigating the unknown waters of operating through a pandemic, listen in as Kat tells her story of working through what seem like incapacitating difficulties with enthusiasm, refreshing honesty and wit.        Clarke Murphy is joined by guest host Jenna Fisher, a managing director in Russell Reynolds Associates’ Palo Alto office and author of To the Top: How Women in Corporate Leadership are Rewriting the Rules for Success.    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:   Unreasonable Hospitality: Will Guidara’s Recipe for Greatness  From Gillette to Jamba Juice: How to Lead Iconic Brands with Empathy, Purpose & Integrity  Digital Transformation and the Power of Listening with Microsoft’s Jacky Wright 

Chris Voorhees built his career on solving massive challenges on Earth and in space. He’s Co-founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer of First Mode, a creative engineering company developing carbon reduction and clean energy solutions for heavy industry. Before that, he was an award-winning NASA engineer with integral roles on three Mars rover projects – Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity. We talk with Chris about his fearless approach to problems, how he builds teams and culture, and how creativity and curiosity have enabled him to find solutions to the nearly unsolvable, from outer space to sustainability. It’s 30 minutes that will shift your thinking in how you approach problem solving and how you define “impossible.”   If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiner episodes:  Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn  Feeding the World and Protecting the Planet with Yara International CEO Svein Tore Holsether  Trust Your Gut: AXA’s Thomas Buberl Talks Transformation and Reinvention 

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala thrives on challenge. As the first woman and first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi is responsible for negotiating seemingly impossible deals on global finance, trade, sustainability, and social welfare. We talk with her about her sense of purpose, values, and her firm belief in the power of trade to lift developing countries out of poverty and help them to achieve economic growth and sustainable development. We’ll also discuss another key leadership attribute: courage – in Dr. Ngozi’s case, growing up in war-torn Nigeria, taking on some of the world’s most consequential roles in the public sector, and persevering in her cause even when her mother’s kidnappers demanded Dr. Ngozi resign. This is a conversation about resolve, duty, and embracing risk you won’t want to miss.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these other Redefiners episodes: Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn Power, Politics and Purpose: Leadership Lessons with Former PM of Australia Julia Gillard Risk-taking and Dealmaking with Global MedTech Leader, Kevin Lobo