Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Impact Exchange

What if the only permission you need is your own?

In this episode, serial entrepreneur Bridget Wilson joins John Frehse to explore why the most rewarding opportunities rarely arrive with an invitation.

From launching a children's fashion brand to designing some of America's most celebrated gardens, Bridget shares how curiosity, discipline and a willingness to embrace the unknown helped her build successful ventures across multiple industries.

Her message is simple: master what inspires you, trust your vision, and start before you're ready.

Listen to the full episode.

Consumers are still spending. The problem is they're increasingly spending tomorrow's money today. 

Household debt is rising, savings are shrinking, and more consumers are relying on credit to fund everyday spending. Yet retail sales remain resilient. What happens when that balance breaks? 

In the latest episode of The Impact Exchange, Ankura's Retail and Performance Improvement expert Keith Jelinek explores why businesses should be paying close attention to the growing debt burden facing consumers, how purchasing behavior is changing, and what retailers can do now to prepare for a more cautious, value-driven customer. 

For leaders planning for 2027 and beyond, understanding what is happening beneath the headline economic data may be just as important as tracking the headlines themselves.

Learn more about the retail implications of GLP-1-driven consumer trends in Ankura's latest thought leadership article as mentioned by Keith: Sizing is the New Fault Line

What if strategy isn’t the problem, execution is?

In this episode, Kevin Ertell, former Nike and Tower Records executive, and author of ‘The Strategy Trap’ exposes a critical leadership blind spot: great ideas don’t fail on paper. They fail in delivery.

In conversation with John Frehse, Kevin outlines how leaders turn intent into impact. And his message is simple; strategies don’t collapse, they stall.

If your strategy isn’t delivering, it’s time to look beyond the idea and focus on how it’s executed.

Listen to the full episode.

What if the real threat to growth right now isn’t the market — but the response to it?

Matt Sgrignari, Ankura Performance Improvement expert, unpacks how organizations can drive sustainable revenue in today’s turbulent financial climate.

From private equity backed roll‑ups to underperforming assets, Matt explains why ‘growth at all costs’ no longer works, how leaders can effectively align marketing activity to revenue, and why understanding what’s working (and what isn’t) is critical.

This conversation moves past short‑term fixes to focus on what actually compounds value over time: strong products, disciplined experimentation, and the patience to build growth engines that last.

If you’re an PE operator, investor or business leader, this episode offers a practical, experience‑led view on driving sustainable growth in volatile markets.

In a market where private equity is searching for its next growth engine, where does real value actually come from?

The answer may surprise you.

In this episode, Jesse Lehman, a retail expert with deep experience across retail, supply chain and operational transformation unpacks where value is really being created today and why it's often hiding in plain sight.

From pet grooming and dental practices to mid‑market manufacturing, Jesse explains why fragmented, founder‑led businesses are emerging as some of the most compelling opportunities and why scale doesn’t have to mean standardization.

This episode cuts through the hype to focus on what truly drives valuation.

If you’re an investor, operator, or leader navigating a challenging cycle, this conversation offers a grounded, experience‑led view on how value is unlocked when conditions are tough.

If your leadership team can’t reach consensus, innovation stalls.

Disagreement isn’t the enemy—but unresolved conflict is. In this episode, Holly McClung, Senior Managing Director, The Leader Behind the Leaders, challenges a common leadership failure: mistaking strong opinions for progress. Consensus, she argues, isn’t about harmony or compromise. It’s the enabler that allows teams to move beyond ego, binary thinking, and win‑lose debates—unlocking better ideas and sustainable growth.

And the question every leader should sit with: Do you want to be right, or do you want to be effective?

Listen to the full conversation now.

What if culture and performance weren’t shaped by whether leaders say 'thank you,' but how they do it?
 
In this episode, Tom Schurman, founder of Clarity Amplified, joins John Frehse to explore the power of thank you and why authentic employee recognition is a critical leadership discipline.
 
Drawing on real‑world experience in high‑turnover environments, Tom challenges why generic praise misses the mark, and explains how thoughtful, proportional, timely, and personal acknowledgment delivered through visible leadership and genuine care can become a powerful lever for employee engagement, retention, and sustained performance.
  
If you’re a leader focused on building resilient cultures and driving results and want to learn how to effectively recognize the people in your organisation — then this is one for you.

The Supreme Court just proved Kate Kalutkiewicz right.

Tariffs are a defining trade story of this administration — and then, after we stopped recording, the Supreme Court struck them down.

That timing makes this episode of The Impact Exchange even more essential listening.

In this conversation, Kate Kalutkiewicz, Trade Practice leader at McLarty Associates, explains why tariffs were never a short‑term tactic, why their legal foundation always mattered, and why volatility — not certainty — was the most likely outcome. Kate walked through the constitutional risks, the economic trade‑offs, and the unintended consequences businesses and consumers are now facing in real time.

As Kate explains, tariffs raised costs, strained supply chains, and forced companies into challenging choices — leaving open the question of who actually benefits if tariffs are unwound. The Supreme Court’s decision doesn’t end the tariff story. It complicates it.

This episode explores:

- Why tariffs were deployed so aggressively — even against allies
- What happens if tariffs are ruled unconstitutional 
- Who gets refunded if tariffs are struck down — and who doesn’t 
- Why businesses hoping for certainty may get more chaos instead

If you want to understand why this moment was coming and what comes next after the Court’s decision — then this is an episode not to miss. 

If you’re responsible for outcomes and culture, this conversation will sharpen how you think about both.

Why do so many roll-ups fail — even when the strategy is solid?

In this episode, Sara Huddleston, People & Transformation Leader and Founder of Align Coaching Solutions, joins John Frehse for a candid conversation on what really makes or breaks organizational change. They explore why roll‑ups and integrations break down, what healthy conflict actually looks like, and why trust, transparency, and intentional listening matter more than another playbook or mandate workplace.

If you’re leading growth, integration, or culture change, this conversation will challenge how you think about execution—and why compliance is not the same as commitment.

Listen to learn how leaders can drive performance by putting people back at the center of transformation.

Why does diplomacy matter—especially now?

In this episode, John Frehse speaks with Ambassador Lee Feinstein, President of McLarty Associates and a seasoned diplomat whose career spans the Pentagon, the State Department, and the U.S. Embassy, in a conversation “On Diplomacy.”

Together, they explore the philosophy and real‑world value of diplomacy across government, business, and personal life—highlighting the timeless principles that make it effective: clear communication, trust‑building, long‑term strategic thinking, and the ability to understand both your own position and the one across the table.

They also discuss the growing danger of today’s short‑term mindset and why sustainable outcomes require a willingness to think beyond today. 

Listen now to hear Ambassador Feinstein’s insights on why diplomacy still shapes the world—and how it can help all of us drive stronger outcomes.

Think control drives success? Think again.

Most leaders believe control equals results—but what if that belief is holding you back?

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners, to explore why the most successful leaders today aren’t the ones who “do more” or “know it all.”

You’ll learn:

• Why surrendering the illusion of control unlocks better leadership
• How adaptive cultures outperform command-and-control by 4x in revenue growth
• Practical steps to create clarity, alignment, and accountability without micromanaging
• A 4-question coaching framework that empowers teams and drives results

The takeaway? Stop clinging to old playbooks. Start shaping experiences that shift beliefs and inspire action.

What would happen if you stopped trying to control the uncontrollable?

Your brand isn’t what you sell – it’s the experience you deliver and how it makes people feel.

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with global brand and experience leader Ben Collier to explore the importance of delivering on brand promises. Ben draws on a career spanning advertising in Beijing and New York, financial services, luxury hospitality, premium spirits, telecoms, and multiple large-scale rebrands – and shares how he designs moments that foster trust, loyalty, and advocacy.

Listen now to explore how being intentional about the experiences you design – for clients, colleagues, and communities – can transform both your brand and your impact.

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with Dana Stefanczyk from Ankura Office of the CFO to unravel strategic insights into bill paying for enterprises. Discover how timing and prioritization can lead to impactful financial management. Whether you're a business leader or a financial expert, this episode offers fresh perspectives on leveraging vendor terms to enhance cash flow. 

Tune in today and learn how Ankura is helping businesses thrive amidst financial challenges.

As some businesses prioritize AI investment over graduate programs and hiring, a crucial question emerges: where will the next generation of leaders come from?

In this timely episode, host John Frehse sits down with recent graduate and Ankura colleague Cady Finley to unpack the essential role of human connections and advanced skills in career growth. They discuss college lessons, the power of real-world experience, and the opportunities for individuals and businesses to leverage AI for meaningful impact - an approach Cady practices every day in her role.

In an era where AI is transforming the workforce, nurturing the next generation of leaders has never been more essential.

At Ankura, we understand the importance of navigating this evolving landscape. Through strategic workforce planning and upskilling initiatives, we support people and our clients in preparing for the future. Learn more www.ankura.com

The financial pressure of inflation, rising debt, and tariffs is changing how consumers shop – so what does this mean for retailers and how can they win in this challenging market?

In this episode, Ankura Performance Improvement expert Chris Ventry joins John Frehse for a deep dive on emerging trends and challenges as retail businesses prepare for the 2025 holiday season. They explore consumer debt trends, the pivotal role of AI, how retailers can capitalize on early sales and personalized shopping experiences to drive success in 2025 and much more.

This episode uncovers insights retailers can't afford to miss - listen now!

Ready to challenge some stereotypes about Mexico's workforce?

On this episode, John Frehse sits down with Ankura's Horacio Gomez, a market strategy expert and transformational leader, to discuss the highly skilled and innovative labor force driving industry in Mexico. They explore the opportunities in healthcare, education, and digital transformation, and why American businesses should look southward for opportunities and growth.

As business leaders navigate intricate global transformations how can they foster a culture that embraces change? 

In this episode, John Frehse speaks with Gloria Madrid, a global operations excellence leader with over 20 years of experience across Latin America, the US, and Europe. Gloria discusses strategies for aligning stakeholders, balancing governance with people-centric leadership, and crafting tailored approaches for successful transformations.

Tracey Abbott, a seasoned Private Equity Operating Partner and Keynote Speaker, joins John Frehse to explore the vital role of intuition, risk-taking, and AI in today's business landscape.

Drawing from her extensive background in private equity, board advisory, and coaching CEOs, Tracey delves into the power of curiosity and the significance of learning from both triumphs and setbacks to enhance intuition and foster success.

Ever wondered why the U.S. healthcare billing process is so complex? Ryan Christine joins John Frehse to unravel the intricacies and challenges hospitals face with revenue cycle management.

Key insights include:

• What revenue cycle management really means
• The importance of cash flow in healthcare operations
• Tips on negotiating your medical bills as a patient

Learn how these challenges affect healthcare institutions and what solutions are being implemented. 

In an era of geopolitical challenges and energy transitions, how do businesses adapt? The latest episode of The Impact Exchange with John Frehse features Ambassador Geoff Pyatt, a seasoned diplomat with over 35 years of experience. From the frontlines of international diplomacy to the complexities of energy transitions, Geoff shares insights on Ukraine's resilience, the geopolitical landscape, and the future of critical minerals.

Learn about: 
• U.S. policies in Ukraine and their broader global strategy
• The rising demand for energy resources and critical minerals 
• The impact of geopolitical dynamics on international trade

Why are there so many unfinished construction projects? Is it true in construction that you can only pick two: better, faster, or cheaper? 

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with Ankura’s Chris Nutter to explore the world of value engineering, a process developed during World War II that is used today to balance cost, function, and quality in construction projects. 

Chris shares insights on: 
• How to avoid common pitfalls
• Ensuring projects meet their intended goals without sacrificing safety or aesthetics
• Turning short-term savings into long-term success
• How to navigate the complexities of modern construction projects

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the role of value engineering. 

Are you being watched?! 2025 has witnessed a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks, with ransomware attacks rising by 126% globally. In this episode, John Frehse speaks with Han Lai about the critical importance of cybersecurity and the hidden risks we all face in our connected world.

Discover why information security matters and learn the first steps to take if your data is compromised. Han explains the complex nature of cyberattacks, from prolonged system infiltrations to ransomware negotiations, and how he helps clients navigate these challenges.

Blockchain and cryptocurrency have become buzzwords, but what do they truly mean for industries and society? Join John Frehse as he chats with expert Andrew Sotak on this episode of The Impact Exchange. 

Andrew shares his insights on: 
• What blockchain is at its core
• The impact of crypto on global regulations 
• Real-life forensic cases in the crypto world
• Future trends in digital assets

Dive into the world of global trade with John Frehse as he’s joined by trade expert Kate Kalutkiewicz!

Kate unpacks the complexities of trade policies and tariffs that are reshaping industries worldwide. From her experiences in the Trump White House Administration to leading trade policy at Amazon, Kate brings unparalleled insights into how these changes affect businesses globally. 

Discover why tariffs are more than just taxes, how they influence everything from automotive supply chains to pharmaceutical pricing, and what the current trade negotiations mean for the future of international business.

Why do technology projects often miss the mark?

Join John Frehse in this episode as he chats with Mirinda Lowe. Mirinda emphasizes the importance of treating technology implementations as business transformations to ensure success. Key elements for a successful technology rollout include:

• A compelling reason for the initiative
• Clearly defined roles
• A strategic roll-out plan that considers organizational impacts

What keeps a CFO up at night? How has the role evolved beyond traditional number-crunching?

Join John Frehse as he delves into the intricacies of the modern CFO role with financial expert Elliot Fuhr on this episode of The Impact Exchange. Elliot shares invaluable insights on:
• Key financial metrics that every business should focus on 
• The transformation of finance officers into strategic business leaders 
• The power of force multiplication through technology

Unlock the secrets to effectively communicating with your CFO and drive your projects forward.

Dive into this fascinating discussion on the art of discourse with John Frehse and Bret Stephens, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist for the New York Times. 

In a world of increased polarization, Bret educates us on the discourse of civil society and explores the architecture of argument and the cultural forces shaping our conversations today. 

Today, consumers have a relatively positive outlook on the economy, while the economy is showing us signs that we shouldn't. 

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with Ankura's own Keith Jelinek, performance improvement and retail expert, to discuss the implications of rising consumer debt levels, including the consumer spending index, consumer sentiment and outlook on the market, impacts on the economy and society, and more. 

In this episode, John Frehse catches up with Head of Ankura's Disputes & Economics practice in Australia, Christine Oliver, on all things valuation.

How do company stories play into valuations? What do the numbers tell us about what a business is worth? What company data does Christine consider when performing valuations work?

In this episode, John sits down with Ankura colleague and sovereign debt restructuring expert Spencer Jones to discuss the implications of countries running out of money. 

Be sure to listen to this fascinating conversation and hear directly from an expert who has advised 30 countries and governments through times of financial distress.

In the first episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse sits down with Ankura colleague and change management expert Kevin Cowherd to discuss why change is so important to an organization, why so many of us fail to change and what leaders can do to facilitate effective change.

Listen now to hear more on what leaders can do to successfully lead their organizations through change and transformation.