Explore every episode of the podcast C-Suite Conversations with Dr. Patrick Leddin

TTEC Chief People Officer Laura Butler shares how leaders can balance humanity and technology in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on her experience leading 54,000 global employees, Butler explores the evolving demands of leadership in the age of AI—where clarity, authenticity, and decisiveness matter more than ever. She reflects on lessons from crisis leadership, the importance of continuous learning, and how organizations can transform compliance into commitment. Butler also offers a forward-looking view on using AI to enhance coaching, connection, and communication across large, diverse teams. This conversation explores how today’s leaders can build cultures of trust, adaptability, and shared purpose in times of transformation.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization.   To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

How do leaders build strong teams worldwide? We discuss the answers with Carol MacKinlay, Chief Human Resources Officer at Pebl (formerly Velocity Global). Her three decades of experience leading people strategies across diverse organizations gives her a unique perspective to that question. Carol shares career lessons from scaling global teams, insights drawn from her unconventional path into HR, and her perspective on the evolving future of work.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Today, we speak with Kerry Sirkka, Chief Recruitment Officer at Medical Solutions, about the challenges and opportunities of leading in one of the nation’s most competitive labor markets. Kerry shares her perspective on attracting, developing, and retaining talent in healthcare while navigating disruption and building resilient organizations. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on leadership, adaptability, and the future of staffing that apply whether you’re just starting your career, managing a team, or leading at the executive level.

 

FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Today's guest is Chief Human Resources Officer at Vertiv, Frank Poncheri. Together, we'll explore lessons from his decades of leadership across global organizations. Frank reflects on his journey from GE Aerospace and Owens Corning to leading HR at Vertiv, a Fortune 500 company with over 30,000 employees, and shares insights on balancing career opportunities with family decisions, cultivating resilience, and navigating international assignments. He also underscores the importance of business acumen, consistency, and building trust through a strong “say-do” ratio. Leaders at every stage will gain inspiration on how to align personal values with professional impact while driving transformation in complex, global environments.

Today on C-Suite Conversations, Patrick sits down with Aneri Jambusaria, Head of Wealth Management at LPL Financial, the largest independent broker-dealer in the United States. Aneri shares her career journey and the pivotal experiences that have shaped her leadership style, from navigating complexity and scaling innovation to building trust in a rapidly evolving financial industry. Listeners will gain insights into how she leads with clarity, balances strategic growth with client needs, and fosters resilience in a dynamic marketplace.

In today's episode of C-Suite Conversations, Patrick Leddin sits down with Trevor Baldwin, CEO of the Baldwin Group, to explore his rise from commercial risk advisor to the executive suite. Trevor reflects on his early experience in private equity, the leadership principles that shaped his path, and how Baldwin Group has built a thriving culture aligned around ambitious goals. He also shares practical insights on sustaining engagement, sharpening strategy, and leading with clarity in times of change.   Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, C-Suite Conversations delivers real-world perspectives to help you lead with greater confidence, alignment, and impact.

We often look to leaders expecting them to have all the answers until we step into leadership ourselves and realize that's rarely the case. More often, great leadership is less about always knowing the right answer and more about deeply caring for a cause. Join Enrique Toledo, former Chief People Officer at Modivcare, as he shares a refreshingly humble perspective on what makes a strong leader and why imposter syndrome might not be such a bad thing after all.

 

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Sébastien Page, the head of Global Multi-asset and Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and the author of Psychology of Leadership, joins Patrick Leddin to share what he’s learned when it comes to leadership, culture, decision making, resilience, setting goals, and so much more.

Sébastien has spent decades leading in a demanding, fast-paced environment, and he brings a thoughtful perspective on how to lead with clarity and purpose.

Charles "Chuck" Ferry—decorated combat veteran and CEO of both APR Energy and Duos Technologies—joins Patrick Leddin to share hard-earned insights from leading in the military and the private sector. He explores the transitions between roles, industries, and leadership contexts, including what he learned running both a public and a private company simultaneously. Ferry reflects on the importance of building trust with experts, identifying technical vs. leadership talent, and creating systems where people can thrive. He offers a clear model for evaluating team members—skill, will, and teamwork—and explains why investing in people development is essential to organizational performance.

Garry Ridge, former CEO and chairman of WD-40 Company, joins Patrick Leddin to explore how leaders can build enduring cultures rooted in trust, learning, and belonging. He shares how he transformed WD-40 from a household product into a values-driven organization with over 90% engagement. Ridge discusses the power of coaching over managing, the role of servant leadership, and how values can become daily decision-making tools. He also reflects on his leadership evolution and how to lead with heart and backbone.

Keith Wyche, seasoned executive and board director with over 30 years at companies like Walmart, IBM, and AT&T, shares hard-won lessons on how to truly advance your career. He breaks down the three key factors that drive success—performance, exposure, and perception—and why top results alone aren’t enough. Keith offers candid stories, including how self-awareness, coaching, and personal growth reshaped his leadership style, and how every action sends a signal.

Scott Ward, luxury hospitality executive, shares insights from his 25-year career leading iconic resorts—from the Caribbean to the mountains of Colorado. He discusses the power of listening, team collaboration, and problem-solving in turning around struggling resorts and creating memorable guest experiences. Scott also reflects on leading through industry disruptions, the importance of respect in leadership, and the balance between honoring history and driving innovation. Whether you're in hospitality or any leadership role, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on trust, culture, and impact.

Jason Zintak, CEO of 6sense, shares insights on hypergrowth, AI-driven sales intelligence, and maintaining company culture while scaling from $5 million to over $200 million in recurring revenue. He reflects on lessons from his early career in sales, the importance of process and grit, and how leaders can leverage AI without losing sight of customer value. Jason also discusses the challenges of leading through rapid innovation, investor pressure, and post-pandemic workplace shifts—and why humility and teamwork remain at the core of effective leadership.

Amanda Davies, Chief Research and Development, Sustainability, and Procurement Officer at Mars Snacking, shares her journey from an 11-year-old fascinated by science to a top executive shaping innovation and sustainability at one of the world's most recognizable brands. She discusses the power of curiosity, learning from frontline workers and farmers, and breaking barriers as a leader in STEM. Tune in to discover how she navigates complex global challenges, fosters innovation, and leads with purpose—while ensuring the future of beloved brands like Snickers, M&M’s, and Dove Chocolate.

Legendary fashion designer, Norma Kamali, shares meaningful lessons from her 57-year journey in the industry. From pioneering iconic designs like the Sleeping Bag Coat and Farrah Fawcett’s iconic swimsuit to embracing AI and technology in fashion, Norma shares her insights on creativity, adaptability, and leading with purpose. She opens up about overcoming challenges, embracing failure, and why staying authentic and curious is key to success in any field. This conversation will challenge you to think differently about your career, legacy, and impact.

In this episode, Dr. Steven Neil Kaplan, professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, delves into the qualities that define successful CEOs and the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions. Drawing from his extensive research in private equity, venture capital, and corporate governance, Dr. Kaplan shares the key characteristics that not only help individuals rise to the C-suite but also thrive once they get there—emphasizing talent, execution, and charisma. The conversation also explores how private equity firms and public companies approach acquisitions, the cultural complexities post-merger, and what truly drives success in these deals. Dr. Kaplan offers actionable insights for professionals at any stage of their career, highlighting the importance of delivering results and continuously evolving in today’s corporate landscape.

RSM US CEO Brian Becker shares his journey leading an 18,000-person firm and the lessons he's learned along the way. From his early career decisions to his approach to leadership, Brian emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and fostering a culture of collaboration. He discusses the evolving role of leaders in navigating complex challenges, inspiring teams, and maintaining authenticity in every interaction. Packed with actionable insights, this conversation will leave you reflecting on your own leadership journey and the values that guide you.

The whole person we bring to work matters. Acorns CEO Noah Kerner discusses this as he shares the fascinating journey of his career, from his early passion for DJing and hip-hop music to his transition into purpose-driven business ventures centered around financial empowerment, health, education, and the arts. Noah touches on the importance of discovering and aligning one's purpose, the value of creative pursuits even in executive roles, and the critical role of caring and understanding people as a leader. Noah provides insightful advice, encouraging listeners to reflect deeply on what truly matters to them and to stay true to their core purpose, even as their career progresses through different stages.

There is power in autonomy, competence, and relationships. O.C. Tanner’s Chief Marketing & People Officer Mindi Cox joins C-suite Conversations to outline these three critical elements that empower and engage people personally and professionally. Mindi discusses the importance of helping people see their “spark” – the unique talents and contributions they can make that go beyond just doing their job. She emphasizes the power of a generative mindset, where people are inspired to synthesize, create, and solve problems in new ways that benefit the organizations, sharing that aligning individual purpose with organizational purposes is critical for building an engaged, high-performing culture. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels on creating work environments centered on empowering people, fostering purpose, and driving sustainable growth through a people-first approach.

Atif Rafiq’s remarkable career journey - from early tech roles to pioneering the Chief Digital Officer position - offers a masterclass in embracing change, managing calculated risks, and harnessing collective intelligence to drive impactful decisions. Emphasizing the value of vulnerability, Atif underscores how acknowledging setbacks can elevate one's leadership prowess. His insights on integrating AI into organizational workflows and cultivating agile, exploratory decision-making processes provide a roadmap for future-proofing businesses in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This episode of C-suite Conversations features an insightful conversation with Libor Michalek, the President and Director of Affirm. Libor shares his extensive experience building and scaling successful startups, offering advice on what to look for when pursuing a big idea, the importance of building the right team and culture, and the challenges of managing hypergrowth. He emphasizes the value of being deliberate about decision-making, staying true to your company's mission, and leveraging your unique strengths as a leader.

There is value in moving outside your comfort zone and the functional area of your work to gain a deeper understanding of the business as a whole. Sanofi Chief Learning Officer Wanda Shoer joins C-suite Conversations to share how she intentionally works to be a more well-rounded leader. Wanda suggests challenging the status quo and driving innovation, even in highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance. She emphasizes asking thoughtful questions and envisioning the ideal future state and speaks to the importance of honesty about what you know and don't know, bringing enthusiasm and energy, and ensuring everyone enjoys the journey.

Be kind, be fast, and be disruptive. This is a glimpse into the key takeaways offered up by Brandtech Group Founder and CEO David Jones. David provides a compelling overview of how generative AI is poised to revolutionize marketing and business, describing it as potentially "bigger than the industrial revolution." He outlines several key reasons why generative AI will be a game-changer, including the massive investments from tech giants, the surging interest and valuations from investors, and the rapid adoption by consumers. David emphasizes that generative AI is not just a future possibility, but is already being leveraged by leading brands today to create content and ads faster, cheaper, and more effectively.

When harnessed effectively and in symphony, trust and ambition can elevate a company to new heights. The team at FranklinCovey knows that a high-trust culture is the foundation for a successful organization, and the same value is withheld by Mark Douglas in his work as the Founder and CEO of MNTN. Mark provides advice for leaders looking to spur innovation and progress in their organizations, emphasizing the need to identify and empower the "chief innovator" and to be willing to let go of tasks that others can handle better.

Follow the journey through Tim Massa’s impressive career, from his early days at Procter & Gamble to his transformative experience as an expatriate in Poland, and finally to his current role leading Kroger's people strategy as SVP and Chief People Officer. Tim shares valuable insights on the importance of developing talent, building a strong organizational culture, and approaching challenges with humility and adaptability. He emphasizes the significance of aligning purpose, values, and business priorities, and how this has been instrumental in Kroger's success, even during turbulent times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heather Stefanski, Partner and Chief Learning and Talent Officer at McKinsey, joins the C-suite Conversations podcast to share strategies McKinsey & Company employs to develop top talent. In addition to talking about how McKinsey cultivates a “skills-focused development culture,” Heather discusses the importance of being curious, staying humble, and continuously learning throughout one's career, regardless of career stage.

This episode of C-suite Conversations features an insightful discussion with Daniel Domenech, the Chief Talent Officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Dan shares his diverse career journey, spanning multiple industries including manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and technology. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change, continual learning, and leveraging mentorship to navigate professional growth. Dan also highlights HPE's focus on fostering an inclusive culture where employees can bring their authentic selves to work.

Through his roles across diverse industries and geographies, Uxio Malvido has gained deep insights into the universal human needs that transcend cultures - the importance of empathy, relationships, feeling part of something meaningful, and purpose in work. The Chief Human Resources Officer for the World Economic Forum discusses the critical link between leadership and culture, and the efforts he is leading to develop self-aware, collaborative leaders who can inspire teams and drive collective success.

Learn how to make the seemingly impossible possible from this engaging and energetic conversation with Dr. Wendy Walsh, Chief Learning Officer for Air Education Training and Command. Throughout her career, Dr. Walsh has intentionally emphasized the importance of bringing people together, creating shared understanding, and enabling collaboration to achieve great things. As a leader, Dr. Walsh highlights the value of self-awareness, situational awareness, and creating psychologically caring environments where people feel supported and able to openly share their struggles and needs. She stresses the importance of balancing people-focused leadership with a clear sense of purpose and meaningful work, rather than seeing it as a simple trade-off.

Shared expectations are the root of all productive relationships. That is one of several impactful truths shared in this C-suite Conversations episode, featuring Utz Brands CEO Howard Friedman. Howard emphasizes the importance of goal-setting, alignment, and accountability across the organization. He stresses the need to keep goals active and alive through regular check-ins and a willingness to ask for help when off-track. Building effective teams and breaking down silos is a constant focus, as he emphasizes the importance of establishing norms, empowerment, and accountability as critical to fostering productive collaboration.

At Natori, East meets West and passion meets fashion. Join Natori President Ken Natori as he and C-suite Conversations host Patrick Leddin discuss his career journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Ken reflects on how he was able to make his own mark on the company, the need to continuously pivot and adapt in a competitive market, and the necessity of having a genuine passion for what you do.

In his final episode as host of C-suite Conversations, Scott Miller reflects on a key lesson he took away from the more than 100 interviews he's done. In addition to a focus on the importance of developing and fostering effective communication skills, Scott emphasizes a lesson he gleaned on the necessity of developing the ability to critically evaluate information and discern fact from fiction in an era of increasing misinformation. He closes by handing the proverbial baton to long-time friend and colleague, Patrick Leddin, who will be taking over as the host of C-suite Conversations moving forward.

 

 

Join Teach for America CEO Elisa Villanueva Beard as she shares the inspirational story of her personal journey, from growing up in a low-income community in Texas to becoming a leader in the mission to provide educational equity for all students. Elisa walks through her own path to Teach for America, sharing the importance of continuously assessing your team and being willing to make changes to have the right people in the right roles.

You can't lose if you don't quit. That's one of many valuable truths brought to by Leila Hormozi in her episode of C-Suite Conversations. The CEO of Acquisition.com shares her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of being willing to adapt and change quickly to succeed. She also shares what she has learned about culture, system creation, leadership growth, and the importance of being a team player. 

Avoid your next career implosion with tactics and practices discussed with McGraw Hill Chief Human Resources and Communication Officer Jeannine Tait. Jeannine emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding individual strengths in leadership roles, and digs into some things we can all do to be more intentional about our career journey. Jeanine also provides insights into the mission and digital transformation of McGraw Hill, highlighting their commitment to personalized learning.

Creating impact where its needed most is a huge focus for Joanna Sabato, Chief Global Marketing and Communications Officer for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Joanna shares her journey from a career in advertising to her current role, where she combines her business acumen, marketing skills, and passion for a worthy cause. Joanna discusses the competencies needed for success in the C-suite, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in the ever-evolving world of marketing and communications. She also highlights the incredible work of Ronald McDonald House Charities, providing support and accommodations for families with seriously ill children. This episode is a powerful reminder of the positive impact that can be made when businesses and individuals come together to make a difference in the lives of others.

In this milestone 100th episode of Franklin Covey's C-suite Conversations podcast, host Scott Miller sits down with the CEO of Franklin Covey, Paul Walker. With nearly 25 years of experience at the company, Paul shares his journey from an inside sales role to becoming the leader of the most trusted and influential leadership development firm in the world. Paul provides valuable insights into creating high-performing cultures, solving organizational challenges, and the future of FranklinCovey.

Alexander MacDonald, the Chief Economist at NASA joins us to we delve into the fascinating world of space exploration and the role of economics in shaping NASA's future. From discussing the potential risks of conflict in space to the importance of international cooperation, Alex provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of space exploration. Discover how NASA is navigating the shift towards commercial partnerships and the exciting Artemis campaign to return to the moon. With anecdotes from Alex's own journey and his passion for economic history, this episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of economics and space exploration.

In this episode of FranklinCovey's C-suite Conversations with Scott Miller, Scott sits down with John Hewko, the CEO and leader of Rotary International. They delve into the relevance of Rotary in today's world and the incredible work they are doing globally. From networking and professional development to community service and their mission to eradicate polio, Rotary has evolved into a powerful force for good. John shares his personal connection to the cause and the impact Rotary has had on his life. They also discuss the current value proposition of joining Rotary and how the organization has attracted a diverse and vibrant group of professionals.

Bain & Company’s Chief Diversity Officer joins C-suite Conversations to discuss the upcoming challenges and changes in the corporate world. Julie shares about her work at Bain that involves building inclusion, managing change, and bridging the generational gap that exists in today’s workforce. With a focus on soft skills and adaptability, Julie discusses the importance of listening, asking great questions, and collaborating with others to drive meaningful impact. 

Join the CEO of Creative Planning, Peter Mallouk, as he demystifies the most important financial topics for everyone to know. The author of Money Simplified shares invaluable insights on topics like gold, the S&P 500, cryptocurrencies, and the future of AI, in addition to providing advice for parents and individuals on building effective careers and protecting themselves from scams. Peter emphasizes the need for education, drive, and resiliency in navigating the rapidly changing world.

In the age of AI and ever-evolving technological advancements, being able to reason and think clearly and logically is more important than ever before. In this episode of C-suite Conversations, Microsoft’s Chief Learning Officer, Joe Whittinghill, emphasizes the need for people to reason through information, distinguish between what is true and false, and effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas. He discusses the challenges of leading a diverse global organization and speaks to the importance of building a strong company culture, offering some practical ways leaders can make their organization a place where its employees want to stay and thrive.

Every company is now a technology company and how effectively your organization can adapt will make all the difference. That’s one of several practical takeaways from Vecteris Co-Founder and CEO Eisha Armstrong, who joined C-suite to discuss the challenges and opportunities in digital transformation, the future of AI, and the skills needed for the evolving marketplace. Eisha emphasized the importance of continuous learning, emotional regulation, and the ability to build, lead, and retain high-functioning teams.

Turning your life plan into a financial plan shouldn’t be a struggle. Edward Jones’ Managing Partner, Penny Pennington, joins C-suite Conversations to discuss purposeful principles applicable to any organization. Penny shares how Edward Jones helps millions of clients, emphasizing the importance of deep discovery conversations and building strong relationships. She also discusses how learning is a journey, the importance of being present amid life’s storms, and how important it is to balance emotional intelligence with industry knowledge, regardless of your profession.

Join the CEO and co-founder of Teach for All, Wendy Kopp, as she shares her insights on leadership and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. Wendy reflects on her own career journey and how that has contributed to the evolution of Teach For All, a network of independent organizations in 62 countries that aims to develop collective leadership to ensure all children fulfill their potential. Wendy also discusses the skills needed for success in a changing world, including agency, self-awareness, connectedness, personal well-being, and academic mastery.

If you’ve ever heard of, listened to, or aspired to deliver a TED Talk, this episode is for you. Monique Ruff-Bell, Chief Program and Strategy Officer at TED, shares her fascinating career journey, from her humble beginnings in New Jersey to her pivotal role at one of the world's most renowned organizations. She discusses the importance of intentionality in career growth and the power of mentorship and sponsorship. Monique also provides insights into the inner workings of TED, including the meticulous process of crafting compelling TED Talks and the financial aspects of running a nonprofit organization.

Forbes Media Group CEO Mike Federle joins C-suite Conversations for a discussion on trust in journalism and media and the importance of curiosity and relationship-building in leadership. Mike recalls the history of Forbes, including the evolution of its global reach and transition from print to digital. He emphasizes how Forbes aims to maintain trust by focusing on business and entrepreneurship rather than politics, and shares his thoughts on the future of media and AI.

Humility, love, and service are at the heart of every intentional leadership decision Alan Mulally has made. The former CEO of Boeing and Ford shares tried and true practices from his past that he’s brought with him in his service currently as an executive leadership coach. In this do-not-miss episode, Alan shares his insights on creating a psychologically safe environment in the workplace, the principles of effective leadership, and the significance of collaboration. Ultimately, what true leadership comes down to for Alan is working together to create value for all stakeholders and the greater good.

The moment she decided to be comfortable with who she was created to be, flaws and all, was an absolute game changer for Ukonwa Kuzi-Orizu Ojo. The CEO and founder of Zaia Ventures shares her diverse career journey, from starting in finance to transitioning into brand management, as an illustration of the importance of authenticity and being true to yourself in building your personal brand. She shares insights from her time as the Global Chief Marketing Officer for Amazon Prime Video, highlighting the company’s customer obsession, focus on thinking big, and emphasis on delivering results.

Start building yourself bigger pockets today by spending less, earning more, investing, and creating. Join the CEO and President of BiggerPockets.com, Scott Trench, as he delves into the importance of financial independence and the role of real estate investing in achieving that goal. Scott emphasizes the need for thorough research and careful decision-making, highlighting the value of BiggerPockets’ community and content in guiding aspiring investors through every stage in their journey.