Explore every episode of the podcast From The Top with Chad Hesters

Global complexity and rapid change are fundamentally reshaping how leaders must think, operate, and make decisions in an increasingly unpredictable world. In this inaugural episode of From the Top with Chad Hesters engages with Gordon Dee Smith, CEO of Strategic Insight Group (SIG) and expert in intelligence and global change analysis, to explore how leaders can navigate today's volatile business landscape and understand the deeper patterns driving global uncertainty.

Welcome to From the Top, the podcast for CEOs, founders, and decision makers looking for a straightforward perspective on issues facing global leaders. No fluff, no jargon, just real conversations with people who've made tough calls, sometimes got it wrong, but figured it out and are here to share what they learned. If you're ready to make better leadership decisions and avoid the costly ones.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, successful leadership requires a combination of curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to balance specialist expertise with generalist perspectives. In this episode of From the Top, host Chad Hesters speaks with Xenia Wickett, founder of Wickett Advisory and former leader at prestigious institutions including Chatham House and the US National Security Council. They explore the evolving demands on modern leaders and how to develop the essential skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex global environment.

From navigating military leadership to steering a $3B telecom enterprise, Laurent Therivel shares candid insights on authentic leadership, strategic career progression, and maintaining work-life balance in today's complex business environment. In this engaging conversation with Chad Hesters, discover how playing to your strengths while acknowledging weaknesses, building genuine consensus, and mastering stakeholder communication can drive organizational success. Whether you're a seasoned executive or aspiring leader, learn valuable lessons about making tough decisions, managing through transitions, and balancing professional ambitions with personal priorities.

From starting as "employee number seven" at a startup to becoming a multi-exit entrepreneur and award-winning CEO, Donald Thompson shares his blueprint for elite leadership. In this conversation with Chad Hesters, discover how "hustling with humility," fostering psychological safety, and leading with empathy drive organizational success. Learn valuable lessons on making tough decisions, navigating the age of AI, and building resilient teams that communicate effectively regardless of rank.

What makes a leader truly effective in high-stakes, complex environments? In this episode, Chad Hesters sits down with Jonny Gray, a global sports executive and former military commander, to explore how to lead through uncertainty, manage competing stakeholder interests, and build resilient teams when the stakes—and emotions—run exceptionally high. Whether you're navigating regulatory challenges, managing personalities larger than life, or steering organizational change, this conversation reveals the timeless leadership principles that work across sectors and the critical lessons learned from commanding in the field to the boardroom.