What makes a leader successful? Francine Lacqua interviews top CEOs and global industry leaders for candid lessons on leadership, management, and the future of work.

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Having navigated some of life’s most defining transitions, Melinda French Gates reflects on the choices that set her path—from Microsoft executive to philanthropist and now founder of Pivotal. She shares how values-based leadership, resilience and the courage to embrace “the next day” have guided her through change, power and public scrutiny.

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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Georges Elhedery, chief executive of banking giant HSBC. Here's a preview of that conversation where he talks about why the use of artificial intelligence at the bank is not optional.

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HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery joins Francine Lacqua to explain why he is “ruthless about killing complexity” as he pushes through an AI-fuelled overhaul of one of the world’s biggest banks. He reflects on leadership, integrity and cultural fluency, and shares how HSBC is adapting to geopolitical tensions, shifting trade routes and the rapid rise of generative AI.

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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Wael Sawan, chief executive of oil giant Shell. Here's a preview of that conversation where he shares his outlook for global energy demand.

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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Emma Grede, chief executive and co-founder of Good American and founding partner of loungewear and shapewear brand Skims. Here's a preview of that conversation where she shares the realities behind early success, why hiring adaptable, flexible thinkers matters more than rigid experience, and how the people you need evolve as a company grows.

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Shell Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan joins Francine Lacqua to discuss the oil major's controversial strategy around the energy transition, and fostering a culture that shifts from “all-knowing” to “all-learning.” He reflects on navigating volatility in the global energy system, emphasizing disciplined decision-making and focusing on what leaders can influence going forward. This interview was recorded on Dec. 11, 2025

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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Jon Gray, president and chief operating officer of Blackstone Group. Here's a preview of that conversation, in which he talks about leading Blackstone's leveraged buyout of Hilton Hotels, which after a difficult road became the most profitable private equity real estate deal ever.

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Francine Lacqua sits down with Emma Grede—the power behind Good American and a founding partner of Skims—to unpack what it really takes to build a billion-dollar brand. Grede goes beyond the headlines, revealing the chaos behind her $1 million launch day and the mindset that helped her push through challenges. From "radical honesty" in leadership to bold views on work, ambition and success, she reveals the principles that have shaped her rise—and why she’s now stepping into the spotlight to help others do the same.

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What does it take to lead through a near-disaster and turn it into a $14 billion win? In this episode, Blackstone President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Gray shares lessons from the financial crisis, revealing why staying calm, backing the right businesses and building trust can make or break a leader. He also opens up about shaping culture, retaining top talent and leading with humanity—offering a rare inside look at how one of the world’s biggest investment firms navigates uncertainty.

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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç. Here's a preview of that conversation, in which he reflects on the responsibility of restoring one of Britain’s most important industrial brands, arguing that Rolls-Royce’s turnaround shows other UK companies the importance of fixing broken business models, rejecting mediocrity and empowering employees with a clear sense of purpose.

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Rolls-Royce’s turnaround made Tufan Erginbilgiç one of the most closely watched CEOs in Europe. In this episode of Leaders, he tells Francine Lacqua how he used data, discipline and direct communication to change the trajectory of the company — and what other leaders can learn about strategy, culture and long-term growth.

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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Here's a preview of that conversation where Georgieva reflects on the difficult balance between economic reform and public trust, why protecting the most vulnerable is essential during crises, and how leaders can build a shared sense of sacrifice and responsibility in turbulent times.

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International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has spent the past six years navigating some of the biggest challenges facing the global economy — from the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence.

In this episode of Leaders, Francine Lacqua sits down with Georgieva to discuss what it takes to lead an institution representing 191 countries, how the IMF approaches economic crises and why trust is essential when governments are asked to make difficult reforms.

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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with tennis superstar Rafael Nadal. Here's a preview of their conversation, where he speaks about overcoming career-threatening injuries and why self-doubt has been one of his greatest motivators. Check out the full interview on Monday, July 6. 

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As he prepares to step down after six years at the helm of BHP, Mike Henry joins Francine Lacqua to discuss the future of mining, the race for critical minerals and leadership lessons that shaped his tenure. Henry explains why copper has become one of the most strategic resources, how artificial intelligence and the energy transition are transforming demand and why BHP walked away from its pursuit of Anglo American.

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In next week's episode, host Francine Lacqua speaks with outgoing BHP Chief Executive Mike Henry. Here's a preview of their conversation, where Henry reflects on BHP's two unsuccessful bids for Anglo American, the importance of staying disciplined during high-stakes M&A negotiations, and why maintaining a long-term growth strategy matters more than chasing any single deal.

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