The "C-Suite Framework" podcast dives deep into the world of corporate leadership by speaking with experts and C-Suite executives about key roles such as Operations, Risk, People, and Sustainability. Each episode dissects the challenges leaders face today, offering insights and practical takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their own careers. Balancing depth with fun, the podcast is both entertaining and informative, giving listeners a unique perspective into the dynamics of executive roles and how to navigate their own path to success.
🔎 Hosted by Jennifer Geary — former COO, CRO, and bestselling author of How to be a CRO, The Augmented COO, and more.
➡️ For more insights, access to courses and training, visit www.csuiteframework.com
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How to… be a Chief Treasury Officer with Svetlana Kardan
Episode 24
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 • Duration 37:33
The risks that sink a bank are usually sitting in plain sight: someone just stopped looking at them.
Senior treasury and asset liability management expert Svetlana Kardan joins Jennifer Geary to explore why spectacular banking collapses like Northern Rock and Silicon Valley Bank were technically visible long before they happened, and why nobody acted. Drawing on over 20 years in global banking and her forthcoming Psychology of Treasury book series, Svetlana unpacks the six cognitive traps behind treasury failures, why balance sheet risks stay hidden from the boardroom, and how she is coding her own simulators to make it all accessible.
You'll learn how to:
Spot the balance sheet risks that never reach the income statement
Recognise the six cognitive traps that quietly undermine treasury decisions
Ask the uncomfortable boardroom questions that others avoid
Stress test for what might happen, not just the last crisis
Read modern bank runs through the lens of deposit behaviour and technology
Bring curiosity, kindness, and resilience to a demanding leadership career
About Svetlana:
Svetlana Kardan is a senior asset liability management (ALM) and treasury risk professional with over 20 years' experience across global banking institutions. She has held senior leadership roles overseeing enterprise-wide interest rate risk, liquidity, and balance sheet management, with direct responsibility for regulatory engagement across multiple jurisdictions.
A recognised expert in behavioural modelling and hedging frameworks, Svetlana has led multi-million-pound transformation programmes and established ALM infrastructure for major international banks. A trusted advisor to executive committees and regulators, she is the author of the Psychology of Treasury book series and is completing a doctorate on the modelling of non-maturing deposits.
Chapters:
00:00: Episode Begins
02:09: Introducing Svetlana Kardan
03:14: From a small village to the dealing room: an unconventional career
07:39: Why write six books on treasury
11:16: Why now: SVB, Credit Suisse, and a framework that did not hold
13:11: Northern Rock: risks that were visible but unseen
15:44: Why treasury failures are really about psychology
17:54: The six cognitive traps, from normalcy bias to P&L pressure
22:40: What the rest of the C-suite needs to understand about treasury
23:44: Hidden balance sheet risk and the SVB capital lesson
25:26: Building simulators to make treasury risk accessible
30:31: The book series roadmap and how to join the launch team
33:11: Impossible is nothing: leadership, resilience, and people
The Psychology of Treasury book series, first volume expected October / November (link to follow once live)
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How to be a Chief Compliance Officer: the book!
Episode 23
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • Duration 46:07
Compliance isn't a box to tick, it's a competitive advantage. In this special episode, Jennifer Geary is joined by her co-author Natalie McManus to bring to life their new book, How to be a Chief Compliance Officer: Turning Compliance into Competitive Advantage.
Drawing on Natalie's eclectic career spanning regulation, financial services, and aviation, and her deep conviction that compliance is rooted in social good, this conversation unpacks the philosophy, the framework, and the passion behind the book. From the Compliance 365 model to the art of being heard in the boardroom, this is a masterclass in what modern compliance leadership really looks like.
You'll learn how to:
See compliance as a strategic enabler, not a retrospective enforcer
Apply the Compliance 365 model: three lenses, six spokes, five pillars
Make the case for compliance investment in the language of the CFO
Build a compliance function that is forward-looking, agile, and outcome-based
Bring flair, conviction, and social purpose to the CCO role
About Natalie McManus:
Natalie McManus is Managing Director of Innovate Compliance, a compliance and risk thought leadership consultancy, and Head of Impact Consulting's IC Insights publication. She is a former Compliance Chief of Staff at Citibank and ex-regulator at the Financial Conduct Authority, and has held compliance and risk leadership roles across financial services and aviation in the UK, EMEA, and globally.
Natalie is a NED at the Institute of Employment Studies, a Fellow of the ACCA and the International Compliance Association, and holds a BA in PPP (Hons) from the University of Oxford, with further degrees in law and applied accounting. She is the co-author of How to be a Chief Compliance Officer: Turning Compliance into Competitive Advantage, Book Six in the C-Suite Framework series.
How to... build a resilient organisation with Cameron Holt
Episode 22
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 40:19
Resilience isn't a tick-box exercise — it's a strategic imperative.
Director and Head of Resilience at Alba Partners, Cameron Holt, joins host Jennifer Geary to demystify operational resilience — from the regulatory origins of the agenda through to what truly resilient organisations look like in today's turbulent geopolitical landscape.
Drawing on 17 years of financial services experience across Accenture, BCS Consulting, and now Alba Partners, Cameron explains how organisations can move beyond compliance and embed resilience by design into their strategy, operations, and culture.
You'll learn how to:
Move from regulatory compliance to genuine resilience by design.
Identify your most important business services and map their vulnerabilities.
Manage third-party risk as a core pillar of your resilience strategy.
Run scenario testing, war games, and crisis simulations that actually prepare you.
Use AI effectively — without creating "artificial resilience".
Think like a threat actor to find and close your organisation's open wounds.
About Cameron Holt:
Cameron Holt is Director and Head of Resilience at Alba Partners, a financial services consultancy operating globally from offices in London, Edinburgh and Dubai. Cameron has over 17 years of experience in financial services, specialising in operational resilience, non-financial risk, and operating model transformation. He has served as a Resilience Subject Matter Advisor, UK Head of Resilience, and Resilience Programme Director across some of the UK's leading financial institutions. Prior to Alba, he held senior roles at Accenture and BCS Consulting.
How to… build a hybrid workforce with AI teammates with Greg Coleshill
Episode 21
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • Duration 40:55
From hiring seats to onboarding intelligence. Greg Coleshill, Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at vigilant.ai, joins host Jennifer Geary to explore what two decades in talent and recruitment really teaches you about the future of work — and why the smartest leaders are now applying people principles to AI teammates.
In this episode, host Jennifer Geary speaks with Greg Coleshill, whose 18-year career building talent and recruitment businesses across technology and financial services has taken a fascinating pivot. Now as COO at vigilant.ai, Greg is helping regulated organisations deploy AI agents safely, governed, and audit-ready — treating them less like software and more like a new hire.
You'll learn how to:
Think about AI teammates the way you think about human hires — onboard, collaborate, build trust, then scale.
Identify the right use cases for AI agents in your organisation, beyond simple automation.
Navigate the noise of AI vendors and hype to find real business benefit.
Govern AI agents safely in regulated environments with the right controls and audit trails.
Design a hybrid workforce structure that blends people and agents effectively.
Avoid the trap of using AI just to do the same old processes faster.
About Greg Coleshill:
Greg Coleshill is Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at vigilant.ai. He spent nearly 20 years leading businesses delivering innovative talent solutions to technology and financial services firms, including 18 years building and scaling multiple business units at the same organisation, culminating in his appointment as CEO and successfully managing the business through an acquisition and integration event. At vigilant.ai, Greg applies the lessons of two decades managing human capital to the next frontier of organisational growth — helping regulated firms build hybrid workforces of safe, governed, and audit-ready AI teammates.
Chapters:
00:00 — Episode Begins 01:47 — Introducing Greg Coleshill 03:00 — 18 years in recruitment: one business, never standing still 09:54 — The pivot: from talent solutions to AI agents 11:40 — Non-deterministic intelligence — and why it changes everything 13:30 — What C-suite leaders are really struggling with on AI 17:00 — Inside vigilant.ai: the agentic operating system for regulated businesses 22:35 — The AI Chief of Staff: a real-life before and after 27:00 — The mindset shift: onboard, collaborate, trust, then scale 29:00 — Use case: 60%+ time saving in a complaints process within 30 days 32:24 — Org design: structuring people and agents together 34:39 — AI fatigue, slop and hallucinations — navigating the downsides 37:53 — Recommended reading and resources for getting started
How to… escape The Money Trap with Alok Sama
Episode 20
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 38:21
Money doesn't give you control — perspective does. Former SoftBank CFO and bestselling author Alok Sharma joins The C-Suite Framework to unpack what really happens inside financial bubbles, how AI is quietly reshaping white-collar work, and why the biggest career breakthroughs often arrive disguised as failure.
Drawing on his experience leading multi-billion-dollar deals at SoftBank, overseeing the acquisition of ARM Holdings, and navigating extreme wealth and pressure, Alok reflects on decision-making under uncertainty, operational leadership, and the human cost of success.
You'll learn how to:
Shift perspective when navigating bubbles and market hype
Recognise when leverage, not valuation, creates real risk
Understand how AI is already displacing white-collar roles
Prepare for career inflection points disguised as setbacks
Balance operational execution with long-term vision
Make better decisions by knowing your own cognitive limits
About Alok:
Alok Sama is the author of the bestselling literary memoir The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble. He serves as a Senior Advisor to Warburg Pincus LLC, chairs the Advisory Board for Valhalla Ventures and is a director of Baer Capital Partners.
He was formerly President & CFO of SoftBank Group International ("SBGI") and Chief Strategy Officer for SoftBank Group ("SBG"). While at SoftBank, Alok led the $59bn merger of Sprint and T-Mobile, the $34bn acquisition of ARM Holdings Plc, the $10bn disposition of SoftBank's stake in Alibaba Group Holding, among many other deals.
Alok has over 30 years of investment banking, capital market and investment experience in New York, London and Hong Kong. Alok was formerly a senior Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.
Alok co-founded Baer Capital Partners, an alternative asset management firm. He continues to be a Director of Baer Capital. He is a member of the CNBC Global CFO Council, and a former Chairman of the London Chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). He also holds an MFA for Creative Writing from NYU.
How to… scrutinize cyber preparedness as a non-cyber professional
Episode 19
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • Duration 35:53
Security isn't a checkbox, it's a culture.
Former Navy Intelligence analyst and cybersecurity expert Cordell Robinson shows leaders how to embed security-by-design, strengthen compliance, and empower non-technical teams.
In this episode, host Jennifer Geary speaks with Cordell Robinson, founder & CEO of Brownstone Consulting, whose career spans military intelligence, software engineering, law, cybersecurity, and privacy. Cordell explains how non-technical executives can meaningfully shape cyber strategy, why compliance is really about culture, and how AI is being misused more than it's being mastered.
You'll learn how to:
Shift from checkbox compliance to outcome-based security.
Build security into your SDLC from day one.
Ask the right questions as a non-technical leader.
Avoid the biggest leadership mistakes in AI adoption.
Strengthen culture, not just controls.
About Cordell Robinson:
Cordell Robinson is founder and CEO at Brownstone Consulting. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science / Electrical Engineering from Pepperdine University and a Jurist Doctor of Law from Georgetown University. He is a former Senior Naval Intelligence Analyst and is certified in C|CISO, CAP, and CRISC.
Chapters:
01:35 — Introducing Cordell Robinson
03:26 — Engineering, Navy intelligence & the pivot to cyber law
06:30 — Starting Brownstone Consulting
09:24 — What clients really ask for: compliance, AI governance & testing
In this episode of the C-Suite Framework podcast, host Jennifer Geary welcomes Noelle Mykolenko, CEO of Trusted Advisor Associates. They discuss Noelle's journey from being a client of Trusted Advisor to leading the organization, emphasizing the importance of trust in professional relationships. The conversation delves into the Trust Equation, the impact of self-orientation and imposter syndrome, and how leaders can build trust as they transition into C-suite roles. Noelle also addresses the relevance of empathy in today's world and how technology, particularly AI, can enhance effectiveness without replacing the human element in relationships.
Nicole Mykolenko is CEO at Trusted Advisor Associates. She has a track record of enabling organisational excellence and growth across senior roles, built on a foundation of management consulting and US government work. She holds a Bachelors in French, Economics and International Business and an MBA from University of Virginia.
Takeaways
Noelle Mykolenko emphasizes the importance of trust in professional relationships.
The Trust Equation consists of credibility, reliability, intimacy, and self-orientation.
Self-orientation can detract from effective communication and relationship building.
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for professionals, especially women.
Vulnerability is a powerful tool for building trust in leadership.
How to be… Superadaptable
Episode 16
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 • Duration 39:03
Summary
Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, the ability to adapt is more vital than ever. I am delighted to welcome back Dr. Max McKeown, an expert in innovation strategy and author of the groundbreaking book "Super Adaptability: How to Transcend in an Age of Overwhelm." Join us as we delve into the profound insights from this illuminating conversation, exploring how we can harness the power of conscious adaptation to thrive amidst chaos.
1. The Concept of Successful Adaptation
Dr. McKeown emphasizes that "all success is successful adaptation." He draws parallels between the existence of a rock and the survival of organizations and individuals, stating that just like a rock, our continued existence hinges on our ability to adapt to our environment. He explains that happiness and success are not static; they require ongoing adjustments and responses to changing circumstances.
2. The Genesis of "Super Adaptability"
The inspiration for this book stems from Dr. McKeown's extensive research and observations over the years. He realized that understanding and enhancing our adaptability is crucial for thriving in today's world. This realization led him to develop a model that can be applied to various aspects of life, from personal happiness to professional success.
3. The RUN Loop: Recognize, Understand, Necessary Action
A core concept in Dr. McKeown's book is the RUN loop, which consists of three steps: recognize, understand, and take necessary action. This model is designed to help individuals identify patterns in their lives that may be hindering their success. Dr. McKeown explains that by recognizing the loops we find ourselves in, we can better understand the underlying causes and take appropriate actions to influence positive change.
For example, if someone feels overwhelmed at work, they can use the RUN loop to identify the source of their stress, understand why it's affecting them, and then determine actionable steps to alleviate that pressure. This approach empowers individuals to regain control over their lives, rather than being run by external circumstances.
How to approach Entrepreneurship through Acquisition
Episode 15
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 • Duration 40:15
Keywords
leadership, crisis management, proactive approach, problem-solving, team dynamics
Summary
In this conversation, Charles Skinner emphasizes the importance of proactive leadership, especially in crisis situations. He advocates for leaders to confront challenges head-on rather than avoiding them, highlighting the need for clear communication and decisive action in managing teams effectively.
Bio
Charles Skinner is a veteran corporate turnaround specialist. He is currently CEO of Restore plc and author of the new book "Buy, Run, Build - A Guide to Entrepreneurship through Acquisition". He is "a businessman with vast experience of finding, acquiring, growing and (mostly) successfully selling over 100 businesses". He is a non-executive and chair of several organisations.
Takeaways
The natural human reaction is to avoid problems.
Leaders should run towards challenges instead of away from them.
Proactive problem-solving can prevent larger issues.
Clear communication is key in crisis management.
Leaders must be decisive in their actions.
Facing challenges head-on builds trust within teams.
Effective leadership requires a willingness to confront the unknown.
Crisis management is a vital skill for all leaders.
How to have hard conversations at work
Episode 14
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 • Duration 45:27
Louise van Haarst and Alice Driscoll are highly experienced and in-demand leadership and performance coaches and conflict specialists. They are co-founders of leadership consultancy The Power House and co-creators of Smart Conflict®—an evidenced-based approach to handling hard conversations. They have recently released their book Smart Conflict: How to have hard conversations at work.
Keywords
conflict resolution, leadership coaching, hard conversations, communication skills, workplace dynamics, emotional intelligence, relational conflict, task conflict, executive coaching, Smart Conflict
Summary
In this conversation, leadership coaches Louise Van Haarst and Alice Driscoll discuss their new book, 'Smart Conflict: How to Have Hard Conversations at Work.' They share their diverse backgrounds in conflict resolution and coaching, emphasising the importance of addressing conflict in leadership roles. The discussion covers common scenarios where conflict arises, introduces their Five Rs framework for effective conflict resolution, and explores the difference between relational and task conflict. They also address how to navigate situations with potential mal-intent and the significance of self-regulation in difficult conversations. The conversation concludes with reflections on the positive reception of their book and its impact on readers.
Takeaways
Conflict is inherent to human relationships and can lead to growth - in fact, an absence of conflict can be a problem.
Assuming positive intent can help navigate difficult conversations.
Self-regulation is crucial in managing conflict effectively.
The Five Rs framework provides a structured approach to conflict resolution.
Chapters:
00:37 — Introducing the book and Natalie McManus
02:09 — Natalie's career: regulation, aviation, and reinvention
08:00 — Why Jennifer and Natalie felt like kindred spirits
10:55 — The eureka moment: AI exposed compliance's broken foundations
12:22 — How the book came together: blending technical and leadership lenses
15:15 — Who the book is really for, and why it surprised its authors
16:07 — The Compliance Trinity: culture, conduct, and control
17:02 — The 365 model: an uncommon way to anchor compliance in organisational DNA
21:32 — Breaking down the 365: three lenses, six spokes (IMPACT), five pillars
30:44 — Advisory as the beating heart of the CCO role
36:38 — Flair, conviction, and the art vs. science of compliance
40:42 — Compliance as social good and the licence to operate
42:26 — Reflections on collaboration, creativity, and what comes next
Share with a leader who needs to strengthen their cyber mindset
Empathy is crucial in understanding others' experiences and perspectives.
The mediums of communication may change, but human needs remain constant.
Leaders must be aware of their blind spots and strengths to build effective teams.
Reframing negative thoughts can help in overcoming self-doubt.
AI can enhance effectiveness but should not replace personal relationships.
Sound bites
"The power of trust makes things more meaningful."
"Trust is personal, it happens between two people."
"Vulnerability is a very powerful tool."
Chapters
02:41 – Noelle's career journey and how she discovered The Trusted Advisor
06:30 – Why The Trusted Advisor remains a long-lasting and influential framework
08:48 – An introduction to the Trust Equation and its core components
14:36 – Expanding on self-orientation and its impact on trust-building
17:00 – The importance of listening and presence in trust-based relationships
17:51 – How imposter syndrome intersects with self-orientation and leadership effectiveness
20:17 – Developing self-awareness as a foundational leadership capability
21:24 – Practising self-kindness and reframing doubt in senior leadership roles
23:22 – Applying the trust framework when transitioning into the C-suite
28:35 – Navigating moments when vulnerability isn't reciprocated
28:54 – The relevance of the Trusted Advisor model in a world of uncertainty and polarization
31:26 – How AI supports more effective human connection through enhanced insight and preparation
4. Real-Life Applications and Case Studies
Throughout the podcast, Dr. McKeown shares various case studies showcasing how individuals and organizations have successfully implemented the RUN loop to overcome challenges. For instance, he highlights how many people fall into maladaptive behaviors like "doom scrolling" or "quiet quitting" in response to overwhelming situations. By applying the RUN loop, they can shift their mindset and take constructive actions instead of succumbing to stress.
5. The Importance of Continuous Learning
Dr. McKeown also stresses that the journey of adaptation is ongoing. He encourages listeners to embrace the idea of continuous learning and to be open to revisiting the RUN loop as their circumstances evolve. The more we practice recognizing, understanding, and taking action, the better equipped we become to handle future challenges.
Tags: Adaptability, Personal Development, Innovation, Leadership, Mental Health, Strategy, Self-Improvement, Dr. Max McKeown, Podcast Insights
Dr. Max McKeown (born in London) is an English writer, consultant, and researcher specialising in innovation strategy, leadership and culture. He has written six influential books and conducts research with Warwick Business School. He is a fellow of the RSA. He served on the advisory board for the Rollins Center for eBusiness. He earned his master's degree in Business Administration and PhD from the Warwick Business School
Takeaways
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Max McKeown provides valuable insights into the nature of adaptability and the importance of conscious awareness in navigating life's challenges. Key takeaways include:
- Adaptation is essential for success and happiness.
- The RUN loop (Recognize, Understand, Necessary Action) is a powerful model for fostering adaptability.
- Continuous learning and self-awareness are crucial for thriving in an age of overwhelm.
Chapters
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:22 - Inside the Book: Why Super-Adaptability Matters for Leaders
00:03:10 - The Origin Story: How the Idea for Super-Adaptability Began
00:05:12 - The RUN Model Explained: Recognise, Understand, Act
00:08:25 - Applying the RUN Loop: How Max Uses It in Real Life
00:12:28 - Real-World Results: How People Use the Adaptability Framework
21:10 – Business Clarity: Asking Simple Questions That Drive Performance
25:25 – Productivity & Strategy: How Leaders Prioritise What Really Matters
33:27 – Why "Unsexy" Industries Offer Huge Business Growth Opportunities
Relational conflict differs from task conflict and requires different strategies.
Time does not heal; proactive measures are necessary to resolve conflict.
Understanding the motivations behind conflict can lead to better outcomes.
Navigating mal-intent requires careful questioning and open-mindedness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Conflict Coaching and the Powerhouse
02:38 Backgrounds of Louise and Alice
05:16 The Journey to Conflict Coaching
08:12 The Importance of Conflict in Organizations
10:47 Common Conflict Scenarios
13:48 The Five Rs Framework for Conflict Resolution
21:01 The Importance of Repair in Relationships
29:25 Understanding Conflict: Relational vs. Task Conflict
33:45 Navigating Malintent in Conversations
40:14 Regulating Emotions During Conflict
42:55 The Impact of the Book and Its Reception
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