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.
Jun 05, 2025•32 min•Ep. 129
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 whe...
Apr 24, 2025•38 min•Ep. 128
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...
Apr 10, 2025•29 min•Ep. 127
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.
Apr 02, 2025•33 min•Ep. 126
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 hospi...
Mar 20, 2025•36 min•Ep. 125
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 humili...
Mar 13, 2025•31 min•Ep. 124
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 pur...
Mar 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 123
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 ...
Feb 27, 2025•39 min•Ep. 122
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 ...
Feb 06, 2025•38 min•Ep. 121
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 reflect...
Jan 30, 2025•33 min•Ep. 120
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 a...
Jan 23, 2025•38 min•Ep. 119
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, c...
Jan 16, 2025•36 min•Ep. 118
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 prov...
Jan 09, 2025•36 min•Ep. 117
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...
Jan 02, 2025•33 min•Ep. 116
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...
Dec 26, 2024•38 min•Ep. 115
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 th...
Dec 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 114
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 ...
Dec 12, 2024•36 min•Ep. 113
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 busin...
Dec 05, 2024•44 min•Ep. 112
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.
Nov 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 111
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 employee...
Nov 14, 2024•35 min•Ep. 110
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 su...
Nov 07, 2024•40 min•Ep. 109
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 enviro...
Oct 31, 2024•44 min•Ep. 108
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 ...
Oct 24, 2024•32 min•Ep. 107
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.
Oct 17, 2024•34 min•Ep. 106
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 a...
Oct 03, 2024•9 min•Ep. 105
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.
Sep 19, 2024•39 min•Ep. 104
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.
Aug 01, 2024•34 min•Ep. 103
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.
Jul 25, 2024•40 min•Ep. 102
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 marketi...
Jul 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 101
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....
Jul 11, 2024•43 min•Ep. 100
