Dr. Teemu Reiman shares insights from 25 years studying safety culture in nuclear power, healthcare, and defense. He contrasts how two Japanese nuclear plants hit by the same 2011 tsunami had vastly different outcomes based on their organizational cultures. This conversation reveals why safety is fundamentally a leadership and cultural challenge, not just a technical one. You'll discover practical frameworks for building organizations that learn from failure, close the gap between procedures and...
May 27, 2026•48 min
Columbia Business School Professor Paul Ingram joins Tobias Sturesson to explore why values matter for leaders and how to transform them from vague concepts into practical leadership tools that drive better decision-making and authentic leadership. Drawing from research with over 10,000 senior leaders, Paul reveals the striking gap between knowing values matter and actually using them effectively. This conversation moves beyond theory to practical application, showing how clear values reduce str...
May 13, 2026•56 min
Tobias Sturesson sits down with Mwana Lugogo – veteran Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at global pharmaceutical company Takeda – to explore the hidden gap between knowing the right thing to do and actually being able to do it. This first episode of the Responsible Leaders - Healthy Cultures marks a pivotal shift from responsibility and ethics as a compliance exercise to ethics as a leadership practice, grounded in culture, humility, and human behavior. You'll discover the critical difference...
Apr 15, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Why do so many organizations struggle with cultural dysfunction despite having strong values statements and well-intentioned leaders? Tobias Sturesson and Andreas Almlöf reveal the launch of a movement designed to bridge the gap between leadership intentions and everyday actions. This episode marks a pivotal transition from knowing what good culture looks like to actively practicing the habits that create it. You'll discover a framework for leading with integrity when pressure is highest and lea...
Apr 01, 2026•34 min
Caterina Bulgarella joins Tobias Sturesson and Andreas Almlöf to unpack the big lessons from 2025 and what’s ahead for companies navigating rapid change. Together, they dive into how organisations can cut through performative culture work, truly prioritise human dignity, and harness technology – especially AI – without losing sight of what really matters. In this episode, we explore: (01:43) Opening reflections on organisational culture in 2025 (04:51) Professional work across multiple countries...
Dec 18, 2025•53 min
Stephen Nguyen-Duc is Chief Compliance Officer at GE Healthcare and a veteran leader who has built ethics and compliance programs for global healthcare powerhouses like Eli Lilly, AbbVie, and Medday. Across more than two decades, Stephen has seen compliance evolve from a box-ticking exercise to a deeply human journey. In this episode, he joins host Tobias Sturesson to break down why organizational integrity is never just about rules – and why surprise is compliance’s greatest foe. In this episod...
Dec 04, 2025•50 min
Tobias Sturesson and Andreas Almlöf dive deep into the crucial role that values play in shaping organizations and leadership. Values are far more than just words on a wall; they’re the principles that guide tough decisions, even when those choices come with real costs or discomfort. You’ll also hear personal stories about valuing honesty in leadership, wrestling with failures, and fostering environments where tough conversations about ethical dilemmas are not only safe but necessary. Plus, the e...
Nov 20, 2025•41 min
Caterina Bulgarella is a renowned social scientist with over 20 years of experience in organizational culture transformation and assessment. As a leading expert in culture measurement and a co-creator of the widely used Two Factor Model of Ethical Culture, Caterina brings powerful insights into the deeper layers behind workplace data. In this episode, host Tobias Sturesson dives into the pitfalls of traditional engagement surveys and the value of understanding what culture truly means within org...
Nov 06, 2025•50 min
Tobias Sturesson kicks off a new season of Leading Transformation Change with co-host Andreas Almlöf. Building on insights from his work with global leaders and his acclaimed book You Can Culture , Tobias unpacks the game-changing role of repairing trust inside organizations. Tune in to hear practical strategies for leaders navigating crises, high-pressure environments and everyday cultural tensions… at a time when AI, regulatory upheaval and shifting values are rewriting the rules of leadership...
Sep 11, 2025•38 min
What does it really mean to build AI responsibly, at Google scale? In this episode, we sit down with Jen Gennai, the person Google turned to when it needed to build ethical AI from the ground up. Jen founded Google’s Responsible Innovation team and has spent her career at the intersection of trust, safety, and emerging tech. From advising world leaders on AI governance to navigating internal pushback, Jen opens up about what it actually takes to embed ethics into one of the fastest-moving indust...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min
What does it take to build a culture that not only survives but thrives across global teams? In this episode of Leading Transformational Change, host Tobias Sturesson sits down with Alicia DeFreitas, Global Head of People & Culture at BDO, to explore the key elements that make an organization’s culture truly flourish: respect, growth, and purpose. They dive into the challenges of aligning these values across diverse teams and discuss the ongoing journeys of diversity, equity, and psychologic...
Mar 13, 2025•45 min
Bob Langert, former VP of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability at McDonald's, and Jay Barney, author of ‘The Secret of Culture Change’, join Tobias Sturesson to explore the nuanced journey of leading transformational change within an organisation. Drawing from decades of experience, Bob shares how McDonald's navigated criticism to embrace a proactive approach to social responsibility, while Jay highlights the significance of actions over words in fostering a true cultural shift. Tu...
Feb 27, 2025•37 min
Bruno Roche, former Chief Economist and Managing Director at Mars Corporation, is now leading efforts at ONEsociety, a foundation and consultancy aiming to drive systemic change in the impact economy. Bruno shares his expertise on navigating today's geopolitical landscape, technological advancements like AI, and the ethical frameworks that underpin sustainable societal progress. Discover how businesses and leaders can steer through unprecedented global changes with integrity and mutuality at the...
Feb 14, 2025•54 min
Today we hear from Ann Tenbrunsel, the David E. Gallo Professor of Business Ethics at the University of Notre Dame, and Lenny Wong, a retired research professor at the US Army War College. Explore how positive illusions about our ethicality lead to overlooked blind spots and understand the importance of embracing vulnerability for fostering trust and learning within corporate cultures. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and navigate the ethical challenges in leadershi...
Jan 30, 2025•39 min
As we celebrate our 100th episode, we've invited Richard Bistrong, CEO of Front-Line Anti-Bribery and Klaus Moosmayer, Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer at Novartis, to dive into the essential role of humility in leadership. Together with host Tobias Sturesson, they explore how acknowledging imperfections, owning mistakes, and repairing trust can lead to significant positive shifts in organizational cultures. Tune in to this episode as we explore: The roots and virtues of humility Humili...
Dec 19, 2024•52 min
In this episode, our host, Tobias Sturesson, reads the introduction of his book You Can Culture, which delves into his personal experience of becoming complicit in a toxic culture. We hope it offers you a compelling and insightful introduction to the concept of the four transformative leadership habits the book explores. You Can Culture: Transformative Leadership Habits for a Thriving Workplace, Positive Impact and Lasting Success, launches October 8, 2024. Read more on youcanculture.com , pre-o...
Dec 17, 2024•26 min
In this special episode of Leading Transformational Change, we dive deep into the essential habit of ‘Getting Humble’ from my book, ‘You Can Culture’. I am joined by Andreas Almlöf from Heart Management to explore why humility in leadership is crucial for fostering a thriving, ethical culture in organisations. Listen in to hear an excerpt from the book, as well as practical advice on embracing vulnerability, taking ownership of cultural issues, and the power of reflection in maintaining values a...
Dec 06, 2024•35 min
Richard Bistrong is a former VP of sales for a global multinational who faced legal challenges due to FCPA violations. Richard has transformed his career, becoming an advocate for compliance and ethics, and helping organizations navigate the tricky waters of corporate integrity. Richard delves into the complex interplay between corporate success pressures and ethical compliance, sharing candid insights and real-world strategies. This episode was originally released in 2020, but the conversation ...
Nov 21, 2024•37 min
Mary Shirley is a lawyer with 20 years of ethics and compliance experience, which includes implementing, evaluating and monitoring compliance programs for multinational corporations. Tune in as she discusses the critical role of ethical leadership, her stand against bribery and values-driven decision-making. We’ll also delve into innovative initiatives that encourage ethical behaviour and the significance of integrating integrity into daily operations. In this episode, we explore: Creating a cul...
Nov 07, 2024•50 min
In our last episode, we kicked off our digital book launch series with a conversation featuring Alison Taylor, Rob Chesnut, and Ellen Hunt. Today, we have another exciting panel lined up… this time with some of Europe’s leading voices on culture and ethics. Our discussion will focus on common pitfalls and transformative strategies in shaping corporate culture. Tune in as we are joined by Guido Palazzo, Professor of Business Ethics at the University of Lausanne, Michaela Ahlberg, Senior Ethics &a...
Oct 24, 2024•46 min
Today we have an exceptional panel to delve deep into the heart of ethical culture and organizational transformation. We begin first with Andreas Almlöf interviewing Tobias Sturesson about his newest book ‘You Can Culture’. Our panel guests include Ellen Hunt, a leader in the ethics and compliance space, Alison Taylor, former Executive Director of Ethical Systems and a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business, and Rob Chesnut, former Airbnb executive and author. In this episo...
Oct 10, 2024•52 min•Ep. 94
This episode sheds light on the often-overlooked intricacies of team ethical culture, examining the impact of leadership, shared values, and systemic influences on ethical behaviour. Our guest today is Guillem Casoliva, a Corporate Communication and Reputation Management Specialist, who is currently working with Booking.com on the development of the Compliance & Ethics Programme. In this episode, we discuss: The eight dimensions of team ethical culture Speaking up against unethical practices...
Jun 26, 2024•51 min•Ep. 93
Barbara Kellermani is a renowned expert in the fields of leadership and followership, having dedicated her lifelong work to the study and authoring of numerous books on these subjects. She is a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. She was the Founding Executive Director of the Center, and a member of the Kennedy School faculty for over twenty years. In this episode, we explore: What is bad leadership – and how to stop it early Why good leaders are ethical The ‘Fol...
Jun 12, 2024•55 min•Ep. 92
Jason Lesandrini is the Assistant Vice President for Ethics, Advance Care Planning and Spiritual Health at Wellstar Health System in Georgia, where he leads the strategy and implementation of ethics initiatives. He holds faculty appointments at Mercer University and South College. Jason is a widely recognized expert in outcomes metrics for ethics programs and served as an ethics expert to numerous professional organizations. In this fascinating conversation, we delve into the complex landscape o...
May 28, 2024•45 min•Ep. 91
Martin Lønstrup is a globally recognized Ethics and Compliance expert with over 15 years of experience across diverse industries and cultures. Martin works as Chief Compliance Officer at Coloplast, with the global responsibility for Business Ethics, Compliance and Data Privacy – and is a leading expert in driving compliance, and culture transformation projects. Tune into our conversation about the ethical nuances in corporate missions and the potential pitfalls of moral licensing. We will explor...
May 08, 2024•47 min•Ep. 90
Today we hear a unique perspective on Ukraine's dedication to corporate governance and the fight against corruption. Our guest is Gleb Bakalov, the Executive Committee Chairman of the Ukrainian Network of Integrity and Compliance (UNIC). He has been serving as the Chief Compliance Officer of NPC UKRENERGO since 2018, and has experience in the compliance field since 2008, including financial, legal and investment companies in Ukraine and abroad. Tune in as we explore the significant strides taken...
Apr 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 89
Klaus Moosmayer joined Novartis in 2018 as Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. He was previously chief compliance officer at Siemens AG, where he spent 18 years in roles of increasing seniority. He began his career as a lawyer in Germany, specializing in white-collar crime, business law and litigation. In this episode we explore the reality of ethical dilemmas in the corporate world, the importance of building trust, especially in the pharmaceutical...
Apr 10, 2024•44 min•Ep. 88
The renowned culture strategist, Stan Slap, is on the show today for a conversation about redefining the way we think about the fabric of company culture. Stan is the president of the international consulting company SLAP and has also worked as a CEO with over 5,000 employees under his direction. He has mentored numerous companies, including Oracle and HSBC, and is the author of ‘Under The Hood’. We delve into the significance of aligning professed company values with actual behaviours, the powe...
Mar 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 87
Rebecca Newton is an Organizational Psychologist with a PhD in psychology, a frequent Harvard Business Review contributor, a Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics, and the CEO of CoachAdviser, a London-based culture agency. She is also the author of ‘Authentic Gravitas, Who Stands Out and Why’, based on her extensive experience coaching executives at companies like Google, Coca-Cola, and Accenture. We discuss why culture shouldn't be the sole responsibility of HR, highlighting...
Mar 14, 2024•40 min•Ep. 86
Today, our special guest is Cecilia Bergman-Eriksson, whose expertise comes straight from the dynamic growth experience of Oatly. Cecilia works as an Interim Manager and leads companies and organizations to overcome critical and complex challenges. In this episode, we discuss how maintaining a strong culture and values is key during rapid company expansion. Cecilia reveals how spending time with employees, establishing purpose, and embedding values into every process are vital steps toward susta...
Feb 29, 2024•39 min•Ep. 85
