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The ability to make sound decisions has always been a defining leadership capability. But for today’s C-suite leaders, the challenge is greater than ever. Rapid change, increasing uncertainty, and a constant flow of information mean leaders are often required to make high-stakes decisions without having all the answers.
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with leadership advisors Ilana Abramowicz and Henryk Krajewski to explore why decision-making is becoming more challenging in the C-suite—and the practices leaders can adopt to make better decisions and sustain performance.
They discuss:
The forces making decision-making harder at the top of organizations How leaders can navigate decisions when every option involves difficult trade-offsThe practical tools leaders can use to make better decisions under pressure“Go fast where learning is cheap. Be careful where being wrong is expensive.”
Henryk Krajewski
Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
Four things you'll learn from this episode:
Great decision-making starts with creating space to think. C-suite leaders who are “always on" risk burnout and decision fatigue, making it harder to exercise sound judgment when it matters most.Values provide critical decision-making guardrails. When facts are incomplete and every option carries consequences, clarity about what leaders stand for helps them make difficult decisions with confidence and integrity.Strong leaders know the difference between conviction and ego. The best decision-makers remain open to new evidence and avoid becoming overly attached to their original ideas.High-performing executive teams bring discipline to decision-making. Clear accountability, constructive challenge, and knowing when to move quickly—or slow down—help top teams make better decisions and execute them more effectively.In this episode, we will cover:
(02:33) Why leaders often fall into analysis paralysis
(04:12) The impact of being "always on" and how it can affect a leader’s judgment
(05:54) How personal values help leaders navigate difficult trade-offs
(10:40) How executive teams can improve decision-making through clearer decision rights
(12:53) How to avoid groupthink and create productive dissent
(14:03) The role of pre-mortems to stress-test major decisions
(15:27) The one-way-door versus two-way-door-framework for more effective decision-making
A closer look at the research from this episode:
Global Leadership Monitor | Russell Reynolds Associates
The New Leadership Portrait: Understanding & Unlocking Senior Executive Potential | Russell Reynolds Associates
Overcome Decision Paralysis: Finding Order in Chaos | Russell Reynolds Associates
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Stepping into the CEO role is a challenging transition for any leader to make. It’s even more challenging when you know you’re stepping into the role at a turbulent time in an organization’s history.
Our guest today experienced that transition over a decade ago and has since built a compelling story of transformation and value creation. Standard Chartered Group Chief Executive Bill Winters joins Marla Oates and Clarke Murphy to talk about why he knowingly stepped into the role at a challenging time at the bank and what he did to restore confidence in the company. Bill shares how he manages innovation and perpetual transformation in a highly regulated industry, including how the bank is using AI, reskilling teams, and continuing to evolve with digital assets. He also unpacks how he builds relationships and trust with his board, including plans for the next CEO succession.
We’ll also hear from Henryk Krajewski, leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who shares his perspective on how CEOs can unlock greater value in today’s environment.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
What are some the first steps to take to restore confidence in a company in turmoilWhat are the keys to value creation and balancing innovation with risk How to think about succession planning and working with your boardHow to lead perpetual changeIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
Transformation in Turbulent Times with Former Telstra CEO Andy PennLeadership Lounge: How New CEOs Build Productive Relationships With Their BoardTalking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie KochLeadership Lounge: The Art of Succession: How to Identify Tomorrow's Leaders TodayThe Necessity of Change with President and CEO of Wells Fargo Charlie ScharfLeadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual TransformationA closer look at the research from this episode:
How CEOs Unlock the Hidden Barrier to Value CreationCEO Succession: A Never-Ending StoryAdapt or Die in the Age of Perpetual TransformationCode to Culture: AI-Driven Workforce Transformation in Financial Services -
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The demands of the CEO role don’t stand still—and neither can the leaders in it. Yet while many executives benefit from mentorship on the path to the top, far fewer maintain it once they arrive.
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Suzanne Bose-Mallick to explore how mentorship helps CEOs sustain performance in one of the most demanding roles in business.
They discuss:
Why many CEOs stop engaging with mentors—and why that can limit their effectivenessThe moments when mentorship matters most, from succession to transformationHow mentors support CEOs in building relationships with their boards, making top team decisions, and deciding between competing prioritiesThe difference between a mentor and a chair—and why independence can be important“An external mentor allows a CEO to have consequence-free conversations…a space where they can truly express their concerns.”
- Suzanne Bose-Mallick, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
Mentorship becomes more valuable at the top: The transition into the CEO role often increases the need for external perspective, not reduces it. Challenge sharpens performance: The best mentors hold CEOs to account, helping them make better, more grounded decisions. Independence creates space for honesty: Unlike internal stakeholders, external mentors offer a confidential environment for candid reflection and clearer thinking. Impact depends on the CEO: The most effective mentoring relationships require preparation, openness, and a willingness to be challenged.In this episode, we will cover:
(1:53) Why CEOs must continually evolve to stay effective
(2:38) How mentorship supports leaders through high-stakes transitions
(5:20) When to seek a mentor—and why it’s never too late
(6:53) The role of mentors in grounding decision-making under pressure
(8:44) Mentor vs. chair: understanding the difference
(10:55) What CEOs must bring to get value from mentorship
(12:31) When mentoring relationships lose effectiveness—and how to respond
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The term “crowdfunding” was coined in 2006 by entrepreneur and technologist, Michael Sullivan. The number of crowdfunding tools and companies have grown since then, but the purpose has remained the same—democratizing access to capital for those who need it.
GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan joins Marla Oates and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to talk about how his organization is helping people help each other, connecting more than 190 million people to raise $40 billion since the company’s founding in 2010. Tim digs into the key drivers to scaling and growing the business, including embedding purpose, technology, and AI. He delves into the psychology of asking for and receiving help, and how emotion and the need for human connection impact fundraising. And he shares his journey from entrepreneur CEO to board chair, and how he shifted and evolved his leadership style along the way.
We’ll also hear from Emma Combe, leadership advisor and the UK Board Practice Leader at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will share what it really takes to move from an executive role into the boardroom. Emma is also the host of Redefiners’ sister podcast, Leadership Lounge, where she asks our advisors to answer some of the most pressing questions senior leaders face.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
The top leadership and tech/AI drivers to scaling and growing a businessHow to embed purpose into a culture and team to help guide strategy and decision makingThe psychology of giving and asking for helpTips on building your leadership team across different stages of a company’s growthIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David MilibandLeadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board DirectorLeading with Faith and Purpose with His Eminence Cardinal DolanLeadership Lounge: How GenAI Can Elevate—And Expose—Today’s LeadersMusic with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with PurposeLeadership Lounge: How to Create and Maintain Impact as a LeaderA closer look at the research from this episode:
The Imperfect CEOAI and Leadership -
Stepping into the board chair role is a pivotal moment in any leadership journey—one that requires a fundamental shift in mindset and approach. You’re not just contributing to the discussion; you’re responsible for shaping boardroom dynamics, drawing out collective insight, and ensuring the board focuses on what matters most.
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe is joined by Rich Fields, Laura Sanderson, and Margot McShane to explore what separates effective board chairs from the rest—and how new chairs can establish credibility and impact from day one.
They discuss:
How the board chair role differs across governance structures and geographies The balance between facilitating discussion and maintaining strategic focus The leadership behaviors of high-performing board chairs How board chairs can build strong, productive relationships with their CEOs“Being an effective chair isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating the conditions for better questions, better conversations, and ultimately better decisions.”
Emma Combe, Leadership Advisor, RRA
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
The role of the chair is to enable—not control: Great chairs focus on orchestrating the board’s effectiveness, rather than driving outcomes themselves. Facilitation is a critical leadership skill: The best chairs create space for diverse perspectives, ensuring every voice is heard and valued. Perspective shapes performance: High-performing chairs bring a broad internal and external view, helping boards focus on the issues that matter most. The chair–CEO relationship is foundational: Trust, clarity, and open communication between the chair and CEO are essential to organizational success.In this episode, we will cover:
(02.11) The evolving role of the board chair across different governance models (03.54) The core responsibilities of board chairs and how they differ from executives (07.28) The leadership behaviors of high-performing board chairs (11.44) How to facilitate inclusive, high-quality board discussions (12.54) How to navigate the transition from executive to board chair—and why it can be challenging (14.31) How to build trust and alignment with the CEO -
There’s no shortage of uncertainty and change in the world these days, which is why it’s a frequent topic on Redefiners. This is especially true in the world of commodities, as perhaps no other industry has to deal with the level of uncertainty and volatility that comes with the global trade of energy, metals, and minerals.
Trafigura Chairman Jeremy Weir joins Clarke Murphy and Marla Oates to discuss how he scaled the employee-owned company during his time as CEO to become one of the world’s leading commodities groups. Jeremy talks about how he identified and developed leaders and talent to manage that growth while staying ahead of constant volatility and change. He shares insights from his transition into the CEO role, and how he’s shifted his leadership style as Chairman to help the company and the next CEO succeed. He also talks about how AI is being used at Trafigura to reshape the business and where they’re placing the biggest bets.
We’ll also hear from Dee Symons, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will share her perspective on how leaders can respond effectively in times of uncertainty.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
Preparing for a transition to a CEO and board role Ways to identify and develop leaders and talent during times of rapid growth Decision-making during volatile and uncertain times Making big bets with AI and how to manage the risksIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
Digging Deep: Leadership, Growth & Risk with BHP CEO Mike Henry Leadership Lounge: How New CEOs Build Productive Relationships With Their Board From Chaos to Clarity: How Bain Capital’s John Connaughton Leads Through Volatility Leadership Lounge: How to Build a Top-Performing C-suite – The Leadership Blueprint for Sustained High Performance The Only Certainty Is Change: Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on AI, Innovation & Market Evolution Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual TransformationA closer look at the research from this episode:
Global CEO Turnover Index Global Corporate Governance Trends for 2026 -
Since the establishment of the first family offices in the 19th century, there are now more than 8,000 single family offices globally. These offices hold over $5 trillion in total estimated wealth today, an amount expected to grow to over $9 trillion by 2030.
In today’s Redefiners episode, Marla Oates and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic talk with Stephan Roche, a Partner with BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors. His previous roles included CEO of Walton Enterprises – the philanthropic and private investment group for the Walton family – and COO of Cascade Asset Management – the private investment office for Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation. Stephan talks about the importance of purpose in a family office and how he navigates decision making with family members who may have a different perspective when it comes to the family wealth strategy. He shares his thoughts on the role of philanthropy and impact in a family office. And he talks about the importance of developing next generation leaders to ensure they’re ready to take on the leadership and governance roles of a family office.
We’ll also hear from Jeff Warren, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will share what truly distinguishes today’s most effective family office leaders—and why the role is more complex than ever.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
The key traits needed to be a successful family office leader, including navigating decision making with family members The roles of leadership, power, philanthropy and impact in family offices The critical need to develop next generation leaders in a family office How family office leaders can avoid falling into the Tradition Trap to ensure success and longevityIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
Sweet Success: How Mars Blends Family, Values, and Growth with former Mars SVP & Head of Corporate Development Valerie Mars Leadership Lounge: How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world? Leading with a North Star: Former Decathlon CEO Barbara Martin Coppola's Blueprint for Bold Change Leadership Lounge | Ep. 27 - How to Create and Maintain Impact as a Leader Private Investment Guru David Rubenstein Goes Public on How to Be a Successful Leader & Investor Leadership Lounge: Generation Collaboration: How Leaders Can Harness the Power of Multi-Generational TeamsLearn more with the latest research from Russell Reynolds Associates:
Inside the Mind of the Family Office Leader Tomorrow’s Too Late: Why Family Enterprises Must Transform Today -
Generative AI is reshaping how leaders think, decide, and communicate. Used thoughtfully, it can sharpen strategic thinking and accelerate decision-making. But when GenAI output replaces genuine insight, it can expose leaders who can't defend their thinking under pressure.
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Amy Scissons, Sean Dineen, and Fawad Bajwa to explore how senior leaders can harness GenAI's potential while avoiding its pitfalls.
They discuss:
How C-suite leaders are using GenAI in their work The growing concern about "workslop"—GenAI-generated output that lacks real insight The critical skills needed to pressure-test GenAI output and avoid shallow thinking Why transparency and accountability matter more as GenAI becomes embedded in workflows“Leaders carry a lot of wisdom. They need to feed that wisdom into AI and educate it. Context is king.”
Sean Dineen, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
Four things you'll learn from this episode:
1. GenAI can elevate strategic thinking: senior leaders are using GenAI as a sparring partner to pressure-test decisions, create board personas, and refine their perspectives before high-stakes moments.
2. Polish doesn't equal depth: GenAI-generated output can look impressive, but it can also lack substance. Leaders who can't defend their thinking under scrutiny will be exposed.
3. Critical thinking is your competitive advantage: the ability to interrogate GenAI output, provide context, and apply wisdom separates leaders who use GenAI effectively from those who outsource their judgment.
4. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable: leaders must own their outputs, regardless of how much GenAI contributed to the process.
In this episode, we will cover:
(02:00) Using GenAI as a sparring partner and creating board personas to pressure-test strategic thinking.
(04:39) Why senior leaders should experiment with GenAI tools to build confidence before trusting them with critical decisions.
(09:05) The personal risk for leaders who rely on seemingly polished GenAI output without developing their own point of view.
(09:50) How GenAI can create false flattery and why leaders need to ask it to be critical.
(10:50) Why credibility is a leader's currency—and how shallow GenAI-generated thinking can erode trust.
(13.13) Why critical thinking—built through struggle and learning from mistakes—is the most essential leadership skill in a GenAI world.
(16:20) The importance of transparency and accountability when using GenAI tools.
(17:45) How GenAI output reflects your approach: clear and thoughtful inputs amplify clarity; rushed inputs amplify shallowness.
A closer look at the research from this episode:
Boston Consulting Group, AI at Work 2025: Momentum Builds, but Gaps Remain | BCG
Russell Reynolds Associates, Season 5 - Ep. 2 | AI or Die: A Conversation with Coveo Chairman and CEO Louis Têtu | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds Associates
Harvard Business Review, AI-Generated “Workslop” Is Destroying Productivity
Russell Reynolds Associates, Global Leadership Monitor | Russell Reynolds Associates
Russell Reynolds Associates, Season 3 - Ep. 18 | A Front Row Seat to the AI Revolution with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith – Part 2 | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds Associates
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Transformation continues to be the word at the top of leaders’ minds. Whether it’s due to changes in technology with AI, market shifts, the regulatory landscape, or unexpected global events, leaders are looking to transform their organization’s operations and culture to be more agile, innovative, and resilient.
In today’s Redefiners, Marla Oates and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic talk with former Telstra CEO and managing Director, Andy Penn, about how he led the transformation of Australia’s largest telecommunications company. Andy shares what it was like stepping into the CEO role at Telstra at a turbulent time for the company, its customers, and the board. He talks about the key lessons he learned leading a multi-year company-wide transformation effort, and how he put the right team and culture together to get it done. He also talks about his current roles in cybersecurity, providing critical insights on how to prepare for and deter cyber-attacks.
We’ll also hear from Tuck Rickards, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will discuss what he believes is the leadership formula for effective AI transformation.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
The key steps and KPIs when implementing a transformation project Tips on putting together the right leadership team and organizational culture to help make reinvention happen How to prepare for cyber-security risks while balance the productivity benefits of AI projects How to successfully transition from CEO to board and advisory rolesIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Leadership Lounge: How to Build a Top-Performing C-suite: The Leadership Blueprint for Sustained High Performance Trust Your Gut: AXA’s Thomas Buberl Talks Transformation and Reinvention Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual Transformation Driving Transformation with Volvo Cars President and CEO Jim Rowan Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI’s potential: Are you ready to lead the charge?Learn more with the latest research from Russell Reynolds Associates:
Adapt or Die in the Age of Perpetual Transformation Why Most AI Transformations Fail Before They Start -
For new CEOs, few relationships matter more—and few are more complex—than the relationship with their board. The tone set in the first year can either establish the board as a powerful ally or create friction that slows progress.
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe is joined by three of our trusted leadership advisors Rusty O’Kelley, Anita Wingrove, and Ty Wiggins, to explore how new CEOs can build trust, alignment, and effective ways of working with their boards—and how that relationship evolves over time.
They discuss:
Why the CEO–board relationship is so critical in the first year of leadership What new CEOs should seek to understand about their board before and during the transition How transparency and candor build credibility and trust Where conflict most often arises between CEOs and boards—and how to navigate it constructively“You ultimately want their perspective on key matters. And for that, they need to have the unvarnished truth.”
Ty Wiggins
Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
Early engagement with board members helps new CEOs understand individual perspectives, priorities, and expectations—reducing the risk of misalignment later on. Clear priorities, timelines, and metrics give boards confidence and prevent anxiety from filling information gaps. Candor builds trust—boards are most effective when CEOs share the full picture, including challenges, alongside a clear plan forward. The CEO–board relationship must evolve over time, with periodic resets helping to maintain alignment.In this episode, we will cover:
(01:45) Why the CEO–board relationship is critical in the first year
(03:10) How new CEOs should prepare for working with multiple board perspectives
(05:05) What to understand about the board during the selection and transition phase
(10:30) What effective transparency with the board really looks like
(13:40) How to share difficult news without undermining confidence
(16:20) The most common sources of tension between CEOs and boards
(18:55) Managing disagreement constructively and maintaining trust
(24:10) When and how to reset expectations with the board over time
(26:45) The most common mistakes new CEOs make—and how to avoid them
A closer look at the research from this episode:
CEO Transitions | Russell Reynolds Associates
The New CEO | Russell Reynolds Associates
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Leadership is crucial to provide vision, direction, and motivation, guiding individuals and organizations toward common goals and overall success. This is true whether it’s in business, society, or your local community.
Today, Clarke Murphy sits down with His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a well-known leader in the Catholic church, in the New York City community, and around the world. Cardinal Dolan shares his path to leadership roles in the Church and how he looks at developing the next generation of Church leaders. He talks about what goes into electing the next Pope and lessons on leading through uncertainty. He’ll explore the commonalities that business and religious leaders have when it comes to the challenge of earning and developing trust. And he shares his views on the role of faith in today’s world of technology and change.
We’ll also hear from Dean Stamoulis, a leadership advisor at Russell Reynolds Associates, who shares why thoughtful succession planning—and the responsible transfer of power—are essential to long-term leadership continuity.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
The key insights business leaders can learn from religious leaders to help them build and maintain trust in their organizations The criteria that go into deciding who the next Pope will be and how to manage through leadership uncertainty The critical skills and traits to look for in the next generation of leaders His views on the role of faith today in a fast-changing worldIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
The Urgent Race to Create 800 Million Jobs: World Bank President Ajay Banga’s Global Challenge Leadership Lounge: How to Create and Maintain Impact as a Leader Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David Miliband Leadership Lounge: The Art of Succession: How to Identify Tomorrow's Leaders Today Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems Leadership Lounge: Beyond Handshakes: How to Build Trust and Transform Executive Team Performance -
Welcome back for Season 6 of Redefiners! What better way to kick off the new year than introducing Russell Reynolds Associates’ first-ever Chief Science Officer, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic. And if that wasn’t enough, Emma Combe from the Leadership Lounge joins Marla Oates for this special conversation.
In this episode, Tomas shares his latest research on talent management, leadership development, and the human-AI interface. He’ll explain why authenticity is overrated, how to use negative thinking as a positive force, and what leaders new in their roles can do to gain competence and confidence to be successful. He’ll dig into AI and how people can stand out in a sea of technology while avoiding the growing problem of “AI workslop.” He’ll look at how AI is impacting the traditional career ladder and what leaders need to do to develop young talent for future leadership roles. And he’ll highlight the key leadership topics he’s tracking in 2026.
We’ll also hear from Amy Scissons, RRA’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, who will highlight a key AI challenge many leaders are only just beginning to notice.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
How to rethink authenticity and use negative thinking as a positive force What leaders new to their roles need to do to gain competence and be successful How to avoid AI workslop and how AI is impacting the traditional career ladder What are the key leadership topics Tomas is tracking in 2026If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
The Leadership Lessons That Shaped Us: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Redefiners Leadership Lounge: How to Create and Maintain Impact as a Leader Banking on AI: How Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti Is Rewriting the AI Playbook Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI’s potential: Are you ready to lead the charge? Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO -
There was no shortage of challenges for leaders in 2025, as they navigated a year filled with uncertainty and change. Leaders’ skills were tested as they steered their organizations through changes in the global economy, geopolitics, AI transformation, succession planning, and board relationships.
In this final Redefiners episode of the season, hosts Marla Oates and Simon Kingston take a look back at 2025, highlighting how guests from the year are navigating these challenges. Hear from former CEO and current Chairman of Coveo Louis Têtu and Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti on AI transformation; World Bank President Ajay Banga on culture change; Russell Reynolds Associates CEO Constantine Alexandrakis, Pets At Home CEO Lyssa McGowan, and former President and CEO of Marvel Entertainment Peter Cuneo on stepping into the CEO role; Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman and former chair and CEO of MTV International Bill Roedy on leadership; plus insights from RRA leadership advisors in the Leadership Lounge.
If you’d like to hear more, check out all the episodes of Redefiners and Leadership Lounge.
Redefiners and Leadership Lounge will return with more conversations with global leaders in January 2026, so be sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode!
Happy holidays!
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Creating leadership impact isn’t about one defining moment—it’s about the ripple effects your leadership generates over time. In this episode of Leadership Lounge, Emma Combe sits down with Shannon Knott and Erin Marie Collins to unpack what meaningful impact looks like today, and how leaders can sustain it.
They explore:
Why impact extends beyond results to the experience others have of your leadership. The key skills—curiosity, adaptability, and an understanding of your purpose—that enable long-term influence. How to evaluate whether your leadership is truly landing across stakeholder groups. Why reflection and feedback loops are essential to maintaining credibility and trust.“Leaders who can sustain real impact do so because they’re able to stay curious. They continually learn and adjust. They treat leadership less like a position and more as a practice.”
— Shannon Knott, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
Four things you'll learn from this episode
Impact is intentional: define it consciously and test it objectively through feedback. Curiosity sustains relevance: stay adaptable and open to learning at every stage. Feedback fuels evolution: build a trusted “cabinet” to give unfiltered perspectives. Purpose anchors action: a clear sense of values helps leaders maintain credibility and trust.In this episode, we cover:
(01:35) How you define leadership impact and why it extends beyond results to lasting influence
(04:10) The skills that sustain long-term impact
(07:25) Why leadership must shift from mastery and control to influence and judgment as careers progress
(09:42) Practical ways to assess whether your impact is landing across teams and stakeholders
(12:10) How reflection, feedback, and purpose create a rhythm for sustained leadership effectiveness
(14:38) What inspirational leaders do differently to remain authentic and effective over time
A closer look at the research from this episode:
Edelman Trust Barometer 2025
Russell Reynolds Associates Global Leadership Monitor, H2 2025
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Roughly 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in developing countries over the next 10-15 years. However, current projections show that only 420 million jobs are expected to be created by that time, meaning millions of young people will be left without a clear path to employment.
World Bank President Ajay Banga joins Clarke Murphy and Marla Oates on Redefiners to talk about what the Bank is doing about it, and why job creation is so critical to both developing countries and the global economy. Ajay talks about what he’s doing to transform the 80-year old institution into a faster, more efficient, and more impactful partner in development, including partnering more with the private sector to increase investments in emerging markets. He also discusses what he calls the Decency Quotient and how leaders can tap into that in order to lead people with a hand on their back, not in their face.
We’ll also hear from Rebecca Hart, a leadership advisor in our Atlanta office, who will discuss why the most successful leaders prioritize curiosity over having all the answers.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
How to get everyone aligned with a bold mandate, mission and vision and how to deal with challenging feedback Why job creation is a critical piece in global development Why the private sector is critical to international development What the Decency Quotient is and why it matters for leaders todayIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
Music with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with Purpose Leadership Lounge: Built to Last or Built to Learn: How Leaders Can Develop Resilience Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David Miliband Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual Transformation Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems Leadership Lounge: Beyond Handshakes: How to Build Trust and Transform Executive Team Performance -
Board directors operate in an environment of high complexity and volatility. The question isn't whether crises will occur—it's whether directors have the skills, judgment, and relationships to navigate them effectively.
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to two of our trusted advisors—Gwenael Quere and Ted Dysart—who share their perspectives on:
The key skills effective board directors utilize during periods of sustained uncertaintyWhen it's appropriate to step in versus trust management to handle critical decisionsHow to balance individual perspective with building board consensus during volatile momentsThe best approach for managing competing demands when serving on multiple boards facing simultaneous challenges"One key trait is being able to ask the right questions, but also ask those questions in the right way. If a director gets into a meeting and starts asking questions that feel like a trap, the management team will just shut down."
-Ted Dysart
Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
Four things you'll learn from this episode
Staying calm, exercising sound judgment, and leading with empathy are three essential traits needed by board directors to effectively navigate volatility.How to get the balance right between being deeply informed and engaged without crossing the line into managing the business during a crisis. Why you must support your CEO’s wellbeing during prolonged stress. A CEO who can’t think clearly is a risk to the entire organization.Structured post-crisis reflection builds organizational resilience—boards that capture and institutionalize lessons from crisis experiences perform better in the future.In this episode, we will cover:
(01.50) The key skills board directors should utilize during sustained volatility
(03.31) The art of asking the right questions without creating traps for management
(05.44) How to decide when to step in versus when to let management handle critical decisions
(09.45) Balancing individual perspective with creating board consensus during periods of volatility
(11.16) How to manage time and energy when serving on multiple boards facing simultaneous challenges
(13.42) How directors can remain mentally sharp and objective during prolonged uncertainty
(15.28) Why directors should never let a good crisis go to waste
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How does a more than 100-year-old family-owned business continue to evolve and grow across generations to become one of the largest privately held companies in the world? On today’s Redefiners episode, Clarke and Marla are joined by Valerie Mars, former Senior Vice President & Head of Corporate Development for Mars, Incorporated, to talk about how the Mars family grew a small kitchen-table candy company into a $55 billion diversified global food and pet care enterprise.
Valerie talks about the family’s decision to bring in a non-family CEO, how the Five Principles and Mars Compass are used to guide decision-making and nurture a values-driven culture, and what they’re doing to develop the next generation of family leaders.
We’ll also hear from Anuradha Chawla, a leadership advisor in our Toronto office, who will explore when family enterprises should consider introducing non-family management.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
The business and cultural impact of bringing in a non-family CEO to a family-owned enterprise The key traits that make a successful non-family CEO Mars’ Five Principles and the Mars Compass and how they’ve helped guide the company through growth and change How to develop future next generation leaders and how to deal with family succession tensions that may ariseIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
Leading with a North Star: Former Decathlon CEO Barbara Martin Coppola's Blueprint for Bold Change Leadership Lounge: How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world? From Chaos to Clarity: How Bain Capital’s John Connaughton Leads Through Volatility Leadership Lounge: The Art of Succession: How to Identify Tomorrow's Leaders Today Paws, Purpose & Profit: A Conversation with Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan Leadership Lounge: Built to Last or Built to Learn: How Leaders Can Develop Resilience -
The C-suite is the engine room of organizational success, yet most leaders struggle to build one that truly performs. It's not just about hiring talented individuals—you need the right mix of complementary skills, aligned vision, and chemistry that transforms organizations.
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to two of our trusted advisors—Danny Ryan and Andres Gil-Casares—who share their perspectives on:
The biggest mistakes CEOs make when building executive teams and how to avoid them Why cultural fit and behavioral alignment matter as much as technical excellence How to build C-suites that can drive transformation and adapt to future challenges Why leaders who admit mistakes and foster open dialogue create higher-performing teams"You need to find people that are interested in learning things instead of just knowing things. This means having people on your teams who are interested in asking questions, getting out of the comfort zone, and thinking outside the box."
Andres Gil-Casares
Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
Four things you'll learn from this episode
Avoid the echo chamber—hiring executives who think like you can create dangerous groupthink; prioritize diversity of thought over comfort and familiarity. Balance technical excellence with cultural fit—the most damaging hires have strong credentials but undermine company values, causing talented people to leave. Create psychological safety for fast learning—C-suites that can admit mistakes, test quickly, and iterate outperform those focused on appearing perfect. Address performance issues quickly and compassionately—the top regret amongst new CEOs is not moving fast enough on making changes to their top team.In this episode, we will cover:
(01:52) The risk of unconscious bias and why hiring people who challenge you is critical
(03:49) Why cultural fit can't be underestimated when making C-suite hires
(06:17) The distinction between learning and knowing and why curiosity drives transformation capability
(08:17) How leading by example and admitting failures gives others permission to be more authentic
(09.14) The importance of establishing clear governance frameworks to enable quick decision-making under pressure
(12:10) Why delaying difficult decisions about underperforming executives erodes trust
A closer look at the research from this episode:
Transformational Leadership Study 2025 | Russell Reynolds Associates
CEO Transitions Research | Russell Reynolds Associates
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Marvel Studios and many of its numerous characters are household names around the world. Their superhero-powered movies earn hundreds of millions and sometimes billions of dollars at the box office, including the #2 top grossing movie of all time – Avengers: Endgame. They’re also arguably one of the top turnaround stories of the past 20 years, as they rose like a phoenix from the ashes of bankruptcy to ultimately sell to Disney for $4.5 billion.
In today’s Redefiners episode, Simon and Marla suit up to talk with Peter Cuneo, former CEO of Marvel Entertainment and the leader who led the turnaround of this storied company, along with several other global brands. Peter shares his story of how he got into the business of turnarounds and why he’s attracted to risk as a leader. He takes us through how he conquers the common challenge of getting the leadership and culture right at the companies he’s led. And he shares some of the 28 leadership tips he’s compiled over the course of his storied career into a list he fittingly calls Essentials for Superhero Leadership (which you can also find in podcast form at Superhero Leadership).
We’ll also hear from Hetty Pye, a leadership advisor in our London office, who will discuss why transformation efforts fail and what senior leaders can do about it.
Four things you’ll learn from this episode:
What are the first things to focus on in a turnaround and how to get your people and board aligned How to make an organization’s culture more productive, creative, and effective What to look out for in a shift from CEO to Board role What are the top leadership essentials of Superhero LeadershipIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:
Leading with a North Star: Former Decathlon CEO Barbara Martin Coppola's Blueprint for Bold Change Leadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board Director Music with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with Purpose Leadership Lounge: From Firefighting to Future-Building: How Leaders Can Master Perpetual Transformation Digging Deep: Leadership, Growth & Risk with BHP CEO Mike Henry Leadership Lounge: Leadership Under Fire: How Mentorship Can Help C-suites Turn Headwinds Into Opportunity -
In an era where adaptability trumps consistency, the leaders who survive and thrive are those who've mastered the art of bouncing back stronger. Yet our Global Leadership Monitor reveals that leaders' preparedness to face threats such as uncertain economic growth and geopolitical uncertainty is at its lowest point since we began tracking in 2021.
The question isn't whether setbacks will come—it's whether leaders have built the genuine resilience to weather them. And more critically, how can executives create resilient organizations where entire leadership pipelines can adapt and flourish under pressure?
In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to two of our trusted advisors—Joey Berk and Maja Hadziomerovic—who share their perspectives on:
How to recognize the warning signs when leadership resilience is waning Practical strategies for recovery and building sustainable energy management practices The role of vulnerability in creating high-performance, psychologically safe teams Why the biggest misconceptions about resilience actually undermine leadership effectiveness"When we think about exercising physically or learning a new skill, being in that growth mentality and constantly stretching is what builds resilience and pushes us to do what's less comfortable."
— Joey Berk, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates
Four things you'll learn from this episode:
1.True resilience integrates three sources of intelligence—cognitive clarity, somatic awareness, and emotional authenticity work together to create leaders who can navigate uncertainty with confidence.
2.Energy management beats time management—resilient leaders audit and proactively manage their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy.
3.Organizational resilience requires systematic investment—build resilience at scale through stretch assignments, mentorship programs, and cultures that reward vulnerability over impression management.
4.Authentic vulnerability drives performance—the strongest leaders admit when they don't know, share their learning process, and create psychological safety that unleashes team innovation.
In this episode, we will cover:
(00:00:18) Why modern resilience demands adaptability over consistency in rapidly changing markets (00:03:27) The three sources of intelligence framework and how to develop each dimension (00:06:12) Energy management strategies across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual domains (00:09:21) How to create stretch assignments and mentorship programs that build organizational resilience (00:11:47) Warning signs of resilience fatigue and recovery strategies for overwhelmed leaders (00:13:45) Why vulnerability and psychological safety are competitive advantages, not weaknesses (00:15:55) The biggest misconceptions about building resilience and how to overcome themA closer look at the research from this episode:
Global Leadership Monitor | Russell Reynolds Associates
Global CEO Turnover Index | Russell Reynolds Associates
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