C-Suite Conversations with Dr. Patrick Leddin

TTEC Chief People Officer Laura Butler shares how leaders can balance humanity and technology in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on her experience leading people and culture for 54,000 global employees, Butler explores the evolving demands of leadership in the age of AI—where clarity, authenticity, and decisiveness matter more than ever. She reflects on lessons from crisis leadership, the importance of continuous learning, and how organizations can transform compliance into commitment. Butler also offers a forward-looking view on using AI to enhance coaching, connection, and communication across large, diverse teams. This conversation explores how today’s leaders can build cultures of trust, adaptability, and shared purpose in times of transformation. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at [email protected], visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Today, we speak with Kerry Sirkka, Chief Recruitment Officer at Medical Solutions, about the challenges and opportunities of leading in one of the nation’s most competitive labor markets. Kerry shares her perspective on attracting, developing, and retaining talent in healthcare while navigating disruption and building resilient organizations. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on leadership, adaptability, and the future of staffing that apply whether you’re just starting your career, managing a team, or leading at the executive level. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at [email protected], visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Today on C-Suite Conversations, Patrick sits down with Aneri Jambusaria, Head of Wealth Management at LPL Financial, the largest independent broker-dealer in the United States. Aneri shares her career journey and the pivotal experiences that have shaped her leadership style, from navigating complexity and scaling innovation to building trust in a rapidly evolving financial industry. Listeners will gain insights into how she leads with clarity, balances strategic growth with client needs, and fosters resilience in a dynamic marketplace.

We often look to leaders expecting them to have all the answers until we step into leadership ourselves and realize that's rarely the case. More often, great leadership is less about always knowing the right answer and more about deeply caring for a cause. Join Enrique Toledo, former Chief People Officer at Modivcare, as he shares a refreshingly humble perspective on what makes a strong leader and why imposter syndrome might not be such a bad thing after all. For more information, visit https://www.franklincovey.com/

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 where people can thrive. He offers a clear model for evaluating team members—skill, will, and teamwork—and explains why investing in people development is essential to organizational performance.

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.

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 humility and teamwork remain at the core of effective leadership.

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 think differently about your career, legacy, and impact.

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 reflecting on your own leadership journey and the values that guide you.

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, create, and solve problems in new ways that benefit the organizations, sharing that aligning individual purpose with organizational purposes is critical for building an engaged, high-performing culture. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels on creating work environments centered on empowering people, fostering purpose, and driving sustainable growth through a people-first approach.

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 unique strengths as a leader.

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 the rapid adoption by consumers. David emphasizes that generative AI is not just a future possibility, but is already being leveraged by leading brands today to create content and ads faster, cheaper, and more effectively.

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 business priorities, and how this has been instrumental in Kroger's success, even during turbulent times like the COVID-19 pandemic.