Redefiners

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 KrajewskiLeadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds AssociatesFour 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 AssociatesThe New Leadership Portrait: Understanding & Unlocking Senior Executive Potential | Russell Reynolds AssociatesOvercome Decision Paralysis: Finding Order in Chaos | Russell Reynolds Associates

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 AssociatesFour 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

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

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 longevity  If 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 Teams  Learn 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  

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 roles  If 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  

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 world  If 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

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! 

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 today  If 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 

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 arise   If 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 

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 Leadership  If 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 

After four years and 100 episodes of extraordinary conversations with world-class leaders, what are the most powerful leadership lessons that have emerged? In this milestone episode, hosts Simon Kingston and Marla Oates dig through the Redefiners archives to share the top 10 leadership insights.   From Ruth Porat's revelation that not having a rigid career plan was her secret weapon, and Debra Martin Chase's unshakeable determination in Hollywood, to Will Guidara's $2 hot dog that redefined hospitality excellence—these aren't just inspiring anecdotes. They're battle-tested lessons from leaders who've built careers with real impact across technology, finance, entertainment, hospitality, and global governance.  Simon and Marla reveal their most memorable moments from conversations with CEOs like Adena Friedman at Nasdaq, Brad Smith at Microsoft, Tony Capuano at Marriott, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the World Trade Organization. They explore how these leaders navigated everything from AI transformation and crisis management to building authentic cultures and making unpopular decisions.  "Do people need to learn before they leap? I actually think they need to leap in order to learn.” – Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President   Four things you'll learn from this episode: Why the most successful leaders embrace uncertainty and leave their doors open to unexpected opportunities How to build the resilience and grit needed to navigate setbacks and transform failure into your competitive advantage The critical importance of putting people first during times of crisis and organizational transition Why authentic leadership—being unapologetically yourself—creates the strongest foundation for long-term successFeatured leaders: Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer, Alphabet and Google Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO, Nasdaq Debra Martin Chase, Film and Television Producer Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Carlyle Group Dee Caffari, Record-Breaking Yachtswoman Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization Tony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International Bill Roedy, Former Chair and CEO, MTV International Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand Will Guidara, Restauranteur and Author  

Transformation is no longer a project with a distinct beginning, middle, and end—it's the water leaders swim in. For leaders, the ability to lead through perpetual transformation has become mission critical.   In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to four of our trusted advisors—Bob Marcus, Hetty Pye, Sean Dineen, and Alain Ishak—who share their perspectives on: How to build cultures that thrive on continuous change without burning out teams The evolution from decision-maker to enabler and why this identity shift can be psychologically challenging for leaders What "AI-ready leadership" looks like and how to move beyond the pilot phase The balance between top-down conviction and bottom-up creativity in transformation efforts   "Organizations change when people change, and people change when leaders change. Leaders need to role model and project the changes they want to see in the world." Bob Marcus, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates   Four things you'll learn from this episode: The most effective leaders maintain a consistent, compelling vision while demonstrating tactical agility—providing direction and stability even when the path forward requires continuous course correction. Leaders must flex different muscles and manage competing polarities depending on context to effectively spearhead transformation—sometimes leading from the front, sometimes from behind, balancing disruption with pragmatism. The shift from expert decision-maker to enabler requires leaders to accept that their value comes from asking better questions, rather than having all the answers. Organizations can have the best technical infrastructure, but without leaders who embrace AI and role model its use in strategy, decision-making, and operations, transformation efforts will fall flat.   In this episode, we will cover: (00:00:08) Why traditional five-year roadmaps no longer work in today's accelerated business environment  (00:03:03) What perpetual transformation means and why it's become critical for survival (00:06:52) Why leaders must view C-suite colleagues as their first team. (00:08:36) The importance of productive conflict and unified decision-making (00:11:30) Why culture change is 70% of transformation success (00:13:18) What AI-ready leadership looks like in practice (00:15:42) How to move beyond the AI pilot phase (00:17:27) Strategic disruptors and their role in challenging the status quo   A closer look at the research from this episode: Strategy Decode and Activation, Russell Reynolds Associates, 2025 

The world has gone through several technology transformations in the past 30+ years. From the launch of the Internet to the rise of mobile, cloud computing, digital transformation, and now AI transformation. In our second live recording of Redefiners, Clarke Murphy goes in-studio at Goldman Sachs to talk with someone who’s been through it all and continues to lead through change.  As CIO at Goldman Sachs, Marco Argenti is redefining how business is done with the help of AI at one of the world’s leading financial services firms. Marco takes us through his career in tech leadership roles at AWS, Nokia, and now Goldman Sachs, and shares his key lesson of focusing on the “why” before figuring out the “what” and the “how” when it comes to creating IT solutions. He discusses the three leadership skills that are critical when it comes to AI and how to balance the pace of AI business adoption with employee demands for faster change. He also talks about his commitment to cancer research and how AI will be a game changer when it comes to accelerating both research and new treatments.  We'll also hear from Jennifer Flock, a leadership advisor in our Paris office, who explores what it takes for leaders to build transformation capabilities that last.  Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How to manage the pace of change and growing expectations of AI What are the key business challenges AI is helping to solve now and how will that evolve in the near future How leaders need to redefine how they manage a hybrid workforce of people and AI agents and how to create a cross-functional approach to AI across the C-suite  How AI is accelerating cancer research and treatment  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: The Only Certainty Is Change: Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on AI, Innovation & Market Evolution Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI’s potential: Are you ready to lead the charge? AI or Die: A Conversation with Coveo Chairman and CEO Louis Têtu Leadership Lounge: How to Future-Proof Your Leadership Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat