Claim OwnershipLead the Team (Top 2% of Podcasts)
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© Copyright 2025 Ben Fanning
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Real CEOs. Real Stories.
Hosted by Ben Fanning—2025 Gold Stevie Award winner for Best Business Podcast and ranked in the Top 2% globally—Lead the Team draws on over 600 CEO interviews to take you inside the minds of leaders from brands like Honeywell, HP, IBM, Dunkin’, and L’Oréal.
In each episode, you’ll hear raw, unfiltered stories of leading through rapid growth, high-stakes decisions, and make-or-break moments—plus the CEO-tested tools and strategies they use to build high-performing teams.
From turning around billion-dollar brands to sparking innovation at scale, these leaders share lessons you can put into action right now to lead your own team better.
Subscribe now.
-------------
https://www.benfanning.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/
Hosted by Ben Fanning—2025 Gold Stevie Award winner for Best Business Podcast and ranked in the Top 2% globally—Lead the Team draws on over 600 CEO interviews to take you inside the minds of leaders from brands like Honeywell, HP, IBM, Dunkin’, and L’Oréal.
In each episode, you’ll hear raw, unfiltered stories of leading through rapid growth, high-stakes decisions, and make-or-break moments—plus the CEO-tested tools and strategies they use to build high-performing teams.
From turning around billion-dollar brands to sparking innovation at scale, these leaders share lessons you can put into action right now to lead your own team better.
Subscribe now.
-------------
https://www.benfanning.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/
408 Episodes
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Sacrifice No One SeesJakub Vanek, Chief Operating Officer at Genpact Americas, has moved six times across four countries while scaling teams of thousands inside a $5B global organization.He admits the hidden cost of leadership isn’t just jet lag or late nights in the office—it’s missing his wife’s birthday, missing holidays, and asking himself the same question many ambitious professionals face: Family or Career?But here’s the opportunity: Jakub learned that the real measure of leadership isn’t the title or the miles traveled—it’s the relationships you keep along the way.“Sooner or later, this executive position will stop… Just keep those relationships.”That reminder hit me hard. The choice doesn't have to be family or career—that’s the trap. Real leadership is designing a path where both thrive together.👉 What have you learned about protecting what matters while chasing your career?-----Follow Jakub on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubvanekeurope/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Under Pressure, Leaders RiseWhen I spoke with Cyrill Kellerhals, COO of Andelyn Biosciences, I was struck by how calm and grounded he was while describing some of the toughest leadership moments of his career.At Novartis, one of the industry’s legendary companies, he encountered the kind of regulatory challenge that every leader dreads — a moment that could define the company’s future.Instead of panicking, he led his team through it and turned it into a success.Later, he carried those lessons into scaling a $34M operation and building a $200M biopharma facility. But what impressed me most wasn’t the numbers — it was the way he talked about leading with humility, purpose, and service to his people.His story is a reminder that real leadership isn’t about avoiding pressure. It’s about how you show up when the stakes are highest.-----Follow Cyril: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrill-k-82a73152/Lean more about Andelyn Biosciences: https://www.andelynbio.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Most leaders say they want transparency.But when the pressure’s on, many unintentionally create cultures where people hide mistakes.Camilo Rueda — CEO of Aeropost and former U.S. Navy Submarine Officer — learned this lesson the hard way, thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.As a young officer, one bad call almost ended his career. In that moment, he had two choices:👉 Hide the mistake and hope it stayed buried👉 Or raise his hand, take ownership, and face the consequencesHe chose ownership.It cost him in the short term — but it built the trust and resilience that later fueled his journey from the Navy to McKinsey to CEO.What struck me most in our conversation was this:“Real ownership isn’t solving everything yourself. It’s raising problems early, so you can solve them together.”That mindset shift changes everything.It turns mistakes into momentum, and pressure into perspective.💭 When leaders say “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions,” does it actually push teams to chase the “perfect” answer — and wait too long to speak up?-----Follow Camilo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilo-rueda-5a62669/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Real leadership begins the moment your team starts to doubt you.Jeff Meredith, CEO of Chamberlain Group, has lived that moment. He took a 70-year-old garage door company and transformed it into a global tech powerhouse with 14M+ connected users. But as Jeff shared with me, the toughest part wasn’t the technology or the strategy—it was earning back his team’s trust in the middle of massive change.That resonated deeply with me. Because when the ground shifts under your feet, no business model or innovation will save you if your people stop believing.Jeff opened up about the leadership mistake that nearly cost him his team—and the exact steps he used to win them back. His story is a reminder that transformation isn’t just about vision; it’s about belief.If you’re leading through uncertainty, Jeff’s example proves one thing: no leader succeeds alone.-----Follow Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-meredith-90a744112/Learn more about Chamberlain: https://www.chamberlain.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Erase silos. Unite the company. Rebuild trust—fast.When I first heard Amy Martin, CMO at TruWest Holdings, talk about her “One Number” strategy the TURNAROUND stopped me in my tracks.She didn’t know if leaders would embrace it… or fight to protect their own KPIs.But once it landed, everything changed:-True C-suite alignment-Faster growth-A culture of shared accountabilityInstead of sales and marketing chasing different goals, they now share the exact same revenue target.In our conversation, Amy shares how she:-Won buy-in without causing whiplash-Turned resistance into trust-Built teams that row in the same directionIf your teams are working hard but not together, this is one you don’t want to miss.-----Follow Amy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyallenmartin/Learn more about TruWest: https://truwestholdings.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Everyone tells their teams to “use AI.”But as Lucas Mendes (CEO of Revelo) told me, that almost never works.Employees don’t resist because they’re lazy.They resist because new tools feel intimidating, misunderstood, or disconnected from what really matters in their day-to-day.That’s where leadership comes in.Lucas shared how he turned an almost-failing startup into the backbone of AI — a network of 400k+ engineers powering the world’s top tech companies.But more importantly, he revealed how to get teams to actually change how they work — even when the future feels uncertain.If you’ve ever given a directive and wondered why nothing changed, this episode is for you.🎥 I Turned a Failing Startup Into the Backbone of AI (400k+ Engineers)-----Follow Lucas on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmzmendes/Learn more about Revelo - https://www.revelo.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Thomas Neergaard Hansen — President of Amplitude and former Microsoft and Dropbox executive — proved to me that even the most hard-earned leadership skills aren’t always enough.He’s led billion-dollar teams, navigated career reinventions, and even learned leadership lessons on a windsurfing board. In this episode, he opens up about the next leadership superpower every leader needs to survive — and thrive — in today’s AI-driven world.You'll discover:-Why the “career ladder” is gone for good-The daily habit he uses to stay ahead with his own team-How AI is shifting what makes a great leader-Why the best CEOs embrace what they don’t know-What windsurfing taught him about business risk and resilienceThis isn’t theory — it’s real, hard-won insight from the front lines of leadership.Only the leaders who adapt will last...-----Follow Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasneergaardhansen/Learn more about Amplitude: https://amplitude.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Running a theme park isn’t just rides and fun.It’s about leading elite teams that deliver with precision, creativity, and resilience—day in and day out.In this episode of Lead the Team, I sit down with Franceen Gonzales, Former President of Legoland Florida Resort—one of the hidden geniuses behind its success.We cover:- A strategy to inspire peak performance under relentless pressure.- The blueprint for orchestrating thousands of moving parts—and people—flawlessly.- The meeting structure that keeps teams performing at elite levels every day.Whether you lead engineers, creatives, or front-line teams, you’ll walk away with leadership lessons you can put to work immediately.So tell me—what’s one leadership habit that keeps your team winning?-----Follow Franceen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceengonzales/Plan your next trip to Legoland: https://www.legoland.com/florida/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Some Lessons You Only Learn After FailingRishi Rana—CEO of Cyara and former global product leader at Microsoft—shares the leadership lesson you just can’t learn in a classroom.His career has been incredible having shared the stage with Bill Gates. Tripled revenue in a brutal turnaround. Led global teams under immense pressure.But what stands most in our interview?...how he talks openly about the missteps—failed launches, fractured teams, moments where it could’ve all fallen apart.It's a message for any leader trying to stay steady in the storm.He shares:✅ How to rebuild trust when things go sideways.✅ The key to making clear decisions in the middle of chaos.✅ A strategy to get teams focused on outcomes—not noise.If you’re navigating complexity and want to lead with more clarity, grit, and impact—this for you. Out now on Lead the Team: CEO-tested tools and strategies to lead your team better!👉 Ever had a leadership moment that nearly broke you—but shaped you instead?-----Follow Rishi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishi-rana-2397a9/Learn more about Cyara: https://cyara.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
If you’re not leading AI… it’s already leading you.Erik Huddleston, CEO of Aprimo and a 6-time exited founder, breaks down what every modern leader needs to understand about scaling with AI—before it’s too late.If you're leading a team and feeling the pressure of speed, complexity, and rising expectations… his message is for you."AI can produce more in a day than your entire team can in a year."That sounds like progress—until your message, culture, and brand start spinning out of control. Find out what most leaders overlook when adopting AI, and how to build the systems, guardrails, and leadership mindset to move fast without breaking trust.Whether you’re running a Fortune 500 division or building a company from scratch, this conversation will challenge how you lead—and give you real tools to scale your team, protect your brand, and lead with purpose.You’ll learn:→ How to lead when AI is moving faster than your org chart.→ Why scaling content isn’t the hard part—governance is.→ What it really means to “scale with control”.→ How to become the leader your team needs in uncertain times.Move from overwhelmed…to undeniably clear about what do next with AI within your organization.-----Follow Erik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehuddleston/Learn more about Aprimo: https://www.aprimo.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
When Ingram Micro Got TestedSanjib Sahoo, President of Ingram Micro’s Global Platform Group, was already preparing to lead under pressure—long before the headlines.Before the headlines.Before the cyberattack.Before the world was watching…When we recorded this conversation, none of us knew what was coming. But what Sanjib shared then feels even more powerful now.You'll hear the bold transformation he's driving inside a $48B tech giant that touches nearly 90% of the world’s population—and the personal transformation leaders must go through to meet the moment.“Doubt isn’t the enemy,” he told me. “It’s often the proof you’re doing something meaningful.”He doesn't interpret fear as a sign to back down—but a signal you’re on the right track...And when the pressure hits, how do you stay grounded—especially when everyone’s watching to see if you’ll crack or lead?This isn’t a crisis interview.It’s a real, unfiltered look at what leadership actually takes—when everything’s on the line.Recorded before the headlines.Proven after.🎧 Listen now on Lead the Top (a top 2% podcast)—and rethink boldness, fear, and what it means to lead under pressure..---Follow Sanjib on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjibsahoodigital/Learn more about Ingram Micro: https://www.ingrammicro.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Complacency costs growth.Sean Larkin, CEO of OnLogic, learned that lesson the hard way—just because your company is scaling doesn’t mean your people automatically will too.This really stuck with me......the same strengths that drive today’s success often become tomorrow’s roadblocks.He breaks out a 6-point professional development plan that’s as original as it is practical. It’s a must-hear for any leader who wants their team to keep up with the pace of change.You'll also discover:👉 The subtle early signs your team’s falling behind.👉 Why your best people may struggle to scale.👉 How to help high performers keep evolving.👉 What it really takes to lead when the speed (and growth) never slow down.If you think your team is “probably” ready for what’s next… this one’s for you.🎧 Episode’s live now.Because scaling isn’t about working harder. It’s about thinking smarter.-----Follow Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-larkin-nacd-dc-0517439/Learn more about OnLogic: https://www.onlogic.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
He had the talent to chase Broadway fame. But he saw something even bigger.Instead of staying in the spotlight, Ryan Stana, CEO of RWS Global, decided to build an entire world behind the scenes—one that now creates over a MILLION unforgettable moments every single day:🚢 Cruise ships🎢 Theme parks🎭 Broadway🏟️ Stadiums🌍 Seven offices around the worldHe wasn’t in it for the credit. He was in it to change the game.And the way he did it? By staying true to who he was.“Follow your dream, and the respect will come.”That line stuck with me.This conversation is memorable for me, because it’s such a powerful reminder: you don’t have to prove yourself to everyone. You just have to build something that matters.In the episode, Ryan shares:• Why authenticity earns respect faster than ego.• How to scale creativity without losing your vision.• The power of listening to every voice at the table.• The framework that keeps 8,000+ creatives aligned.• And the bold decisions that shaped his entire journey.If you’ve ever wondered how to lead without chasing approval of your team, stakeholders and even your customers...this is worth a listen.-----Follow Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanstana/Learn more about RWS Global: https://www.rwsglobal.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
☕ Bold taste. Bold leadership.Leading a global coffee powerhouse is no small feat—especially when your brand ranks among the world’s most influential:🌎 Over 4,100 stores across 37 countries👥 More than 20,000 employees worldwide🥤 Thousands of innovative self-serve Costa Express machines🏆 #2 largest coffeehouse chain globally 🇬🇧 #1 coffee chain in the UK, with over 2,700 outlets and a 26% market share.🎙️ In my recent conversation with Philippe Schaillee, CEO of Costa Coffee, we explored:-How a single setback nearly ended his career—and why he now calls it his greatest gift-The surprising reason not all coffee companies are winning hearts (and what Costa does differently)-What happens when your boldest ideas come from the last place you expectIf you lead big teams or big brands, this episode is a masterclass in clarity, resilience, and influence.-----Follow Philippe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-schaillee-40196b1/Learn more about Costa Coffee - https://www.us.costacoffee.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Cirque du Soleil fell—then made a HUGE comeback that no one saw coming. Enter Duncan Fisher, Chief Show Operations Officer.One of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands.Gone.Zero revenue. 5,000+ employees let go.Bankrupt.But instead of folding, they reimagined everything.🔥 8 touring shows relaunched in just 18 months🔥 Empowered teams operating 24/7 across the globe🔥 Purpose-driven execution: entertain the worldDuncan Fisher led the charge—and his story is wild.This episode has it all:🎙️ A last-minute phone call from the U.S. Secret Service🎙️ A presidential speech that almost didn’t happen🎙️ 600 trucks packed and shipped across continents🎙️ And a leadership philosophy forged under circus tents, spotlights, and survivalWant a masterclass in operational grit and brand resurrection?🎧 Listen in.This one will change the way you lead.-----Follow Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-fisher-0964863b/Book your next Cirque Du Soleil show: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
The Robot-Powered Future Is Here.When David Pinn, Brain Corp, stepped in as CEO —the company behind the world’s largest autonomous mobile robot fleet—he didn’t just scale innovation......he scaled belief.They've unleashed the power of 40,000 robots around the world...250 billion square feet cleaned and scanned $190 million raised.One big lesson?Change management and leadership is at the very foundation of effective technology.From Sam's club warehouse floors to NASA’s launchpads, BrainOS-powered robots are transforming how the world works today and tomorrow. You'll find out that their success has less to do with hardware and more to do with humans.Here’s what you’ll discover:- Why being too expert stifles innovation.- The game that always boost human and robot activity.- What will really drive ROI in the future.- Why curiosity—not code—is your most important leadership trait.This is a story that every innovator needs to hear.Listen to this if you lead people, work with tech, or just want to understand where the future is going (fast).-----Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpinn/Learn more about Brain Corp: https://www.braincorp.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
Skullcandy… he reimagined it.First week on the job at Skullcandy, Brian Garofalow scheduled a meeting called:“Teach Brian how headphones work.”Not a tech guy.Not an audio engineer.But a punk-rock marketer turned Silicon Valley founder turned private equity turnaround pro—And the new CEO of Skullcandy.What happened next?He did the unthinkable...🔥 Partnered with Bose—the supposed enemy.🔥 Reintroduced Skullcandy to the world with a surprise drop in NYC.🔥 Built a skate-ramp-in-the-office culture that people actually want to work in.🔥 Launched the best-reviewed product in years… in just 4 weeks.Oh—and he’s worn the same green sweater every day for 7 years to reduce decision fatigue.(Steve Jobs would be proud.)This episode is a masterclass in brand resurrection, strategic risk, and leadership that doesn't try to fit in.💬 What brand do you think is overdue for a Skullcandy-style comeback?-----Follow Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-garofalow-02b7bb2/Check out Skullcandy's latest new products: https://www.skullcandy.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
“We eat chaos for breakfast.”That’s the mindset Eldon Schaffer, CEO of TekniPlex, instills across 9,000 employees in 13 countries.On his first day, they lost one of their top five customers.Instead of blaming or panicking, Eldon...rallied the team to innovate fast— launching a new product and outpacing the competition in just 150 days.Since then, they’ve doubled the business and led a sustainability revolution—one egg carton and coffee pod at a time.🧠 200 Materials Science Experts 🧃 Billions of packaging components🌎 Unseen, but everywhereHere’s what stood out:• “Failure is not fatal.”• “Comfort zone kills growth.”• “Strategy is who does what.”• “Diversity drives better decisions.”• “Own it. Fix it.”🎧 Hear the full story on Lead the Team—a masterclass in leadership under pressure, fast decision-making, and what it really means to get everyone rowing in the same direction.💬 What’s your favorite leadership mantra?-----Follow Eldon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eldonwschaffer/Learn more about TekniPlex: https://tekni-plex.com/en-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
What if everything you believed about retirement… was wrong?Discover vital insights from Derek Coburn—author, wealth advisor, entrepreneur, co-founder of CADRE, an exclusive “un-networking” community for top business leaders, and now of the bold new book, Let’s Retire Retirement.He challenges the outdated notion that your best years come after your career ends. Instead, he argues that meaning, purpose, and growth shouldn’t be delayed—they should be designed into your life now.We unpack:-Why traditional retirement is broken.-The dangers of waiting to live fully.-How to architect a life that blends success and significance.If you’ve ever thought “I’ll do that when I retire”… this episode will make you rethink everything.-----Check out Derek's incredible and timely book here: https://www.derekcoburn.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
What if failure unlocks everything?COO Gaurav Juneja didn’t climb the ladder—he took the hard route no one wanted… and built the ladder himself.He failed early. He raised his hand for the toughest projects. He switched industries. He even coached squash at Harvard before becoming COO of a national fiber infrastructure company (Consolidated Communications/Fidium Fiber)🎧 Discover Gaurav's empowering ideas and strategies around:A “resume mindset” nearly held him back—and how he replaced it with a legacy mindset.The career move that didn’t work out… but built relationships that did.His mantra—“Stay calm in the eye of the storm”—guides how he leads under pressure.And why success isn’t about the title… it’s about leaving things better than you found them.Whether you’re leading a company or just trying to figure out your next move—this conversation is a blueprint for transforming uncertainty into growth.👇 What’s one lesson you learned from something not going your way?-----Follow Gaurav Juneja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurav-juneja-30787733/Learn more about Fidium Fiiber: https://www.fidiumfiber.com/Learn more about Consolidated Communications: https://www.consolidated.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter
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