Claim OwnershipSuperhero Leadership with Peter Cuneo
Subscribed: 9,767Played: 30,392
Subscribe
© Cuneo and Company, LLC
Description
Superhero Leadership is the podcast that explores outstanding leadership through the lens of some of the most successful "superhero leaders" in business, sports, politics, the military, and public service.
This podcast is for anyone who aspires to great leadership.
Host Peter Cuneo has experienced superhero leadership throughout his life and career, from serving as a naval officer in the Vietnam War to being the CEO of Marvel Entertainment. Peter has completed seven business turnarounds in consumer products, media, and entertainment, and served on the boards of many public and private enterprises, often as chairman.
Drawing from his list of what he considers 32 essential qualities for great leaders, in each episode Peter and his guest will offer actionable takeaways you can immediately implement into your own life and career transforming you into a superhero leader.
30 Episodes
Reverse
In the concluding episode of The Marvel Mindset, former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo distills the core leadership lessons that shaped his career and drove Marvel’s historic turnaround. Speaking directly to aspiring leaders, he explores the realities of high-stakes corporate transformation, the personal and professional risks involved, and the question of whether turnaround work is suited for everyone. Cuneo underscores the leader’s responsibility to build healthy cultures, restore confidence, and communicate effectively—whether inspiring a crowd or steadying a discouraged organization. Drawing on his “28 Essentials for Superhero Leadership,” he offers a practical framework for evaluating one’s own leadership approach and navigating real-world challenges with clarity, discipline, and purpose.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 9 of Marvel Mindset takes listeners inside one of the most consequential entertainment deals in history: Disney’s $4.5 billion acquisition of Marvel. Peter Cuneo breaks down how Marvel’s revival, led in part by the success of Marvel Studios, positioned the company for a premium sale and strategic alignment with Disney. He explains the negotiations, the business logic behind the deal, and how both companies shared a “Wagon Wheel” approach to monetizing intellectual property across multiple platforms. The discussion offers a rare insider’s look at turnaround strategy, value creation, and the long-game thinking that reshaped the global entertainment landscape.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo breaks down how Marvel approached the emerging Internet landscape while rebuilding from bankruptcy. From avoiding direct online sales to protect major retail partners, to encouraging fan-run sites as organic marketing, Cuneo reveals the strategic balance between innovation and discipline. He also highlights Isaac Perlmutter’s pivotal personal risk in restructuring Marvel’s debt, clearing the way for growth and a stronger board.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Marvel Mindset, former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo breaks down the strategic reinvention of Marvel’s comic book publishing business—the “fountain of youth” that fueled new characters and franchises after bankruptcy. He reveals how smarter talent choices, reimagined storytelling, and expanded distribution rebuilt Marvel from the ground up, and how bold moves into video games and toys—through licensing, partnerships, and family-friendly positioning—set the stage for Marvel’s long-term growth into a global entertainment powerhouse.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Marvel Mindset, former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo breaks down what truly defines a successful business turnaround,
revealing why nine out of ten fail and what separates the rare wins from the rest. Drawing from his own experience across multiple recoveries, Peter explains why sustained growth in revenue, sales, and—above all—cash flow over three consecutive years is his ultimate benchmark, and how disciplined cost control combined with breakthrough advertising can drive growth even in the most challenging situations.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Marvel Mindset, former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo reveals the disciplined strategy that transformed Marvel from post-bankruptcy into a $4.5 billion acquisition by Disney. He breaks down how relentless cash management, a powerful licensing model with studios like Sony and Fox, and the bold launch of Marvel Studios — capped by the breakout success of Iron Man — reshaped the company into a global entertainment powerhouse and permanently changed the business of superheroes.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Marvel Mindset, former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo takes listeners inside Marvel’s turbulent journey from comic book origins during the Great Depression to its stunning collapse into bankruptcy in the 1990s. He unpacks the rise of iconic characters like Captain America, the boom-and-bust collectibility craze, and the risky financial decisions that nearly destroyed the company, while revealing the fierce corporate battles involving Ronald Perelman, Carl Icahn, and Isaac Perlmutter that set the stage for Marvel’s historic comeback.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo reveals the strategic framework that transformed Marvel from a fragile post-bankruptcy company into a multi-billion-dollar entertainment powerhouse. Using his now-famous “wheel” and “pond” analogies, Cuneo explains how Marvel’s intellectual property became the hub for explosive growth—expanding into video games, blockbuster films, and ultimately the launch of Marvel Studios itself. This episode breaks down how bold, precisely timed decisions—and a disciplined change model—turned one shaky spoke into a global empire.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 2 Description:In this episode of The Marvel Mindset, Peter Cuneo dives deeper into the defining principles of successful corporate turnaround leadership, using Marvel’s dramatic revival as a real-world case study. Drawing from his experience leading seven major recoveries across global industries, Peter breaks down the financial, strategic, and cultural factors that determine whether a struggling organization can truly rebound. With candid insights into Marvel’s own crisis years—marked by instability, misalignment, and a dire balance sheet—he illustrates how disciplined financial management, cultural integrity, and decisive leadership set the stage for one of the most celebrated business transformations of the modern era. This episode offers essential guidance for leaders navigating complexity, change, and high-stakes decision-making.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 1 introduces "The Marvel Mindset" with former Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo, who outlines the vision for the series and the leadership principles behind one of the most celebrated corporate turnarounds of the 21st century. Cuneo previews the strategies, decision-making frameworks, and his 28 essentials for superhero leadership that powered Marvel’s revival and eventual sale to Disney. Blending personal insight with practical guidance, he sets the stage for a season aimed at helping leaders across all fields strengthen their skills at a time when leadership development is more critical than ever.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode Patrice Gordon shares her transformative journey from
the youngest child of a loving Jamaican-British family to becoming a global authority on reverse mentoring. Her story is one of resilience and innovation, particularly in championing reverse mentoring, a method where senior leaders learn from younger and or underrepresented individuals within their organizations. This episode dives deep into how this approach not only fosters a culture of inclusion but also boosts organizational success by bridging generational gaps.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode host Peter Cuneo is joined by Joe Hart, the CEO of Dale Carnegie Training. Joe’s fascinating journey is highlighted, from his beginnings in law to leading a global organization focused on leadership excellence. Through a conversation rich in personal experiences and professional insights, Joe shares the influencing factors that
shaped his path, including the pivotal role Dale Carnegie’s principles played in his transformative leadership development.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Peter Cuneo hosts this inspiring episode featuring Michael Fabiano, a trailblazer in technology and media leadership. The discussion delves into Michael’s vast experience, his strategic transformation roles at NBC News and the Associated Press, and his current focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) news. His leadership journey is a testament
to innovation and adaptability amidst changing business landscapes.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this insightful episode of the Superhero Leadership , hosted by Peter delves into the journey of Pat Butler, a trailblazing leader and innovator in public television and media. Peter and Patrick explore transformative leadership lessons drawn from Patrick's illustrious career in Washington, D.C., and his role in shaping public television’s impact on education, public safety, and civic leadership. Throughout this enriching conversation, Butler shares rich anecdotes and profound insights into how effective communication and vision can steer organizations towards success.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Superhero Leadership Podcast, Peter is joined by a transformative force in corporate restructuring, Joanne Rumley. A partner at Foot Anstey LLP and President of the Turnaround Management Association (UK), Joanne discusses the intricacies of turnaround leadership, drawing parallels from her dynamic upbringing and diverse experiences. She underscores the significance of early leadership instinct development and the diverse experiences that shape an individual’s capacity to lead effectively.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In an enthralling episode, Peter delves deep into the life and experiences of Colonel Jack Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient and veteran of the Vietnam War. Peter and Jack discuss the profound lessons leadership conveys from the battlefield to the boardroom, showcasing Col. Jacob's transition from military service to his impactful roles in academia, finance, and media landscapes. Interlayered with discussions on personal experiences and ideals, this episode offers a window into the
motivations and values that guide exemplary leaders.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1In this episode Peter sits down with Bruce Ramer—one of Hollywood’s most influential entertainment attorneys—for a candid, compelling conversation. From his modest New Jersey roots to decades representing icons like Steven Spielberg, Bruce reflects on the pivotal choices and chance encounters that shaped his extraordinary career. Together, Peter and Bruce explore how instinct, adaptability, and values-driven leadership fuel long-term success. It’s a masterclass in seizing opportunity, building trust, and leading with character.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this powerful episode of the Superhero Leadership Podcast, Peter sits down with Dr. Colleen Shogan—the first woman confirmed as Archivist of the United States—for a candid conversation about leadership under pressure, public service in polarized times, and preserving the integrity of our nation’s records. Dr. Shogan reveals how personal resilience, strategic thinking, and a passion for civic education shaped her journey. She shares how she tackled a daunting records backlog, dealt with political scrutiny, and balanced it all with a surprising side gig—as a mystery novelist. Packed with insight, inspiration, and a few unexpected presidential favorites, this episode is a masterclass in navigating leadership at the intersection of history and high stakes.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Peter Cuneo hosts Jon Harris, CEO of AthLife, on the Superhero Leadership Podcast to explore the art of leadership through the lens
of sports. Jon’s journey from a basketball player to an influential leader in
athlete transition is spotlighted, emphasizing the power of cultural awareness, empathy, and life-long learning. The conversation delves into the importance of taking risks, adapting organizational culture, and nurturing leadership skills in youth. Cuneo and Harris share insights on personal growth, accountability, and the evolving dynamics within sports education and leadership.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the Season 2 premiere of the Superhero Leadership Podcast, producer
Joe Garner switches roles with usual host Peter Cuneo, renowned for his pivotal role in Marvel Entertainment's resurgence. The episode dives into Cuneo's unique leadership journey, drawing from his significant transformations in the corporate world and early lessons from his Navy experiences. As the conversation unfolds, Cuneo shares personal stories that shaped his leadership philosophy and discusses how these experiences contribute to the podcast's mission of imparting leadership wisdom drawn from real-life superheroes.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States