Redefiners

Leaders have to make tough decisions and overcome adversity, often navigating through uncertainty and challenges along their leadership journeys. In this final episode of 2024, we’ll take a look back at the conversations we’ve had with the incredible leaders who joined us on Redefiners this past season to share their leadership stories and insights.   Hoda and Simon dig into the Season 4 archives to highlight how guests have led, and in some cases redefined, their organizations in an unprecedented year of change. Topics include AI and tech transformation, CEO transitions, geopolitical uncertainty and national elections, boards, climate change and sustainability, and more. And continuing our end of year holiday tradition, Hoda and Simon put themselves in our guests’ shoes to answer some fun end of year rapid fire questions.  Redefiners will return with more conversations with global leaders in January 2025, so be sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode!   In the meantime, you can listen to and watch all Redefiners episodes at https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/redefiners or wherever you get your podcasts.  Happy holidays! 

Change is something all leaders deal with at various points in their careers. Whether it’s technological change, organizational change, or perhaps even changing careers or industries. Our guest today has managed through all of that change and more.  In today’s episode, Clarke and Hoda talk with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet and Google. Ruth shares her story of career change, transitioning from her long-time role as CFO at both Morgan Stanley and Google to leading investments and philanthropic efforts at Google. Through it all, she talks about how she’s led through both business and personal change and uncertainty – including the financial meltdown in 2007-2008 when she was with Morgan Stanley, the fast-paced change that comes with technology transformation at Google, as well as her own personal battle with cancer. She’ll also talk about the promise of AI, especially in science, healthcare, education, climate, and other key areas.   We'll also hear from Robert Voth, a Managing Director in our Chicago office, who will discuss the critical challenge of CEO succession facing banking leadership today.   Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How to lead through uncertainty and change What steps leaders can take to ensure they’re preparing their organizations and people for the changes AI will bring What skills organizations should look for when it comes to finding technology and AI-enabled leaders How to consider future-looking investment swings when there’s no guarantee they’ll pay off  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Science Fiction to Science Fact: A Conversation with Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson Reimagining Patient Care: A Conversation with Healthcare Innovator Ashley McEvoy Trust Your Gut: AXA’s Thomas Buberl Talks Transformation and Reinvention Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top 

We share how leaders can master the art of giving and receiving regular, effective feedback—and the benefits when they get it right.  As the end of the year draws closer, you’re likely reflecting on your team’s performance—and how to give feedback that helps your leaders develop and improve. But, these types of conversations aren’t always easy to navigate.   So, what skills are important to hone when giving feedback? And what are some of the common pitfalls you may encounter when having these honest conversations?    But it’s not just about giving feedback. It’s also important that you’re getting the feedback you need to develop. So, how can you encourage honest, upward feedback? And what benefits will you see when you act on it? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Dee Fitzgerald, David Lange, and Silvia Lago—who share their perspectives on:    How to give actionable upward feedback What to do when someone disagrees with you during a feedback session The skills required to receive feedback effectively  How leaders can create a feedback-rich culture.   “If the direct report feels like there's an environment of psychological safety…upward feedback actually becomes something that a direct report will offer regularly and proactively to their leaders.”  David Lange, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.   Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.    Four things you’ll learn from this episode   Effective feedback focuses on specific behaviors, not personality. Frame feedback constructively to enable growth and development, avoiding subjective or contradictory comments. Creating a culture of psychological safety is essential for encouraging honest, upward feedback, which requires leaders to actively solicit input at all levels. It’s important to hone key skills, including actively listening to feedback, asking clarifying questions, and approaching it as a collaborative dialogue, rather than defensively. Integrating feedback into regular interactions, rather than relying on annual reviews, and seeking diverse perspectives through mentors or team debriefs, helps leaders continuously grow and innovate.  In this 17 minute episode, we will cover:   (1:32) How leaders can frame their feedback to ensure it’s delivered effectively.  (3:09) Why it’s critical feedback is a two-way conversation.  (5:06) What’s at the root of all effective upward feedback.   (7:18) The two key ways CEOs can generate constructive, unfiltered feedback.  (9:53) Why nothing should come as a surprise at an end-of-year review.    (10:33) Why active listening is such an important trait for leaders receiving feedback.  A closer look at the research from this episode:   Walk the Talk: Inclusive Leadership Development Moves the Needle On DE&I | Russell Reynolds Associates  Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.   

It’s never been more important to get your personal leadership brand right as a leader. But, it isn’t easy to concisely articulate what you want to be known for and what your unique value proposition is.   So, what is a personal leadership brand and how can you begin crafting it? How can you activate your leadership brand in the market? And, what are some of the common mistakes leaders make when cultivating their personal leadership brand?   In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Jenna Fisher, Rafael Martinez Gallardo, Shoon Lim, and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Executive Producer of Redefiners Amy Scissons—who share their perspectives on:    The three key elements that make up a strong personal leadership brand. How leaders can effectively activate their brand in the market. The benefits when leaders get it right—for themselves and their organization.  The advice they have for emerging leaders who are starting to craft their brand.   “I think earlier in one's career, there’s a tendency to want to be well-rounded and to try to hone things that perhaps you're not as naturally good with, and that's great. But I also think what's really important is to do the self-reflection, to figure out what is it that I am uniquely good at? What can I opine on to others? What can I be an expert at?”  Jenna Fisher, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.    Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.       Four things you’ll learn from this episode   Your leadership brand exists whether you shape it or not. Take control of your narrative by clearly defining your values, passions, and the legacy you wish to leave behind.  Authenticity is key to a powerful leadership brand. Align your public persona with your true self to build trust and credibility. Don’t try to imitate anyone else. Don't just broadcast; interact. Your brand thrives on meaningful engagement with your community. Curate, create, and contribute to discussions to establish a dynamic presence.  Your brand is a journey, not a destination. Continuously refine it through self-reflection, feedback, and intentional content creation. Remember, depth and consistency over time yield a robust presence.  In this 16-minute episode, we will cover:   (3.00) How a well-crafted personal leadership brand can differentiate you in a crowded marketplace.  (3.47) The importance of clarity, congruence, and consistency when building your brand.  (7.51) How much of what a leader shares should be personal.  (8.12) How to identify what topics you should speak on.  (11.17) One common mistake leaders make when creating their personal leadership brand.  (14.04) Why there are no quick fixes to establishing your brand.   A closer look at the research from this episode:   Global Leadership Monitor 2022, Russell Reynolds Associates  The New Leadership Portrait, Russell Reynolds Associates   Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.  

Not many CEOs would roll up their sleeves and ride on the back of a waste truck at 2am once a week for seven years. But for today’s guest, it was the best way to get to know his employees and learn first-hand what impacts their productivity in the field.  In this episode, Waste Management President and CEO Jim Fish joins Simon and guest host Emma Combe – host of Redefiners’ sister podcast, Leadership Lounge – to dig into what it takes to run a $20 billion company working on the frontlines of sustainability. Jim shares his insights into the importance of putting people first and creating sustainable value through all phases of the waste cycle – from recycling and composting to producing renewable natural gas as a byproduct from landfills to running his waste fleet on natural gas. He also talks about his views on CEOs weighing in on social topics and the delicate balance leaders need to strike between having a personal opinion and the broader responsibility to shareholders.   We'll also hear from Justus O’ Brien, a Managing Director in our Stamford office, who will outline what it takes to transition from the CFO role to the top seat.   Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How to get your team on board with sustainability initiatives How to adapt your business to changing market conditions  What it takes to create a people-first organization What is the CEO’s role when it comes to social issues How to balance and prioritize the many responsibilities and stakeholders a CEO has to manage  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Putting Sustainability Talk into Action with former Enel CEO Francesco Starace Leadership Lounge: Advice on when—and how—to weigh in on social issues Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano 

Leaders today are operating in a business landscape with new issues, expectations, and pressures to contend with. This new world demands a new breed of leader.So, how can you become a future-ready leader? What key skills will help you stand out and succeed in a fast-changing world? How can hiring managers identify whether leaders are ready for the role today—and are able to continue to develop and succeed in the role long-term?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Erin Zolna, Tobias Bothe-Hutschenreuter, and Dana Landis—who share their perspectives on:  The four foundational skills that are important for leaders to succeed today.How leaders can boost their staying power in the role through self-awareness and making time for reflection.Why continuous development is critical—no matter how senior a leader is. The knock-on impact for diversity when hiring managers hire for potential and experience.Four things you’ll learn from this episode When hiring your next leader, look at their readiness for the role today, but also their capacity to grow and evolve for when the operating environments inevitably shift. Curiosity, resilience, systems thinking, and social intelligence are key skills that you will want to ramp up to succeed in the long term.The higher up you go in an organization, the less likely you are to think about yourself as someone who is growing and developing. But it’s important you continue to look for learning opportunities. Having a purpose and knowing your values as a leader is critical to not only your longevity, but the legacy you leave at an organization. A closer look at the research from this episode: The Future of LeadershipSeason 4 - Ep. 10 | Driving Transformation with Volvo Cars President and CEO Jim Rowan | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds AssociatesGlobal Leadership Monitor CEO Turnover Index Power, Influence, and CEO Succession (hbr.org) 

What does it take to transform a small regional traditional energy provider into a global renewable energy powerhouse? In today’s episode, Hoda and Simon are joined by the Chair of the Governance Board for Sustainable Energy for All and former Enel CEO Francesco Starace, who led the transformation of Enel from its start in electric generation in Italy to become a world leader in all renewable technologies, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal, operating in 30 markets. Francesco shares his insights into how he scaled the business, while keeping everyone’s focus on their north star of purpose and vision. He also talks about how Enel used a three-year-out timeline to make key decisions on strategic investments and how he uses technology and digital transformation to better serve customers. We'll also hear from Rich Fields, a Managing Director in our Boston office, who will outline how boards can leverage the transformational impact of AI while being mindful of the significant risks. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn Leadership Lounge: What do top-performing teams have in common? Transforming the Energy Sector with Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli Doing Well by Doing Good: Feike Sijbesma, CEO Emeritus of Royal DSM, on the Power of Bold Change Feeding the World and Protecting the Planet with Yara International CEO Svein Tore Holsether 

In the last year, AI has moved from a boardroom buzzword to a business imperative. But, while some leaders have sprinted ahead in their AI adoption, others remain at the starting line. So, what skills are important to help you unleash the potential of AI? Why is AI a leadership issue? And how do you overcome barriers that might be preventing you from acting?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Tuck Rickards, Dana Landis, and Dan Cullen—who share their perspectives on:Why everyone in the organization must own AI—not just the tech department.The key reason why most tech transformations fail.The benefits and risks that AI poses for leaders.A closer look at the research from this episode:Global Leadership Monitor Leadership Labs | Russell Reynolds Associates

Being a first-time CEO can be a daunting transition filled with risk and opportunity, something that TCW Group President and CEO Katie Koch has experienced firsthand. In today’s episode, Clarke and Hoda talk with Katie about her career journey in the financial industry, from her early years as an intern at Goldman Sachs to becoming a first-time CEO at TCW. She shares what it takes to be a good leader and the skills needed to make tough decisions and take people where they may not want to go, including empathy, asking questions and listening, discipline of process, and the importance of having a great coach. She also shares her thoughts on how to navigate volatile global markets and the inherent friction of AI and business transformation.  We'll also hear from Sean Dineen, a Managing Director in our Boston office, who will outline what it takes to succeed in the first few days and months as a new CEO.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO In the Fast Lane: A Conversation with FIA CEO Natalie Robyn Planting Long-Term Investment Seeds with Markel Group CEO Tom Gayner Opening Hearts and Minds on Late Night News with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle 

No one is immune from burnout. Not even accomplished leaders. In fact, we often find that it’s thehighest performing, most passionate leaders who are most at risk from burnout.So, what can you do to address this growing problem? What are the warning signs of burnout? And,when a leader reaches burnout, what are the consequences for the individual and the organization?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Nic Cutts, GuylaineDavid, and Henryk Krajewski—who share their perspectives on:How leaders can spot the warning signs of burnout in themselves—and their teams.Why it’s important leaders reframe their attitudes toward burnout.How leaders can avoid creating a burnout culture in their organization.How toxic positivity can lead to burnout.A closer look at the research from this episode:World Health Organization, Burnout: An Occupational PhenomenonRussell Reynolds Associates, Redefiners Podcast, Season 2 - Ep. 18 | From Burnout to Performance: Creating a Culture of Resiliency (Re-Release) with Annastiina Hintsa, CEO, Hintsa PerformanceRussell Reynolds Associates, Executive Assessment & BenchmarkingRussell Reynolds Associates, The New Wellness at Work: Improving Culture via Employee WellbeingAXA UK and Centre of Economic and Business Research, The true cost of running on empty: work-related stress costing UK economy £28bn a yearThe Mindful Business CharterBBC News Lloyds boss: Mental health issues can break livesBBC News Jacinda Ardern to quit: ‘I no longer have enough in the tank’The Negative Impact Of Toxic Positivity In The Workplace (forbes.com)Why Six Hours Of Sleep Is As Bad As None At All - Fast Company

When it comes to technology and transformation, the automotive industry is at the forefront of change. Government regulations, changing consumer demands, new technology and climate change have forced auto manufacturers to evolve their approach.  In today’s episode of Redefiners, Clarke and Hoda talk with Jim Rowan, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, about his career “shift” from consumer electronics to the automotive industry. Jim talks about Volvo’s ambitious goal of going fully electric by 2030, the intersection of design, collaboration and innovation, leading through disruption, and the power of curiosity and hard work to accelerate learning and solve big problems.   We'll also hear from Tristan Jervis, a Managing Director in our London office, who will outline what it takes to cultivate a tech-first culture—and how it can boost your organization’s resilience to face what’s next.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: The Necessity of Change with President and CEO of Wells Fargo Charlie Scharf In the Fast Lane: A Conversation with FIA CEO Natalie Robyn Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO Leadership Reimagined: Transformation Tips from Jim Hagemann Snabe   

How well a leadership team performs can make or break an organization. But, given that market conditions are in constant flux, and C-suites are shouldering more responsibility than ever before, getting the balance right in your top team is far from easy.So, what are some of the key characteristics of a high-performing leadership team? How do successful teams foster a culture of collaboration and trust? And, how do you go about having uncomfortable conversations with your team?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Emmy Melville, Nicholas Anderson, and Miriam Capelli—who share how CEOs can elevate their team’s performance and drive the organization forward. Tune in to discover the importance of productive tension in your C-suite, how psychometric data can aid challenging conversations, and why T-shaped leaders are considered key to the success of an executive leadership team.A closer look at the research from this episode:Bain & Company, At the Top, It’s All about TeamworkForbes, Phil Jackson Brings NY Knicks ’Mindful ManagementRussell Reynolds Associates, CEO Turnover IndexRussell Reynolds Associates, Indispensable Tensions: Leadership Span and the Science of C-suite Success

When it comes to disruption, transformation, and change, perhaps no industry has experienced this more over the past decade than the financial services industry. From online and mobile banking, to FinTechs, to data analytics and AI, to changing regulations, leaders of banking and financial service institutions have had to navigate through a tremendous amount of change.   On this episode of Redefiners, President and CEO of Wells Fargo, Charlie Scharf, sits down with Clarke and Hoda to peel back the covers on how he’s managed through so much change over his more than 25-year career in financial services. Charlie talks about his leadership journey, from his early years working with banking legends Jamie Dimon, Sandy Weill, and Bob Lipp, to his first actions to restore trust and confidence as a new CEO at Wells Fargo during a tumultuous time for the company. He’ll share his insights on how he manages culture to balance the risk of change while protecting what’s working in the business, how he views FinTech companies, gaining new perspectives from board roles, and how technology and AI have transformed the financial services industry and where it’s going next.  We'll also hear from Tuck Rickards, a Managing Director in our San Francisco office, who will outline the barriers leaders face when implementing AI—and how to bridge them.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Leadership Lounge – Why even top leaders need a mentor Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano Front Row Seat to the Digital Revolution with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith – Part 1 and Part 2 Private Investment Guru David Rubenstein Goes Public on How to Be a Successful Leader & Investor bbqyXbaVNvQwQ1FtsZbU

When Tony Capuano took over as President and CEO at Marriott, the company was wrestling with the most significant challenge it’s ever faced as travel essentially shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further complicating matters, Marriott’s beloved, iconic CEO, Arne Sorenson, had recently passed away and many in the company were dealing with the loss of their visionary leader, mentor, and friend.   On this episode of Redefiners, Tony talks with Clarke and Hoda about leadership lessons he’s gleaned from almost 30 years at Marriott, including his top advice for leaders transitioning into the CEO role. He’ll also dig into Marriott’s Bonvoy customer loyalty program, sustainability at scale in the hospitality industry, and how technology and AI can help deliver high touch personal service.   We'll also hear from Ty Wiggins, an Executive Director in our London office and author of RRA’s latest book, The New CEO: Lessons from CEOs on How to Start Well and Perform Quickly (Minus the Common Mistakes). Ty discusses why transitioning into the CEO role is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—moves of an executive’s career, and how new leaders can get off to a strong start.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Leadership Lounge – How to nail your first year as CEO The Business of Football with Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff Planting Long-Term Investment Seeds with Markel Group CEO Tom Gayner Reimagining Patient Care: A Conversation with Healthcare Innovator Ashley McEvoy Sunscreen and Success: Supergoop!'s Winning Formula with CEO Amanda Baldwin 

Why are there so few women in the CEO seat? We know that diverse C-Suites are more resilient, innovative, and drive better financial performance. But in 2023, women accounted for only 12% of CEO appointments globally. Based on the current rate of progress, public companies are 81 years from gender parity in CEO appointments. Change needs to happen—and fast. So, how do you best develop high-potential women leaders? What does an optimal CEO succession plan within an organization need to look like to support the movement of women into the top seat? And, what can you do to retain women CEOs? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted leadership advisors—Margot McShane, Hetty Pye, and Shannon Knott—who share their perspectives on how to help close the gender gap. We also discuss RRA Artemis, our brand-new CEO accelerator program aimed at expediting more women to the top of organizations.  Tune in to discover the importance of switching your succession planning from an opt-out to an opt-in approach, why assessing for potential rather than experience is critical when identifying future CEOs, and why organizations need to rethink the traditional route to the top seat. 

Unprecedented may be an overused word these days, but it certainly applies to the record number of national elections happening around the world in 2024. With more than 70 national elections and almost half the world’s population voting on their country’s leader, the results of this year’s elections could impact countries, business leaders, and perhaps the world for years to come.  In today’s Redefiners episode, José Manuel Barroso – chair of Goldman Sachs’ International Advisors, former President of the European Commission, and former Prime Minister of Portugal – sits down with Simon and Hoda to try to make sense of these global elections and much more. José Manuel talks about his journey from academia to politics, and the multitude of insights he’s gained during his various leadership roles over the years. He digs into what’s at stake with the elections and the growing risk of misinformation/disinformation in the democratic process. And he shares his perspectives on globalization, the critical role of democracy around the world, the green energy transition, and the future of the European Union.   We’ll also hear from Tom Handcock, the global lead of our Center for Leadership Insight team, based in London. Tom will highlight key findings from our latest Global Leadership Monitor—which tracks the top external business threats facing organizations and leaders’ preparedness to face them.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David Miliband Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems Front Row Seat to the Digital Revolution with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith – Part 1 and Part 2 

On today’s Redefiners episode, Simon and Hoda sit down with David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). David oversees the agency’s humanitarian relief operations in more than 50 war-affected countries and its refugee resettlement and assistance programs in 28 United States cities.   David shares the journey of how the IRC was founded by Albert Einstein and has since grown to help 33 million people in countries affected by crisis in 2023 alone. He talks about how the IRC prioritizes its limited resources to help those in need and how he manages through the complexities of not only providing aid to clients living in war-torn areas, but also of working with a host of partners often with competing agendas. He also digs into the importance of trust and what leaders can do to build or rebuild trust with their organizations, partners, and clients/customers.  We’ll also hear from Dee Symons, a Managing Director in our London office, who will highlight why trust is such a critical component of an effective team, and how leaders can best foster a culture of trust.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Leadership Lounge | Advice on when—and how—to weigh in on social issues  Doing Well by Doing Good: Feike Sijbesma, CEO Emeritus of Royal DSM, on the Power of Bold Change Thriving Through Adversity: How WTO’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Solving Global Problems 

It’s not easy being a CEO. In fact, it’s the most challenging role in business. The scope, gravity, responsibility, accountability, and exposure of the position are unparalleled. Despite its complexity, it's also often hailed as the most rewarding and life-affirming move of an executive’s career. It’s a time when you can truly execute your vision and put to use everything you’ve learned up until now.But, to set yourself up for success, how do you approach your first few days and months in the role? What are the common surprises new CEOs experience? Why is it so important to get your CEO transition right, and what are the risks if you don’t? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we put these questions and more to Ty Wiggins, leadership advisor and author of our latest book, The New CEO: How to Start Well and Perform Quickly (Minus the Common Mistakes), and two other RRA leadership advisors, Laura Sanderson and Justus O’ Brien, who partnered with Ty on the book. Here, our guests share lessons that will help any executive get off to a strong start as a new leader.Tune in to discover why it’s so important to act fast when assessing and building your team, how you can avoid loneliness taking root as a new CEO, and why aiming for perfection isn’t sustainable.

On today’s Redefiners episode, we talk with Natalie Robyn, the first ever CEO of the International Automobile Federation (or the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile or our French listeners). The FIA is the governing body for world motor sport, including Formula One, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and some of the world’s most exciting motorsports races on and off the track. Natalie shares her leadership story, shifting from auto production at Volvo, Nissan, and DaimlerChrysler, to auto racing. She talks about how she and the FIA team manage the challenges and complexity involved in managing 24 races in 21 countries on five continents, working with a variety of stakeholders, local politics and regulations to make it all happen successfully and safely.   Natalie talks about how the FIA parses through the more than three terabytes of data per Formula One car per race weekend to share data between competitions, which helps foster innovation and safety. All that data also helps inform sustainability as well, as Natalie outlines how the FIA plans to achieve their commitment to net zero emissions by 2030.   We’ll also hear from Dee Fitzgerald, a Managing Director in our Sydney office, who highlights how important it is for CEOs to have the right top team around them, and the five actions CEOs can take to maximize C-suite performance.  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: The Business of Football with Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff Outwork the Competition: Jordan Brand’s Winning Strategy with President Sarah Mensah Transforming the Energy Sector with Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli 

Today’s CEOs are not just trusted to deliver on profits and lead their organizations forward. They’re also tasked with driving broader societal change.For the past few years, Edelman’s Trust Barometer has consistently found that business leaders are the most trusted group in society, ahead of the media and government. But with great power comes great responsibility. Society has now come to expect leaders to take a public position on an increasing number of complex issues—from climate catastrophes and geopolitical flare-ups, to changes in legislation and social justice movements like Black Lives Matter.But, taking a stand can carry huge risks. When is the right time to raise your head above the parapet? How can you best prepare and position your response to ensure your personal and professional reputation remains intact? What would we advise CEOs to say—and not say?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we put these questions and more to four of our esteemed leadership advisors: Ty Wiggins, Kimberly Archer, Richard Davis, and Laura Mantoura. Here, our guests shed some light on how leaders can navigate this minefield and find a path forward that’s right for them—and their organization.