The World Class Leaders Show: The CEO leadership podcast for leaders who solve big problems and build better futures.

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  __________________________________________ Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ January exposes a quiet truth for many CEOs: your calendar is full, but your leadership space is empty. You’re making high-stakes decisions without a room that keeps you clear, sharp, and truly at altitude. In this episode, I unpack why so many CEOs feel isolated—even when surrounded by teams, advisors, and board members—and why traditional CEO groups, conferences, and masterminds rarely give you the depth and challenge you need. You’ll discover what WCL21 is (and what it’s not): not another mastermind, not a content library, not generic group coaching—but a curated leadership environment for serious CEOs who want strategic clarity, sharper identity, and better decisions under pressure. I walk you through what members get inside WCL21—from monthly CEO roundtables and live “CEO Insights” sessions, to AMAs, private dinners, retreats, company visits, and a rhythm that keeps you thinking and operating at altitude all year. Finally, I explain who WCL21 is for (and who it’s not for), why founding membership is open only once, and the three advantages founding members get: significant pricing, real influence on the platform’s DNA, and priority access to the highest-impact experiences. If you don’t want to lead alone in 2026, this is your invitation to step into a different kind of CEO room.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21   Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies __________________________________________   In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by Nancy Duarte, CEO & Principal at Duarte, Inc. and author of six bestselling books. Known for transforming how leaders communicate, Nancy shares how CEOs can lead in the era of AI by becoming strategic, authentic communicators. She explains how to use AI to drive both efficiency and creativity, why clear messaging is essential during change, and how to build a strong leadership presence that inspires trust. Nancy also reflects on her own leadership journey and the importance of empathy and values in shaping a high-performing culture. Nancy shares how CEOs can lead with confidence in a fast-changing world shaped by AI and rising complexity. She explains why leaders must understand AI at a deep level and use it across the whole business, not just for small tasks. Nancy highlights the growing need for strong communication, showing how leaders can build trust through clear, authentic messages. She also talks about the importance of storytelling, emotional connection, and adapting communication to different teams. Throughout the conversation, she offers real insights and practical tools leaders can use to guide change, reduce resistance, and grow with purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why CEOs must lead AI efforts instead of leaving them to others - How to use AI to improve both productivity and creativity at work. - The role of authentic communication in building trust and clarity. - Ways to prepare for resistance and guide teams through change. - How strong values and culture can support performance and growth. 👉 Check out her Books: https://www.duarte.com/resources/books/ 👉 Check out her Newsletter: https://www.duarte.com/help-contact/newsletter/  Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and Introduction of Nancy Duarte [02:21] - Why AI is a tsunami that CEOs must lead through [04:06] - Using AI for both productivity and creative value [06:38] - How CEOs can build a strong AI-driven business [14:28] - What separates world-class leaders from the rest [16:49] - Preparing for resistance and gaining buy-in through story [21:19] - How to cascade communication across the company [26:42] - Nancy’s shift from founder to visionary CEO [34:45] - Balancing values and performance for long-term success [37:08] - Final advice for CEOs to lead with empathy and clarity Follow Our Guest Nancy Duarte: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyduarte/  - Twitter (X): https://x.com/nancyduarte  - Duarte, Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duarte-design/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a team or driving change, this talk with Nancy Duarte offers powerful lessons on using AI wisely, communicating with impact, and leading with empathy in today’s fast-moving business world.

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21   Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2026 won’t reward the same leadership habits of the past. This year will demand more clarity, more courage, and more self-awareness than any other — especially as AI, complexity, and pressure keep accelerating. In this first episode of the year, I walk you through the seven mindset shifts every CEO must make to lead confidently in 2026: from knowing to learning, from more goals to fewer but better commitments, from leading alone to leading in community, from static strategic plans to strategic adaptability, from authority to authenticity, from managing performance to designing culture, and from chasing growth to building legacy. You’ll be challenged to audit how you’re really leading today, spot where you’re still operating from “old” logic, and redesign your 2026 around clarity of intent, identity, and impact. I’ll also share why this is the year to stop carrying leadership alone and how WCL21 — my new CEO circle — will support you in making these shifts real in your world.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21   Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2025 was the year I sat with some of the sharpest minds in leadership — CEOs who turned around distressed businesses, thinkers who challenged how we work, and operators who rebuilt organizations from the inside out. In this final episode of the year, I’m not recapping episodes. I’m pulling out the 10 deepest leadership lessons that kept showing up — from Amy Edmondson on psychological safety to Gary Hamel on systems, Adam Bryant, Linda Gratton, Jim Keyes, Chris O’Neill, Ole Rosgaard, Brian Melka, Leisha Ward and more — and what their ideas mean for how you lead in 2026. We cover why psychological safety is courage plus accountability, why clarity is the most underrated CEO superpower, why culture is engineered not declared, how discomfort and reinvention drive growth, why time and attention are your real constraints, how AI is making leadership everyone’s job, and why legacy beats performance. If you want a sharp reset for how you lead in 2026, this episode is your roadmap.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the outside, you look like a successful CEO. But inside, you feel the gap: more pressure, fewer real conversations, and almost no space to say what it’s really costing you. This quiet gap between the role everyone sees and the reality you live is where even the best leaders start to drift — not in a big breakdown, but through decision fatigue, overthinking, reactive leadership, and the sense that you should be further ahead by now. In this episode, I explain why even successful CEOs feel stuck, why 2026 will amplify this “CEO gap”, and why the real problem isn’t your capacity but your environment. I’ll also share why I created WCL21 — a high-level, intentionally small circle of CEOs — and how the right space can restore your clarity, confidence, and strategic altitude. If you want to learn more or join as a founding member, go to https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ----------------------------------------------------------------------   In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by David Aaker, Vice Chairman of Prophet. Recognized as the father of modern branding, David is a renowned author of 18 books and over 120 articles, with more than 170,000 citations. He shares his updated thinking from the new edition of his book “Aaker on Branding”, highlighting how branding must evolve in a fast-changing world. David explains the dangers of short-term thinking, the power of building strong brand portfolios, and why branding is key for long-term growth and innovation.   David shares how leaders can bring branding back to the center of business strategy by treating it as a long-term asset, not just a marketing tool. He explains why many organizations fall into the trap of short-term thinking and how this weakens brand value. David introduces his five key principles of modern branding, covering areas like relevance, loyalty, and brand portfolios. He also shows how branding plays a key role in driving innovation, building trust, and standing out in crowded markets. Throughout the conversation, he offers real examples and clear steps leaders can take to build stronger, more meaningful brands. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Why short-term thinking can damage brand value and business growth. 2. The five key areas that make up a strong and modern brand strategy. 3. How branding supports innovation and helps create new markets. 4. Ways to build trust and stand out in a crowded, skeptical market. 5. Why brand and company culture must work together for long-term success.   📘 Read “Aaker on Branding” - Unlock the essential guide to building powerful, strategic brands from David Aaker. 👉 Visit: https://prophet.com/2025/04/aaker-on-branding-second-edition/    Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of David Aaker [02:50] - What is new in the updated edition of Aaker on Branding [04:59] - The five key elements of modern branding [07:44] - Why branding is vital for disruptive innovation [14:49] - How to build trust and capture attention in crowded markets [22:51] - Real examples of brands that stand out and stay consistent [26:46] - How CEOs can treat branding as a long-term asset [30:33] - Branding in B2B and its connection to company culture [33:50] - Should brands take a stand on social or political issues? [38:56] - Final advice for leaders to strengthen brand strategy Follow Our Guest David Aaker: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaaker/   - Prophet: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prophet/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a brand or shaping strategy, this talk with David Aaker offers valuable insights on building strong brands, staying relevant, and driving long-term growth in a fast-changing business world.

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trust is collapsing in institutions and leadership teams, and when your people stop believing you, execution falls apart. In this short solo episode, I unpack why trust is in crisis and what CEOs can do to rebuild it quickly and credibly. I talk about: Why trust is the real currency of leadership and what happens to execution when it erodes How overpromising and underdelivering quietly destroy credibility over time Why silence and lack of transparency during restructurings fuel fear, rumours and attrition How hypocrisy and misaligned actions (rewarding toxic high performers, ignoring values) kill culture Three practical ways to rebuild trust fast: do what you say, communicate uncomfortable truths, and align words, actions and rewards If you’re leading in an environment where promises have been broken or engagement is slipping, this episode will help you treat trust as a strategic asset and rebuild it through integrity, transparency and aligned action.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone  speaks with Alex Adamopoulos, Forbes Business Council Influencer at Forbes Boston Business Council, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Emergn, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in business transformation. Emergn, a global digital business firm that has helped major companies through their transformation journeys. Alex is recognized as a thought leader and contributor to industry discussions, including writing for Forbes. He shares insights on why many transformations fail, the importance of a product-led approach, and how AI can enhance learning and drive human-centered value in organizations. Alex shares how leaders can drive successful transformations by embracing a product-led approach, where teams work together to create value through continuous, incremental delivery. He explains why many transformation efforts fail, often due to disconnected leadership and unclear goals. Alex highlights the importance of building the right capabilities, encouraging experimentation, and using AI to enhance learning. He also discusses how a mindset shift in leadership can help organizations adapt and thrive in today’s fast-evolving business world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why many transformation efforts fail and how to avoid common pitfalls. - How to build a product-led organization through incremental delivery. - The importance of leadership alignment and clear value creation. - How AI can support learning and drive human-centered value. - Why investing in skills and capabilities is key to successful change. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Alex Adamopoulos [02:25] - Why do many transformation efforts fail? [04:15] - The role of silos in organizational transformation [08:08] - The concept of a product-led organization explained [11:52] - Mindset shifts leaders need for a product-led organization [17:35] - Building capabilities and skills for successful change [21:17] - How AI enhances learning and drives value creation? [24:53] - AI's Return on Investment and Practical Application Challenges [30:53] - AI-Driven Learning Platforms for Skill Building [32:08] - Human-Centric Value in AI Adoption [37:27] - Practical tips for leaders to move towards AI-enabled organizations Follow Our Guest Alex Adamopoulos: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aadamopoulos/  - Forbes Boston Business Council: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forbes-boston-business-council/  - Emergn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergn/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading change or looking to grow as a leader, this talk with Alex Adamopoulos offers key insights on driving transformation, leveraging AI, and building strong leadership in today’s fast-growing business world. #Leadership #ProductLed #AI #Transformation #AlexAdamopoulos #Emergn #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CEOs keep telling themselves, “once we get through this quarter, things will stabilise.” The truth is, stability isn’t coming, volatility is the new baseline. In this solo episode, I explain why most leaders still misunderstand resilience and what it really takes to perform consistently when the world refuses to calm down. I talk about: Why betting on a “return to normal” keeps you reactive and exposed Three common misconceptions about resilience: endurance, heroic personal grit, and reacting after the fact How to embed adaptability into your system with cross-training, pre-mortems and regular stress tests Why recovery is a strategic lever, not a luxury and how practices like recharge weeks actually boost performance How to anchor your leadership in purpose so your people stay focused and engaged through uncertainty If you’re a CEO or senior executive still hoping the external environment will stabilise, this episode will help you reframe resilience around adaptability, recovery and purpose, the real foundations of performance in a volatile world.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies __________________________________________   In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone  talks with Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School and top global expert on psychological safety and leadership. Amy is the author of The Fearless Organization and Right Kind of Wrong, and has been ranked #1 by Thinkers50 in 2021 and 2023. She shares why psychological safety is key for learning, teamwork, and innovation, how leaders can handle failure well, and why honesty and trust matter now more than ever in fast-changing times.   Amy shares how leaders can build trust by creating a space where people feel safe to speak up with honesty and ideas. She explains why psychological safety is not about being nice but about learning, being real, and taking smart risks. Amy highlights the need for open talk, shared goals, and dealing with failure in a way that drives learning. She also shares how teams can rebuild trust after setbacks and why clear purpose, honesty, and teamwork are key to lead in today’s fast-changing world.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why psychological safety helps teams speak up and learn. How leaders can build trust through honesty and listening. The difference between smart failures and avoidable mistakes. Ways to handle pressure and lead with courage in tough times. How to rebuild safety and keep teams strong during change.   📘Check out Amy Edmondson's powerful books, The Fearless Organization and Right Kind of Wrong & others, available on her website! Visit: https://amycedmondson.com/books/ Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Amy Edmondson [04:01] - How Amy shifted from engineering to studying people and teams [06:44] - Discovering psychological safety through research on errors [10:56] - Common myths: psychological safety is not about being nice [17:48] - Balancing authenticity with work-relevant honesty [19:22] - How to hold high-quality conversations under pressure [26:05] - Understanding intelligent vs. blameworthy failures [29:19] - How to avoid “failure theatre” and promote real learning [34:26] - Rebuilding psychological safety after it’s been broken [37:50] - Why systems thinking is the next step for leaders [40:49] - Amy’s final challenge for CEOs: double down on purpose Follow Our Guest Amy Edmondson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycedmondson/  Website: https://amycedmondson.com/  Books: https://amycedmondson.com/books/  Harvard Business School: https://www.linkedin.com/school/harvard-business-school/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ   ⭐If you're leading people, facing big challenges, or aiming to grow as a leader, this talk with Amy Edmondson gives clear insights, real stories, and useful tips on building trust, handling failure, and leading with honesty and purpose in today’s fast-changing world.   #Leadership #PsychologicalSafety #Teamwork #SmartFailure #AmyEdmondson #HarvardBusinessSchool #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Delegation is a strength..until it becomes a trap. Many CEOs step back so far they lose sight of strategy, culture, and credibility. In this episode, I’ll share why over-delegation is rising, the hidden risks it creates, and three ways to strike the right balance.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ----------------------------------------------------------------------   In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Kate Lowry, a CEO coach, author, and venture capitalist based in Silicon Valley. Kate is Founder, CEO Coach & Advisor at Scaleheart Co. and Author at Girl Friday Productions. She has extensive experience working with leaders in startups, private equity, and big tech companies like McKinsey & Company, Meta, and Insight Partners. She is the author of the book “Unbreakable” and focuses on coaching underrepresented CEOs. Kate shares her insights on leadership, overcoming fear-driven environments, and how to thrive in challenging workplaces. Kate discusses how CEOs can thrive in fear-based environments by building resilience and embracing vulnerability. She shares how leaders can manage stress, create a positive culture, and lead with clarity. Kate explains the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and understanding the behaviours of fear-driven leaders. Through her own experiences and advice, she highlights how CEOs can protect their teams, use strategic tactics, and navigate challenges to succeed in today's competitive world.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How CEOs can thrive under fear-based leadership by building resilience. The importance of self-awareness and understanding fear-driven behaviours. Why emotional intelligence and vulnerability are key to effective leadership. How to create a positive culture by protecting your team and staying focused. Ways to use strategic tactics and manage stress to succeed in challenging environments.   📘Check out Kate Lowry's powerful book, “Unbreakable” available now on her website! For pre-order, visit: https://a.co/d/hXnaHej    Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Kate Lowry [02:19] - Kate’s background in coaching and working with CEOs [05:49] - The rise of fear-based leadership in today’s workplace [08:33] - Building resilience to thrive under fear-based leadership [11:19] - The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership [16:10] - How to protect your team from toxic leadership styles [24:30] - The role of vulnerability in leadership success [29:29] - Key lessons on resilience and managing stress at work [31:13] - Kate’s advice on staying grounded in tough leadership situations [32:04] - Tactics for managing fear-based leaders effectively [36:17] - Navigating the challenges of working with fear-driven CEOs Follow Our Guest Kate Lowry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry/  Website: https://www.katelowry.com/  Book (Unbreakable): https://www.katelowry.com/book  Scaleheart Co.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scaleheart-co/  Girl Friday Productions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/girl-friday-productions/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ   ⭐If you're leading a team or managing stress, Kate Lowry shares key advice on building resilience, handling fear-based leaders, and creating a positive culture in tough environments. #Leadership #FearBasedLeadership #ResilientLeadership #CEOCoaching #KateLowry #Unbreakable #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’re stepping into a CEO or a new leadership role, your reputation isn’t built over years. It’s built in the first 90 days. In this article, I’ll share why those three months matter, the traps new CEOs fall into, and the moves that set you up for long-term success.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 138,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Adam Bryant, Senior Managing Director and Partner at The ExCo Group, a leadership development and executive mentoring firm. Adam joined The ExCo Group in 2017 after a 30-year career in journalism, including 18 years at The New York Times. He created the weekly "Corner Office" column, interviewing over 1000 CEOs and Leaders. Adam is the author of four books, including his latest, The CEO Test and The Leap to Leader, published by Harvard Business Review. He also serves as an Advising Member at World 50 Group and Senior Adviser to the Reuben Mark Initiative for Organizational Character and Leadership at Columbia University. Adam shares insights on leadership, authenticity, overcoming challenges, and what it takes to be a world-class CEO. Adam shares how CEOs can grow by embracing leadership challenges, staying curious, and leading with authenticity. He explains how leaders should simplify complexity, foster trust, and be transparent about their values. Adam emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and balancing paradoxes in leadership. Through stories and advice, he highlights how resilience, clarity, and teamwork help leaders navigate change and achieve success. He also discusses how CEOs can use data and make quick decisions to drive performance in today's evolving business environment. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How embracing leadership challenges helps CEOs grow. The importance of leading with authenticity and transparency. Why simplifying complexity and balancing paradoxes is key to success. How to build trust and empower teams through clear communication and values. Ways to use resilience, self-awareness, and teamwork to navigate change. 📘Check out Adam Bryant's two insightful books, “The CEO Test” and “The Leap to Leader”, available now on Amazon! 1) The CEO Test: https://a.co/d/eBXJ69l 2) The Leap to Leader: https://a.co/d/hTNsU65 Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Adam Bryant [03:22] - How Adam’s career in journalism shaped his leadership insights [05:32] - The importance of curiosity and embracing leadership challenges [11:54] - Leading with authenticity and transparency [13:24] - Balancing paradoxes in leadership and decision-making [15:43] - How to stay true to your values while navigating change [21:47] - The AAA feedback loop: Awareness, Acceptance, and Action [23:56] - What drives CEOs to take on the hardest leadership jobs [26:16] - Adversity, ambition, and the four sources of leadership drive [30:42] - Red flags that lead CEOs toward failure or isolation [32:59] - Building trust and empowering teams for success [38:29] - Adam’s advice on developing self-awareness as a leader [41:46] - Leading with resilience and handling tough moments Follow Our Guest Adam Bryant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambryantleadership/  The ExCo Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excoleadership/   World 50 Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world50/  Columbia University: https://www.linkedin.com/school/columbia-university/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a team, navigating change, or shaping your leadership style, this conversation with Adam Bryant offers practical insights, powerful stories, and key lessons on leading with authenticity, transparency, and resilience in today’s ever-evolving business world. #Leadership #AuthenticLeadership #GrowthMindset #ResilientLeaders #AdamBryant #ExCoGroup #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- On paper, you’ve got A-players. The dream team. But under pressure, even the best teams crack. In this episode, I’ll explain why high-performing teams break, the warning signs to watch for, and three ways to keep them performing when it matters most. - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 135,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ----------------------------------------------------------------------   In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Brian E. Melka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehlko. With over 25 years of experience in leading industrial companies, Brian shares how his humble beginnings in a small Iowa town shaped his leadership style. He talks about driving cultural change at Rehlko, leading with accountability and resilience, and leveraging innovation and AI to enhance energy resilience. Brian provides valuable insights on overcoming challenges and building high-performing teams in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Brian shares how CEOs can grow by embracing challenges, staying curious, and leading with accountability. He explains how leaders should foster trust, create a clear vision, and empower teams to experiment, fail, and learn. Through personal stories and advice, Brian emphasizes how culture, resilience, and strong values guide teams through change. He also highlights how using data, quick decision-making, and teamwork can drive success in today’s fast-paced business world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why embracing challenges helps CEOs grow and improve. How to create a culture of accountability that drives success. Why trust, resilience, and clear vision matter in tough times. Ways to lead through change using data, quick decisions, and teamwork. How to support teams by making learning from failure safe and encouraged. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Brian E. Melka [03:20] - How growing up in a small town shaped Brian's leadership style [08:08] - The importance of embracing challenges for career growth [12:48] - Making tough decisions and leading through uncertainty [15:10] - Building a people-first culture at Rehlko [16:34] - Leading through change with data and quick decision-making [20:10] - How to engage people and lead culture change effectively [24:35] - Being intentional as a CEO and the rule of thirds in change [31:20] - Brian’s CEO journey and tips for managing time [33:36] - The role of resilience and accountability in leadership [39:10] - Advice to aspiring CEOs: run toward hard problems Follow Our Guest Brian E. Melka: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmelka/  RehIko: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rehlko/  RehIko (Website): https://www.rehlko.com/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a team, managing change, or building a strong culture, this talk with Brian E. Melka shares practical stories, useful tools, and key lessons on leading with accountability, resilience, and purpose in today’s fast-paced world. #Leadership #PeopleFirst #GrowthMindset #ResilientTeams #BrianE.Melka #Rehlko #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s the secret nobody admits: being a CEO is lonely. The higher you go, the fewer safe spaces you have to think, to share doubts, to ask for help. In this episode, I’ll reveal the hidden price of CEO loneliness, why it’s rising these days, and three ways to build support without losing authority.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 132,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO of Greif, as he brings 25+ years of global leadership across public, private, and PE firms. A former military officer and Harvard Business School alumni, he shares how living in five countries shaped his “people-first” style. Ole gives insights into building resilient teams, scaling Greif’s success through culture, innovation, and AI, and leading with purpose in a fast-changing world. Ole shares how CEOs can grow by being uncomfortable, staying curious, and putting people first. He explains how leaders should build trust, lead with purpose, and create a safe space for teams to try, fail, and learn. With clear stories and advice, Ole shows how culture, resilience, and clear values help leaders guide their people through change. He also shares how using data, instincts, and teamwork can drive smart decisions and lasting success in today’s fast-moving world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why being uncomfortable helps leaders grow and get better. How to build a people-first culture that drives strong results. Why trust, values, and clear thinking matter in tough times. Ways to lead big changes using data, instincts, and courage. How to support teams by making risk-taking and learning safe. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Ole Rosgaard [03:07] - How working across 5 continents shaped his leadership [04:12] - From Denmark to the UK: Ole’s start in business [07:13] - Why discomfort is key to personal and career growth [13:09] - Taking risks and trusting instincts as a CEO [15:56] - What Greif does and its impact on daily life [21:26] - Why Harvard made Greif a business case study [27:43] - Ole’s CEO transition and time management tips [33:18] - Leading as an introvert and embracing discomfort [39:07] - Handling uncertainty and turning stress into energy [40:42] - Where to follow Ole and learn more about his work Follow Our Guest Ole Rosgaard: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orosgaard/  Greif: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greif/  Greif (Website): https://www.greif.com/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a team, driving change, or building a strong work culture, this talk with Ole Rosgaard shares real stories, simple tools, and smart lessons to lead with courage, clarity, and heart in today’s fast-changing world. #Leadership #PeopleFirst #GrowthMindset #ResilientTeams #OleRosgaard #Greif #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Most CEOs obsess over strategy design — the off-site, the big slide deck, the bold direction. But the truth is, strategy rarely fails in design. It fails in execution. In this episode, I’ll explain why execution is the graveyard of strategy, the mistakes that derail it, and the three practices that separate companies who execute brilliantly from those who don’t.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 128,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies __________________________________________ In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Chris O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of GrowthLoop. Chris is a board director at Gap Inc. and an advisor to several AI companies. He is also the founder of Bobcaygeon Capital LLC & has over 25 years of leadership experience at companies like Google, and believes in using AI and data to drive business growth. Chris shares lessons on leadership, change, and innovation, and how CEOs can lead with clarity and confidence during this fast AI transformation. Chris shares how CEOs can lead better in the AI era by staying curious, embracing change, and thinking big. He explains how leaders should focus on solving real problems, building strong teams, and using AI to move faster. With clear advice and real stories, Chris shows how a learning mindset, open thinking, and smart risk-taking can help leaders grow, adapt, and lead with purpose in fast-changing times. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why AI is changing how leaders think and act in today’s fast world. How to build strong teams that grow with speed and purpose. Why mindset and curiosity matter more than tech skills in AI. Ways CEOs can lead change without knowing all the answers. How to test new ideas fast and build better habits at work. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of Chris O’Neill [03:32] - What GrowthLoop does and how AI powers it   [06:12] - Why Chris still believes in the Bay Area for innovation   [09:09] - How AI changes product fit and team roles   [13:06] - Why mindset shift is key to working with AI   [16:51] - How non-tech CEOs can lead in the AI era   [22:00] - Facing fear and helping teams embrace change   [29:50] - What skills and habits leaders now need to grow   [34:34] - Smart risk-taking and testing with AI tools   [39:52] - Building a fast culture without losing direction   [44:13] - Where to follow and learn more from Chris O’Neill Follow Our Guest Chris O’Neill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croneill/  GrowthLoop: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growthloop-co/  Gap Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gap-inc-/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading in fast-changing times, exploring AI, or rethinking how to grow your team, this talk with Chris O’Neill shares clear ideas, smart tools, and real lessons to lead with speed, focus, and confidence. #Leadership #AITransformation #CEOMindset #TeamGrowth #ChrisO’Neill #GrowthLoop #WorldClassLeadersShow