Today's board directors operate in a complex business landscape, balancing strategic guidance, technological innovation, and heightened governance expectations. They must provide critical leadership while navigating rapid change and increasing stakeholder scrutiny.  So, as an executive, do you have what it takes to thrive in a board role? And how can you maximize your impact once you're there?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Maggie Benkert, Edward Mason, and Rusty O'Kelley—who share their perspectives on: How to evaluate whether a board opportunity is the right fit What board chairs are looking for in new directors The behaviors that set exceptional board directors apart How to build effective relationships with fellow board members  "I advise clients and candidates to be really selective about taking a board role. You want to find an opportunity where you can add considerable value, but it's also developmental or stretching for you, and helps support you in your career."  Ed Mason, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.  Four things you'll learn from this episode:Be strategic and selective when pursuing board opportunities. Ensures it aligns with your career goals, skills, and values. Board selection committees value ‘T-shaped’ leaders who bring both breadth across strategic decision-making and depth in specialized focus areas. The most effective board directors demonstrate five key behaviors: sound judgment, constructive engagement, integrity, asking the right questions, and bringing independent perspectives. Don’t underestimate the importance of building strong connections with fellow board members. Small gestures can make a big difference.   In this episode, we will cover: What questions executives should ask themselves before pursuing board opportunities. Three key things boards look for when appointing new directors. The importance of speaking the language of governance rather than management during board interviews. Practical strategies for building relationships with fellow board members. How to maximize your contribution and stay effective throughout your board tenure.  A closer look at the research from this episode: 2025 Board Culture and Director Behavior Study, Russell Reynolds Associates

The global pet industry is expected to grow from $320 billion today to nearly $500 billion by 2030, as more pet parents treat their pets like their own children, often sparing no expense on their pets’ nutrition, health, and wellness.   As we celebrate International Women’s Day, today’s episode features a conversation with Simon, Hoda and Lyssa McGowan, CEO of Pets at Home, the UK’s leading pet care business. Lyssa will “shed” some light on how she’s “grooming” Pets at Home for growth by creating an omnichannel pet care platform in the UK. She talks about how she balances keeping what works in a purpose-driven organization while adding new capacity in data and technology. She’ll also share her insights on how and when she uses customer feedback to develop new products and services.  We'll also hear from Hetty Pye, leadership advisor and co-founder of RRA Artemis, a movement designed to accelerate the development of women from the world’s most influential organizations into the CEO seat. Hetty will discuss our latest research on the media’s representation of women CEOs.   Four things you’ll learn from this episode: What are the key barriers getting in the way of more women becoming CEOs and how to get past them How to lead through rapid scaling and a subsequent slowdown  How a unified customer platform, data, and AI create consistent customer experience at scale  What role customer feedback plays in shaping product and service innovations  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat Leadership Lounge: How to develop your personal leadership brand Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch Leadership Lounge: Why are there so few women in the CEO seat? Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO Outwork the Competition: Jordan Brand’s Winning Strategy with President Sarah Mensah 

The world needs more metals, minerals, and natural resources to fuel the global economy, power the energy transition, and feed a growing population. As the CEO of the world’s largest mining company, BHP’s Mike Henry is redefining his business in a competitive industry which is projected to grow to $2.8 trillion by 2028.  In today’s episode, Clarke digs into Mike’s leadership lessons and insights, including his career journey, his CEO transition in the midst of two major crises, and the advantages of being a global citizen living and working in multiple countries. Mike shares how he balances growth alongside risk, safety, and respecting communities in the company’s mining efforts. He also talks about the BHP Operating System, which serves as the foundation for how BHP’s 90,000 employees continuously improve and make decisions in the face of uncertainty on a day-to-day basis.   Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How BHP is decarbonizing and becoming more sustainable while meeting growing global demand How an Operating System can help ground company culture and drive continuous improvement across the organization How to balance growth with risk, safety, and working with local governments and communities How technology and an internal venture capital arm can power a culture innovation  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis AI or Die: A Conversation with Coveo Chairman and CEO Louis Têtu Leadership Lounge: How to develop your personal leadership brand Waste In, Shareholder Value Out: A Conversation with WM President and CEO Jim Fish Putting Sustainability Talk into Action with former Enel CEO Francesco Starace Leadership Lounge: What do top-performing teams have in common? How the Barely Possible Can Overcome the Barely Solvable with First Mode’s Chris Voorhees 

We explore how family enterprise leaders can strike the right balance between preserving their organization's legacy and adapting to an evolving business landscape.  How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world?  Family enterprises are the backbone of economies worldwide, but their leaders face an increasingly critical challenge: how to preserve their organizations' legacies in a fast-changing world.  What makes some family enterprises thrive across generations while others struggle to adapt? How can leaders maintain what made their organization successful while meeting the demands of a new business landscape? And what skills will the next generation of family enterprise leaders need to navigate an increasingly complex future?  In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Justus O'Brien, Anupama Puranik, Diego Esteban, and Peter Gramkov—who share their perspectives on: How successful family enterprises maintain their core values while adapting to market changes Why engaging the next generation is critical for innovation and growth How to navigate tension during periods of transformation What skills future family enterprise leaders will need to thrive  "One key skill that leaders need is emotional intelligence. You need to understand what is going on in the family. You need to understand the values. But it's super important not only to understand potentially one generation, but several generations.” Peter Gramkov, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.  Four things you'll learn from this episode  Values and traditions are the heart of every family enterprise. Next-generation leaders must understand the importance of carrying them forward.  Keeping pace with transformation can be the difference between whether a family enterprise can endure across generations—or not. The most successful family enterprises approach succession proactively rather than in reaction to a leadership departure or crisis. Exceptional family enterprise leaders combine strong business acumen with emotional intelligence, active listening, and the confidence to challenge constructively.  In this 17-minute episode, we will cover: (00:01:31) How successful family enterprises balance preservation and progress (00:06:06) The role of independent board directors in driving change  (00:09:23) How to create personalized development paths for future leaders  (00:12:20) Why active listening skills are critical for transformation  (00:13:47) What the future holds for family enterprises globally  A closer look at the research from this episode: Family Enterprise Advisory  Global Leadership Monitor H1 2024  Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key topic in C-suite and board room discussions these days; one with the potential to redefine or at least impact every aspect of business and society. Leaders around the world and across industries are racing to figure out how to best implement the technology to gain efficiencies, increase productivity, and ultimately grow their business.   Today, Hoda and Simon talk with serial entrepreneur and Coveo Chairman and CEO Louis Têtu to help shed some light on how leaders can harness the power of AI in their business. With more than 25 years in the tech industry, Louis shares his perspectives on how leaders can take advantage of AI transformation and what mistakes to look out for. He’ll talk about the importance of AI ethics, and how leaders can navigate the culture change that AI brings to an organization. He’ll also share how AI and GenAI can create better experiences for their customers and employees. And as someone who’s worked with and served on several boards, he’ll talk about what goes into building a successful board and the power of optimism.  We'll also hear from Harpreet Khurana, Chief Digital and Data Analytics Officer at RRA. Harpreet will outline the risk when organizations don’t use AI ethically and sets out RRA’s people-first approach to responsible AI. Read more about our RRA’s Responsible AI Principles.   Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How leaders can leverage AI in their organizations and how that might impact how they lead their teams What leaders need to keep in mind when it comes to AI ethics and culture change What goes into building a successful board Leadership tips on building a successful company  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat Leadership Lounge: Unleashing AI’s potential: Are you ready to lead the charge? Driving Transformation with Volvo Cars President and CEO Jim Rowan Leadership Lounge: How can leaders succeed in a Gen-AI-driven world? A Front Row Seat to the AI Revolution with Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith – Part 1 and Part 2 

In today’s fast-paced, competitive business landscape, hiring and developing future-ready, transformational C-suite leaders is critical to organizational success. Making the wrong hiring decision can often lead to higher costs, damage to workplace culture, or worse. So what are the key things to keep in mind as you think about the leaders who can help take your organization to the next level?   In our first episode of Season 5, Simon sits down with Russell Reynolds Associates’ own CEO, Constantine Alexandrakis, to talk about what to look for in transformational C-suite leaders and how to use leadership assessment tools – like RRA’s Leadership Portrait – to find them. He’ll reveal how to take the next step in building transformational teams and what makes them successful. He’ll also share tips from his own CEO journey and the steps he took to prepare for that transition to nail his first year in the role.   We'll also hear from Erin Zolna, a leadership advisor in our New York office, who will outline our latest research on the skills that leaders need in a fast-changing world.  Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How to start well when stepping into a new CEO role How to assess transformational leaders and why it’s important before they take on leadership roles What makes transformational teams different and how they operate What C-suite leaders are thinking about AI and the top challenges they’re facing  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat Leadership Lounge: How to Future-Proof Your Leadership Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano 

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.