Redefiners

Russell Reynolds Associates

Call them changemakers. Call them rule breakers. We call them Redefiners. And in this provocative podcast, we explore how daring leaders from across industries and around the globe are redefining their organizations—and themselves—to create extraordinary impact in today’s rapidly changing world. In each episode, Russell Reynolds Associates former CEO Clarke Murphy, Leadership Advisor Marla Oates, and Chief Science Officer Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, host engaging, purposeful conversations with leaders in and out of the business world who share their insights and perspectives on how they lead, boldly. You’ll come away with fresh ideas and tangible takeaways on how you can redefine your own leadership trajectory—no matter where you are on your journey.

Leadership Lounge

A sister mini-series to the Redefiners podcast, Leadership Lounge gives listeners unfettered access to our global team of leadership experts, who share real-world answers to your most-pressing leadership questions—from how you can give and receive feedback to the benefits of having a mentor. Hosted by RRA leadership advisor Emma Combe, each 15-20-minute episode lifts the curtain on how great leaders think, act, and lead, helping you build your own leadership muscles, whether you’re just starting out or already at the top.

Our Hosts: Clarke Murphy, Marla Oates, Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, and Emma Combe :

Clarke Murphy leverages 30 years of experience in the executive recruiting industry to advise on critical leadership mandates across sectors—including Fortune 100 board searches and CEO successions. Based in New York, he has provided leadership advisory services to corporations such as Duke Energy, Deutsche Bank and Siemens, as well as private equity firms including the Carlyle Group.

Since joining the firm in 1988, Clarke has held several senior level roles at the firm, working both in Europe and the US. Clarke was the CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates from 2011-2021, where he led the firm through unprecedented growth. Previously, he led the CEO & Board Advisory Practice, served as Head of the Americas region, and was a member of the firm’s board of directors and Executive Committee.

Marla Oates is a leadership advisor at RRA who is passionate about connecting organizations with influential leaders and trailblazers who can inspire and drive change in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on identifying and recruiting exceptional talent for Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, and board searches, Marla has successfully partnered with hundreds of Fortune 500 organizations and private equity firms throughout the technology, industrial, and consumer sectors to identify and recruit top talent.Based in Austin, she has the privilege of fostering community and curating meaningful connections for C-suite executives and board members.

Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Science Officer at RRA and is an international authority in people analytics, talent management, leadership development, and the human-AI interface. His commercial work has focused on the creation of science-based tools that improve organizations' ability to predict performance, and people's ability to understand themselves. He was recently the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, and is a co-founder of DeeperSignals and MyTrudy, as well as Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University. He has previously held academic positions at New York University and the London School of Economics, and lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School, London Business School, Johns Hopkins, IMD, and INSEAD, as well as being the CEO at Hogan Assessment Systems.

As the host of Leadership Lounge, Redefiners’ sister podcast, Emma Combe leads the UK Board Practice for Russell Reynolds Associates. She excels at identifying board chairs, CEOs, and executive and non-executive directors for listed, private equity, and family-owned enterprises. She also has extensive experience advising clients on board composition and development, as well as CEO succession planning. Based in London, she brings deep expertise in the industrial, infrastructure, and services sectors, both in the UK and internationally.
Since 2023, Emma has hosted Leadership Lounge, a podcast mini-series where she asks Russell Reynolds Associates’ leadership advisors to answer some of the most pressing questions facing leaders today.

Emma joined Russell Reynolds Associates when The Zygos Partnership became part of the firm in 2017. Previously, Emma worked for a specialist headhunting firm advising private equity funds on the leadership of their portfolio companies. She began her career as an associate for a boutique executive search firm based in New York.

Episodes

Mentioned books

Mar 12, 2025 • 48min

Paws, Purpose & Profit: A Conversation with Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan

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

Feb 26, 2025 • 43min

Digging Deep: Leadership, Growth & Risk with BHP CEO Mike Henry

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

Feb 12, 2025 • 17min

Leadership Lounge: How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world?

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.

Jan 29, 2025 • 42min

Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat

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

Nov 20, 2024 • 18min

Leadership Lounge: The art of feedback - How to have honest and candid conversations

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.

Nov 6, 2024 • 16min

Leadership Lounge: How to develop your personal leadership brand

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.

Oct 23, 2024 • 31min

Waste In, Shareholder Value Out: A Conversation with WM President and CEO Jim Fish

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

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