WSJ Leadership Institute Presents Leaders
The Wall Street Journal
The WSJ Leadership Institute Presents Leaders. A new podcast series bringing you revealing conversations with top executives shaping business today. Hosted by Alan Murray, president of The WSJ Leadership Institute, the series goes beyond headlines to explore how leadership really works in times of upheaval, transformation, and uncertainty. These candid interviews challenge conventional wisdom and offer practical insights for anyone looking to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact. Great leaders aren’t born—they’re made. Our first episode was released Monday, Sept. 22 at 5:00 a.m. ET, with new episodes every other Monday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 12, 2026 • 42min
Why AT&T’s $25 Billion Plan Demands a New Corporate Culture
AT&T's CEO John T Stankey, a veteran with four decades at the telecom giant, shares insights on his ambitious $25 billion modernization plan. He discusses the clash between AT&T's traditional engineering culture and the need for a more market-driven, customer-centric approach. Stankey emphasizes the importance of in-office collaboration, a commitment culture where employees earn their roles, and the transformative impact of AI. He admits underestimating cultural change in his early leadership and reflects on the balance between employee well-being and performance.
Dec 29, 2025 • 28min
How CEO Brian Niccol Plans to Reclaim What Starbucks Lost
Brian Niccol, CEO of Starbucks, discusses his first challenging year leading the coffee giant following the pandemic's impact on its core experience. He shares insights on balancing mobile convenience with maintaining the café atmosphere that defines Starbucks. Niccol details innovations like smart-queue tech and the 'Back to Starbucks' initiative aimed at enhancing barista-customer connection. He also touches on unionization efforts and the importance of preserving the handcrafted nature of the coffee experience while integrating technology.
Dec 17, 2025 • 35min
Chobani’s Success Started With Great Yogurt — and One Radical Idea
Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya recounts his unlikely journey from an abandoned dairy plant in upstate New York to building the Chobani brand. He also discusses the once-unconventional leadership philosophy that has guided the company’s growth — and is now catching on across corporate America. Recorded on June 16, 2025.
Dec 15, 2025 • 29min
Chevron CEO on Geopolitical Shocks Reshaping the Global Market
Chevron CEO Mike Wirth discusses leading the company through extreme market volatility, from negative oil prices to global conflicts, and addresses his succession planning with the board. Recorded on Dec. 9, 2025 at WSJ's CEO Council Summit.
Dec 1, 2025 • 46min
How Brené Brown and Lumen CEO Kate Johnson Rebuilt a Telecom Company
Bestselling author Brené Brown and Lumen Technologies CEO Kate Johnson reveal the radical culture change that saved a legacy telecom company. Recorded Nov. 4, 2025.
Nov 17, 2025 • 29min
Verizon CEO Says Company Must Become 'Nimble,' Think Like a Startup
Dan Schulman, one month into his role as Verizon CEO, details his vision for the company as well as what he sees as three concurrent waves that will transform the tech industry: AI, quantum computing, and humanoid robotics. Recorded Nov. 11, 2025.
Nov 3, 2025 • 37min
ExxonMobil CEO: How to Power AI While Lowering Emissions
Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, discusses leading the oil-and-gas giant through price volatility, activist pressures, and the rise of AI. He also shares his leadership philosophy—and why it’s important to stay focused on one key principle. Recorded Sept. 22, 2025.
Oct 20, 2025 • 21min
Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck on the People Behind the Animals You Love
Kristin Peck runs a pioneering animal-health company—but at the heart of her leadership success is a focus on people. She shares how she builds a culture that excels. Recorded on June 11, 2025.
Oct 6, 2025 • 26min
Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç Shares His Playbook for Success
Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç reveals how he reinvented a storied 120-year-old brand in one of the most dramatic corporate turnarounds in recent years—and shares the transformation playbook behind it. Recorded June 11, 2025.
Sep 22, 2025 • 24min
Chanel CEO Leena Nair: Lessons in Leading an Icon
Chanel Global CEO Leena Nair joins Alan Murray to discuss steering a cultural icon through shifting demand and global uncertainty—and what keeps her inspired along the way. Recorded June 11, 2025.
