Stratospheric Leaders

I was delighted to welcome Michael Spencer to Stratospheric Leaders. Michael is one of the most renowned entrepreneurs and dealmakers of our time. As the Founder and CEO of NEX Group (formerly ICAP), he built a global powerhouse—one that he later sold to CME Group for £3.8 billion in 2018.His story is, in many ways, a modern history of the financial markets: how The City came to dominate global finance in the 1980's and 1990's. In 1986, with just £50,000 of his own capital and three other brokers by his side, Michael launched Intercapital (a voice broking firm) - entering a fiercely competitive and crowded market with 23 well-established firms already operating in this space. What followed was a masterclass in differentiating yourself from your competitors, looking forwards not backwards, never being complacent and sheer perseverance. Over two decades, ICAP delivered a staggering 6,000% shareholder return.In 2006 ICAP secured its place in the FTSE 100—a rare feat for a founder-led company.So, what makes Michael different?He’s a pioneer, always thinking ahead, willing to take calculated risks—even if that meansdisrupting his own business. He believes that to achieve more in the future, you must be ready to challenge and reinvent what you've built in the past.Beyond business, Michael is a dedicated philanthropist, launching ICAP Charity Day, raising over $150 million pounds and supporting more than 2,000 charities.Michael Spencer is a visionary -  He is somebody who has redefined markets, built extraordinary value, and proven time and again that fortune does truly favour the brave.If you want to learn more practical lessons and real-world leadership insights from remarkable founder CEOs, you can ⁠order Georgie's book Stratospheric CEOs out now.

In this compelling episode of Stratospheric Leaders, Georgie Dickins sits down with Henry Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of MSCI, to explore the essential qualities that define extraordinary leadership. From navigating uncertainty to embracing risk, Henry shares profound insights on vision, resilience, and long-term thinking. He reflects on lessons from his early life, the importance of calculated risk-taking, and how great leaders shape the future by working backward from a bold vision.Henry unpacks the fine line between genius and irreverence. He also explains the necessity of embracing discomfort, and why failure is the foundation of success.Key Takeaways from This Episode:The Leader’s Vision: Great leaders see the future and work backward to create it. Vision isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about unwavering belief in the mission.Embracing Discomfort & Risk: Success comes from stepping into uncertainty. Leaders who push boundaries and defy convention often face rejection but create real change.The Power of Long-Term Thinking: Most people are wired for short-term survival. The true differentiator of great leaders is their ability to think 5, 10, or even 20 years ahead.Learning from Failure: Every failure plants the seeds for future success. The best leaders don’t bury their failures—they analyze them relentlessly to grow stronger.Courage in Leadership: Whether in business or politics, transformational leaders inspire through resilience, bold decision-making, and a deep commitment to their cause.Competitive Advantage in Crisis: Many companies retreat in turbulent times—Henry explains why MSCI expands during downturns and how crises are the best time to gain market advantage.Memorable Quotes:"Great leaders don’t need to know the exact path. They just need the conviction that they will find the way.""If you want to be truly exceptional, study human nature. Success comes from understanding how people think and then going against the predictable.""A crisis is a terrible thing to waste. The best opportunities come when the world is in turmoil.""Take more smart risks. Fear magnifies risk in the short term. But if you master it, risk becomes your greatest advantage."If you want to learn more practical lessons and real-world leadership insights from remarkable founder CEOs, you can ⁠⁠order Georgie's book Stratospheric CEOs out now.

Carlos Hernandez, former Executive Chair of Investment and Corporate Banking at JPMorgan Chase, shares profound leadership insights from his 37-year career. He discusses the importance of transparency, mentorship, and fostering ownership within teams. Carlos tackles the challenges of managing difficult personalities and the need for brutal honesty in feedback. He emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence and authentic relationships in leadership, while also advocating for effective meeting management to drive productivity. A powerful blend of personal anecdotes and practical strategies awaits!

Lance Uggla, the founder and CEO of Markit, transformed a small operation into a $44 billion giant in the finance sector. In this discussion, he emphasizes the power of incremental leadership and the importance of continuous small improvements for impactful results. Uggla shares how attention to detail, inspired by leaders like Steve Jobs, shapes great leadership. He also highlights people-first strategies in hiring and culture-building, the importance of gratitude, and balancing work and life to sustain long-term success.