Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast

“You sometimes have to go slow to go fast. When chaos ensues, take a step back to think strategically.” Brian McNamara is CEO of GSK Consumer Healthcare - a role he’s held since 2016 - leading a portfolio of some of the world’s most trusted brands in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health - including Sensodyne, Voltaren and Panadol. Previously, Brian was GSK Consumer Healthcare’s Head of Europe and Americas, following the creation of a joint venture between GSK and Novartis, which he spearheaded as head of Novartis’s OTC division. Brian joined Novartis in 2004 as Senior Vice President of the North America OTC business, and of course, began his career at Procter & Gamble. Brian is a Board Member of the World Self-Medication Industry Association (WSMI) and the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). He’s also previously served on Boards for the Economic Affairs Committee, Association for Europe Self-Medication Association (AESGP) and Board Member and Vice Chairman, Consumer Health Products Association (CHPA). Brian studied Electrical Engineering from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and received his MBA in Finance from University of Cincinnati. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about being open to learning, committing to people, focusing on impact, and having the courage it takes to do what’s needed - while staying humble along the way.

“Stay above the line - take ownership of your choices, and control what you can control.” Noel Geoffroy is Sanofi’s North America Head of Consumer Healthcare Business -  responsible for commercial operations for Sanofi’s portfolio of consumer healthcare brands including Allegra®, Icy Hot®, Gold Bond® and Ducolax®. Noel joined Sanofi in January 2019 from Kellogg’s where she rose through the ranks to President of US Frozen Foods - taking an underperforming business and growing it to the fastest-growing division globally. Noel also held key leadership positions at the H.J. Heinz Co, and started her career at P&G on marketing roles on many leading brands. Noel studied language and international business at Clemson University, received her MBA from  the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and was a Fulbright Scholar. An accomplished consumer products executive recognized for her commitment to business growth, capability-building, and cultural innovation. You’ll enjoy this fun, candid conversation across topics ranging from overcoming imposter syndrome, the band Journey, and the importance of executive coaching.

“Sports and basketball transcends globally - teaching hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and respect.” Mark Tatum is the NBA’s Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer - a position he’s held since 2014. Having worked at the NBA for 20+ years, Mark currently leads the NBA’s business operations, including international efforts, as well as Global Partnerships, Marketing, and the NBA Development League.  Prior to joining the NBA, Tatum worked for Major League Baseball, Clorox, and Pepsi -  in varying roles in corporate sponsorship, sales, and sports marketing. And of course, Mark got his start at P&G in sales management. A graduate of Cornell University, Mark received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1998, and has been named to the SportsBusiness Journal’s “50 Most Influential People in Sports Business”, as well as as one of Forbes’ Most Influential Minorities in Sports. Mark sits on the Board of Trustees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Board of Directors for USA Basketball, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Central Board and Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors for The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids., Mark’s also a member of the Executive Leadership Council, a national organization empowering African-American corporate leaders to make significant and impactful global community contributions. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about hearing how Mark found his way to the world of sports - a passion area of his - and the importance of action over words.

“Life is about chapters, chances, and choices.” A.G. Lafley served as P&G’s CEO twice - from 2000-2009 and 2013-2015. In part 2 of a 2-part conversation, we talk about his experience beyond P&G, and his personal take on the past, present, and future. A.G. started at the company in 1977, after receiving an MBA from Harvard, serving the USNavy in Japan, and getting a BA from Hamilton college. A.G. rose through P&G’s ranks, leading the iconic laundry and cleaning business, leading P&G Asia thru the nineties, and becoming head of P&G’s Beauty business & North America Sales. Upon becoming CEO in 2008, A.G. revitalized the company under the mantra “Consumer is boss” - focusing the company on billion dollar brands and establishing many new brands and categories. Since leaving P&G, A.G has remained active in the world of business and entrepreneurship, serving on President Obama's Jobs Council, Chairing the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), and serving on the boards of Dell, GE, Legendary Entertainment and Snapchat. AIG has received numerous honors, including an Edison Achievement Award. In 2013, A.G. co-wrote the book “Playing to Win” - which continues to define his passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and what’s next...

“Be the change you want to see - and make things better.” A.G. Lafley served as P&G’s CEO twice - from 2000-2009 and 2013-2015. In part 1 of a 2-part conversation, we learn about his early life and career at P&G - and his take on being an “Inside-Outsider leader.” A.G. started at the company in 1977, after receiving an MBA from Harvard, serving the US Navy in Japan, and getting a BA from Hamilton college. A.G rose through P&G’s ranks, leading the iconic laundry and cleaning business, leading P&G Asia thru the nineties, and becoming head of P&G’s Beauty business & North America Sales. Upon becoming CEO in 2008, A.G. revitalized the company under the mantra “Consumer is boss” - focusing the company on billion dollar brands and establishing many new brands and categories. Since leaving P&G, A.G has remained active in the world of business and entrepreneurship, serving on President Obama's Jobs Council, Chairing the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), and serving on the boards of Dell, GE, Legendary Entertainment and Snapchat. AIG has received numerous honors, including an Edison Achievement Award. In 2013, A.G. co-wrote the book “Playing to Win” - which continues to define his passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and what’s next..

“People are the driving force that bring the brand to life...” To mark our first year of amazing conversations with so many P&G Alumni Leaders - we take a quick (much needed) break to reflect, and share a preview of WHO's coming next. You’ll hear the voices of future guests from the NBA, Sanofi, Coty, the PGA, the Gap, Visa, Google, Diageo, Papa John’s, Chipotle, accomplished entrepreneurs, and many more of P&G’s biggest leaders from around the world. We can’t wait for you to hear what’s next, so be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app, and share Learnings from Leaders with all your friends - whether or not they worked at P&G :)

“If you have a compelling mission, you can really mobilize and galvanize the community.” Dian Alyan founded the GiveLight Foundation (GiveLight.org) after the 2004 tsunami, where she lost many loved ones. Dian was inspired to provide for children going through similar devastation around the world. GiveLight is a non-profit creating high quality homes and education for global orphans. What began as one home for 50 children has now expanded to support over 1,000 orphans in 11 countries globally — with a goal of housing 10,000 children in response to natural disasters, poverty, and war. GiveLight has responded to crises in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Morocco. Prior to founding Givelight - Dian spent a decade as the Outreach Director for the Muslim Community Association in the San Francisco bay area. And Dian got her start at P&G in brand management in beauty and healthcare brands across Asia. Dian’s work with GiveLight has garnered awards and engagements from Fortune 500s + prominent universities, and has been featured in Newsweek, the Huffington Post, and many other media outlets. She lives in the San Francisco bay area, a mother of two - but she considers all children GiveLight reaches as a part of her family. Learn more about how YOU can help at GiveLight.org

“Be intellectually honest in any decision - otherwise you only see the answer that you want to see.” Charlotte Otto served as P&G’s Global External Relations Officer for thirteen years, and later as Senior Corporate Advisor to PR industry leader Weber Shandwick for six years. At P&G - Charlotte led the company's external relations activities worldwide -  including media relations, employee + shareholder communications, government +community relations, and corporate contributions. Charlotte led a 33 year career at P&G, rising through the ranks of Brand Management and Corporate Comms, and was the trusted counselor to five P&G CEOs. In fact, Charlotte was P&G’s first female corporate officer. Charlotte has received numerous industry accolades - including being named Woman of the Year AND Corporate Woman of the Year by the Cincinnati Enquirer, as well as receiving the Matrix Award for Public Relations, and the prestigious Paladin award. Charlotte’s a proud Purdue Alum, where she received her Bachelors and Masters — and she even studied at the Culinary Institute of America. In a great conversation about intention - and serendipity - you’ll learn about the power of embracing a path never imagined, and removing our own blinders to be truly intellectually honest and objective about whatever situations we may face.

“Take greatest pride in the challenges you face, and being able to overcome them.” Jorge Mesquita is Johnson & Johnson’s former Executive Vice President, and Worldwide Chairman - where he served since 2014. At Procter & Gamble, Jorge spent a 29-year  career where he was recognized for the reinvention of major brands such as Tide, Swiffer, Febreze, Downy and others. Jorge spent his first 15 years at P&G working in various capacities across Latin America including roles in Oral Care and Beauty. Jorge has also served on several professional and community boards including the Cincinnati Opera Association Board of Trustees, Mondelez, and CADCA. Jorge is a graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology where he studied Chemical Engineering, but was born in Mozambique, in southeastern Africa. For Jorge, the most vital leadership traits are self-confidence and humility. You’ll hear his stories and insights from a distinguished career - where the most valuable lessons learned come not just from achieving success, but also confronting failure - and overcoming it.

“Reframe the competition - to yourself - to fully achieve what you’re meant to achieve.” Michelle Crossan is Samsung Electronics America’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Innovation and Transformation at, where she leads overall corporate strategy, innovation, transformation, and new business incubation. Prior to Samsung, she also served as CMO for luxury mobile brand Vertu. Michelle got her start at Procter & Gamble, starting as a systems analyst, and working on brands like Olay and Anna Sui before becoming the Brand Leader for P&G Prestige. She’s a graduate from University of Strathclyde Business School, and is married with two children in New Jersey. Having worked across business cultures, geographies, and industries - Michelle’s approach is an intentional and thoughtful one. In our candid conversation, she also shares what leaders can do to strengthen and encourage their team amidst today’s current challenges.