The World Class Leaders Show: Master High-Stakes Leadership: Learn from Top CEOs and World-Renowned Leaders

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 9–5 is gone—and what replaced it is worse. Microsoft calls it the infinite workday: emails at 6 a.m., meetings after 8 p.m., weekend check-ins, and no room to think. According to Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index, we’re now living in an infinite workday. Here’s what they found across 31 countries and 31,000 employees: 42% check emails before 6 a.m. 29% return to their inbox after 10 p.m. 20% of employees log on during weekends Late-evening meetings are up 16% year-over-year The average employee faces nearly 300 notifications daily This isn’t just about workload. It’s a culture problem—and it’s crushing focus, energy, and performance. Here’s what you’ll take away today: Why the infinite workday is the real productivity crisis What message your behavior sends (even when you say nothing) Five smart interventions to protect performance and people - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 116,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone  speaks with James Keyes, a globally recognized business leader, bestselling author, and philanthropist. James has also served as the former CEO of two Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven and Blockbuster. With a wealth of experience across diverse industries, James shares his transformative leadership insights, lessons on overcoming challenges, and the importance of education in personal and professional growth. He is also the author of Education is Freedom By James W. Keyes, a book that explores the power of knowledge as the antidote to fear and societal challenges. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How James transformed 7-Eleven and Blockbuster using technology and data. The key leadership elements James believes are essential: Change, Confidence, and Clarity. The role of education in overcoming fear and pushing through challenges. Why fear-driven leadership doesn't work in the long run and how to lead with inspiration instead. Jame’s vision for his legacy: using knowledge as a tool to solve society’s challenges. 📘Unlock the secrets to transformational leadership with James Keyes’s book Education Is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands! Order your copy today! Visit: https://www.amazon.com/Education-Freedom-Future-Your-Hands/dp/B0CH6X6BVB  Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of James Keyes [02:51] - Humble beginnings and the power of education [04:29] - Transforming 7-Eleven & Challenges at Blockbuster [08:56] - Dealing with the pressure of short-term results [14:14] - Inspiring leadership vs. Leading with fear [17:38] - Why fear-driven leadership is dangerous [20:35] - Importance of Critical thinking & leadership [23:10] - Lessons from Blockbuster's decline [35:20] - Education is Freedom: James’s book and legacy [45:36] - How to connect with James Keyes Follow Our Guest James Keyes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-keyes-a0947215/  Website: https://www.jameswkeyes.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkeyesauthor/  Twitter: https://x.com/jkeyesauthor  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Education-Freedom-Future-Your-Hands/dp/B0CH6X6BVB  Blockbuster: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockbuster/   7-Eleven: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7-eleven/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐ The story of James Keyes is a powerful reminder that leadership is about more than just results, it’s about inspiring change, leading with confidence, and creating an environment where people can thrive. Listen in for key takeaways on how you can transform your leadership style and have a lasting impact on your organization. #Leadership #Inspiration #CEO #BusinessTransformation #Education #LongTermSuccess #JamesKeyes #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Remote work isn’t dead. But it’s being rebranded… as an executive perk. While CEOs log in from their countryside homes, frontline teams are herded back to their desks. This isn’t just a bad look. It’s a culture killer. In this episode, I’ll break down the growing leadership gap around remote work and why ignoring it could cost you your best talent in 2025.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 110,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone sits down with Tracy E. Nolan, a Fortune 100 executive, board director, and change advisor. As Senior Vice President at Humana, Tracy led transformative healthcare initiatives, drawing on her extensive experience at T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and Cox Communications. Known for turning moments of change into opportunities for growth, Tracy became Verizon's first female Regional President and led 24,000 employees through the Sprint/T-Mobile merger during COVID-19. She is also a Board Secretary and Audit Committee Member for Dress for Success Worldwide, a strong advocate for women’s advancement in corporate leadership.  Tracy E. Nolan is a three-time Silver Stevie Award winner and has been recognized as Female Executive of the Year, Mentor/Coach of the Year, and was previously named to Fortune Magazine's "Forty under Forty." Tracy is committed to reshaping leadership and empowering the next generation of leaders. She holds NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) Directorship Certification and completed Board Governance training at Harvard Business School. Tracy’s leadership philosophy is rooted in courage and compassion, transforming corporate cultures and driving success through strategic change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Tracy managed critical moments at Verizon and Sprint, including the T-Mobile merger. How Tracy overcame self doubt and imposter syndrome. The “Three-Point Landing” method Tracy uses to build trust & clarity with her teams. The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and team connection. Key lessons from Tracy’s shift from the telecom industry to healthcare. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of Tracy E. Nolan [02:21] - Breaking Through Barriers Early in Life [05:28] - Turning Around Market Share at Sprint [09:00] - From Self Doubt to Decisive Leadership [14:38] - Shifting from Telecom to Healthcare [19:00] - Building Trust in a New Industry [22:04] - The Three-Point Landing Approach [27:43] - The Power of Clear Communication [31:55] - Creating Safe Spaces for Connection [37:21] - Advice for Ambitious Career Climbers [42:38] - How to Connect with Tracy E. Nolan Follow Our Guest Tracy E. Nolan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyenolan/  Twitter: https://x.com/tracynolan_   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracynolan_/  Dress for Success: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dress-for-success-worldwide/ Humana: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humana/  T-Mobile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/t-mobile/  Sprint: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sprint/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're looking to lead with confidence, overcome challenges, and grow through change, this conversation with Tracy E. Nolan offers real, actionable advice on building strong teams and navigating tough moments in your career. #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #TransformationalLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #Mentorship #HealthcareLeadership #SelfDoubt #TracyE.Nolan #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Across boardrooms and newsfeeds, a dangerous new leadership tactic is emerging. Executives are using AI not to transform—but to terrify. Headlines from the likes of Amazon, JPMorgan, and Shopify paint a clear picture: AI is being weaponized as a justification for layoffs, a threat to productivity, and a warning to employees. In this solo episode, you'll discover: How top companies are using AI rhetoric to justify layoffs Why fear-based leadership is damaging long-term performance The real cost of weaponizing technology in the workplace What forward-thinking CEOs are doing instead to empower people A leadership checklist for adopting AI the right way   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 105,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by three distinguished leaders in the field of human resources:  Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor at  University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business, and partner at The RBL Group is a globally recognized HR & Leadership expert.  Known as "the father of modern HR," Dave has authored over 30 books and advised leaders from Fortune 200 companies in 90 countries. Patrick Wright is Associate Dean for Corporate Relations and holds the Thomas C. Vandiver Bicentennial Chair in Business at the University of South Carolina, Darla Moore School of Business. He is Founder & former Director of the Center for Executive Succession and an expert in Strategic HR Management, focusing on competitive advantage, CEO succession, & the CHRO role. A widely cited USC scholar, he is a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources & Academy of Management and has been recognized as one of HR’s most influential thought leaders & has received multiple career achievement awards. Dick Beatty, Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University and core faculty at the University of Michigan’s Executive Education Center, directs the Executive Master’s in HR Leadership programs at Rutgers University & Bocconi University in Milan. Dick is an expert in strategic talent management, HR measurement, and organizational change. He holds a B.A. from Hanover College, an M.B.A. from Emory University, and a Ph.D. from Washington University. Dick has received two Research Awards from the Human Resource Planning Society and served on editorial boards of top HR journals. He teaches in executive programs at Cornell, Michigan, Pittsburgh, and Wharton, & has consulted widely. He is a member of several HR and psychology associations & a former SHRM Foundation board member. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The evolving role of HR leadership in driving business success. Using HR to build talent and organizational strength for a market edge. Challenges HR leaders face in aligning culture, leadership strategy. The future of HR amid AI, tariffs, and global market changes. A global program to develop HR professionals into strategic leaders. 📢 Ready to elevate your HR leadership?  Join the Global Human Resources Leadership Experience from October 28th to November 4th. The program guides HR leaders through global markets and leadership transitions. For further details, visit: https://www.mooreexeced.com/ghrle-program/ Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of Guests [04:26] - The Evolving Role of HR [08:58] - HR Leaders: Driving Business Outcomes [10:45] - Strategic Value of HR [16:33] - AI and Global Market Challenges [21:10] - The Future of Leadership & HR [29:59] - 3 things that drive the success of an organization [32:34] - Cultivating a Strong HR Function [34:17] - Shifting the CEO - HR Conversation [40:30] - The Role of HR in CEO Transitions [45:06] - Global Human Resources Leadership Experience Program [50:01] - Closing Thoughts Follow Our Guests: Dave Ulrich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveulrichpro/  Patrick Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-wright-a4668483/  Dick Beatty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dick-beatty-68818625/ https://www.rbl.net/about-us/consulting-associates/dick  The RBL Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rbl-group/ / https://www.rbl.net/ University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business: https://www.linkedin.com/school/michiganross/ University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-south-carolina---darla-moore-school-of-business/  Center for Executive Succession: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centerforexecutivesuccession/ Rutgers University: https://www.linkedin.com/school/rutgersu/ Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐ Listen now to explore how HR can move beyond admin tasks to influence strategy, shape culture, and support long-term success! #HRTransformation #StrategicHR #CEOLeadership #TalentManagement #OrganizationalDevelopment #FutureofHR #DaveUlrich #PatrickWright #DickBeatty #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Culture isn’t built in workshops or written in handbooks. It’s shaped by the words leaders use every single day. In this episode, I’ll show you how your communication either reinforces the past—or rewires your team for what’s next. - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 105,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone sits down with Katy Trost , a top-tier coach and trusted advisor to tech CEOs in London and New York. Katy specializes in helping CEOs scale their leadership, build strong executive teams, and lead with clarity through complexity. Katy is the Founder of PeraCEOs, a private CEO network, and serves as CEO Coach/Partner at Octopus Coaching Hub for Octopus Ventures. Katy is also a Judge and CEO Coach/Advisor Future Fifty & Upscale Program at Tech Nation, and Lead Startup Mentor HAE Accelerator at Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs. Her work extends to mentoring at Founders Forum Group, serving as an Advisory Board Member at Trilvee, and supporting leaders as Coach and Facilitator at Hampton. She also holds roles as a Global Advisory Board Member at Virtual Advisory Board (VAB) and CEO Coach/Advisor at Prismaticco. Katy offers grounded and practical advice on how to evolve leadership through the stages of scale & how to avoid common traps. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why transitioning from founder to CEO requires a shift in mindset, not just skills The importance of building a strong executive team & how to actually do it How to delegate effectively without losing control Ways to preserve company culture while scaling fast The habits CEOs need to stay grounded, focused, & energized under pressure Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of Katy Trost [02:35] - What it means to be a CEO in today’s fast-moving environment [05:32] - The mindset shift from founder to CEO [08:07] - Why building an executive team changes everything [11:09] - Letting go: What’s really needed to delegate powerfully [17:24] - Balancing autonomy and accountability in leadership teams [22:08] - Why CEOs often fail to prioritize executive team development [27:27] - Evolving company culture without losing your core values [32:10] - How top CEOs manage pressure, burnout, and mental health [37:26] - Why CEO networks matter and how they combat isolation [39:56] - Do CEOs still resist working with coaches? Follow Our Guest Katy Trost: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katytrost/  Website: https://katytrost.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katy_trost/ PeraCEOs: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinpera/  Octopus Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/octopus-ventures/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐ If you're leading a fast-growing company and want to scale without burning out or losing your vision, this conversation with Katy Trost offers a practical roadmap for sustainable, high-impact leadership. #Leadership #Startups #FounderToCEO #ExecutiveTeams #CompanyCulture #CEOCoach #KatyTrost #WorldClassLeadersShow

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download Now ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Every leader hits a moment when what used to work…suddenly doesn’t. Growth slows. Confidence dips. The team feels misaligned. This isn’t a failure—it’s a leadership crossroads. In this episode, I’ll unpack why these moments define your impact more than any win—and how the best leaders rise, evolve, and lead through them with clarity. - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 90,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today! 👉 Download Now - https://bit.ly/10-foolproof-ceo-strategies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone sits down with Gary Hamel, a legendary voice in modern management. They explore how leadership must evolve to keep up with today’s fast-changing world. Gary breaks down why many companies are stuck in outdated systems and what needs to change to create organizations that are quicker, bolder, and more people-driven. Gary Hamel has been shaping the way the world thinks about strategy and innovation for decades. He’s a Visiting Professor and Faculty Member at London Business School and is the former Chairman of Strategos, a firm that helped companies rethink their strategy from the ground up. He’s the author of influential books like Humanocracy and The Future of Management. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the classic “hero CEO” model doesn’t fit today’s challenges. How companies can build real leadership at every level, not just at the top. The hidden costs of bureaucracy and how to break free from it. What it takes to create a culture of experimentation and continuous learning. Why real change starts by questioning long-standing assumptions. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of Gary Hamel [02:51] - What it really means to be a CEO today [06:01] - CEOs as builders, not just decision-makers [06:52] - Why do many CEOs fall into short-term thinking? [11:49] - The pressure and complexity of leading today [20:14] - Preparing for a tougher, more uncertain future [23:03] - How old management models are holding companies back [32:00] - What modern leadership really looks like [37:16] - Why change needs small experiments, not big rollouts [39:58] - How to build support for real transformation [47:17] - Where to connect with Gary Hamel Follow Our Guest Gary Hamel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyhamel/ Website: https://www.garyhamel.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/profhamel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profhamel/   Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐ If you’re a leader looking to challenge the status quo and build a stronger, more adaptable organization, this conversation with Gary Hamel is a must-listen. #Leadership #Strategy #OrganizationalDesign #GaryHamel #WorldClassLeadersShow #Management #BusinessTransformation