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” 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 Adam Bryant, Senior Managing Director and Partner at The ExCo Group, a leadership development and executive mentoring firm. Adam joined The ExCo Group in 2017 after a 30-year career in journalism, including 18 years at The New York Times. He created the weekly "Corner Office" column, interviewing over 1000 CEOs and Leaders. Adam is the author of four books, including his latest, The CEO Test and The Leap to Leader, published by Harvard Business Review. He also serves as an Advising Member at World 50 Group and Senior Adviser to the Reuben Mark Initiative for Organizational Character and Leadership at Columbia University. Adam shares insights on leadership, authenticity, overcoming challenges, and what it takes to be a world-class CEO. Adam shares how CEOs can grow by embracing leadership challenges, staying curious, and leading with authenticity. He explains how leaders should simplify complexity, foster trust, and be transparent about their values. Adam emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and balancing paradoxes in leadership. Through stories and advice, he highlights how resilience, clarity, and teamwork help leaders navigate change and achieve success. He also discusses how CEOs can use data and make quick decisions to drive performance in today's evolving business environment. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How embracing leadership challenges helps CEOs grow. The importance of leading with authenticity and transparency. Why simplifying complexity and balancing paradoxes is key to success. How to build trust and empower teams through clear communication and values. Ways to use resilience, self-awareness, and teamwork to navigate change. 📘Check out Adam Bryant's two insightful books, “The CEO Test” and “The Leap to Leader”, available now on Amazon! 1) The CEO Test: https://a.co/d/eBXJ69l 2) The Leap to Leader: https://a.co/d/hTNsU65 Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Adam Bryant [03:22] - How Adam’s career in journalism shaped his leadership insights [05:32] - The importance of curiosity and embracing leadership challenges [11:54] - Leading with authenticity and transparency [13:24] - Balancing paradoxes in leadership and decision-making [15:43] - How to stay true to your values while navigating change [21:47] - The AAA feedback loop: Awareness, Acceptance, and Action [23:56] - What drives CEOs to take on the hardest leadership jobs [26:16] - Adversity, ambition, and the four sources of leadership drive [30:42] - Red flags that lead CEOs toward failure or isolation [32:59] - Building trust and empowering teams for success [38:29] - Adam’s advice on developing self-awareness as a leader [41:46] - Leading with resilience and handling tough moments Follow Our Guest Adam Bryant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambryantleadership/  The ExCo Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excoleadership/   World 50 Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/world50/  Columbia University: https://www.linkedin.com/school/columbia-university/  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 team, navigating change, or shaping your leadership style, this conversation with Adam Bryant offers practical insights, powerful stories, and key lessons on leading with authenticity, transparency, and resilience in today’s ever-evolving business world. #Leadership #AuthenticLeadership #GrowthMindset #ResilientLeaders #AdamBryant #ExCoGroup #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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- On paper, you’ve got A-players. The dream team. But under pressure, even the best teams crack. In this episode, I’ll explain why high-performing teams break, the warning signs to watch for, and three ways to keep them performing when it matters most. - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 135,000+ 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 Brian E. Melka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehlko. With over 25 years of experience in leading industrial companies, Brian shares how his humble beginnings in a small Iowa town shaped his leadership style. He talks about driving cultural change at Rehlko, leading with accountability and resilience, and leveraging innovation and AI to enhance energy resilience. Brian provides valuable insights on overcoming challenges and building high-performing teams in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Brian shares how CEOs can grow by embracing challenges, staying curious, and leading with accountability. He explains how leaders should foster trust, create a clear vision, and empower teams to experiment, fail, and learn. Through personal stories and advice, Brian emphasizes how culture, resilience, and strong values guide teams through change. He also highlights how using data, quick decision-making, and teamwork can drive success in today’s fast-paced business world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why embracing challenges helps CEOs grow and improve. How to create a culture of accountability that drives success. Why trust, resilience, and clear vision matter in tough times. Ways to lead through change using data, quick decisions, and teamwork. How to support teams by making learning from failure safe and encouraged. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Brian E. Melka [03:20] - How growing up in a small town shaped Brian's leadership style [08:08] - The importance of embracing challenges for career growth [12:48] - Making tough decisions and leading through uncertainty [15:10] - Building a people-first culture at Rehlko [16:34] - Leading through change with data and quick decision-making [20:10] - How to engage people and lead culture change effectively [24:35] - Being intentional as a CEO and the rule of thirds in change [31:20] - Brian’s CEO journey and tips for managing time [33:36] - The role of resilience and accountability in leadership [39:10] - Advice to aspiring CEOs: run toward hard problems Follow Our Guest Brian E. Melka: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmelka/  RehIko: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rehlko/  RehIko (Website): https://www.rehlko.com/  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 team, managing change, or building a strong culture, this talk with Brian E. Melka shares practical stories, useful tools, and key lessons on leading with accountability, resilience, and purpose in today’s fast-paced world. #Leadership #PeopleFirst #GrowthMindset #ResilientTeams #BrianE.Melka #Rehlko #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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s the secret nobody admits: being a CEO is lonely. The higher you go, the fewer safe spaces you have to think, to share doubts, to ask for help. In this episode, I’ll reveal the hidden price of CEO loneliness, why it’s rising these days, and three ways to build support without losing authority.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 132,000+ 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 Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO of Greif, as he brings 25+ years of global leadership across public, private, and PE firms. A former military officer and Harvard Business School alumni, he shares how living in five countries shaped his “people-first” style. Ole gives insights into building resilient teams, scaling Greif’s success through culture, innovation, and AI, and leading with purpose in a fast-changing world. Ole shares how CEOs can grow by being uncomfortable, staying curious, and putting people first. He explains how leaders should build trust, lead with purpose, and create a safe space for teams to try, fail, and learn. With clear stories and advice, Ole shows how culture, resilience, and clear values help leaders guide their people through change. He also shares how using data, instincts, and teamwork can drive smart decisions and lasting success in today’s fast-moving world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why being uncomfortable helps leaders grow and get better. How to build a people-first culture that drives strong results. Why trust, values, and clear thinking matter in tough times. Ways to lead big changes using data, instincts, and courage. How to support teams by making risk-taking and learning safe. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Ole Rosgaard [03:07] - How working across 5 continents shaped his leadership [04:12] - From Denmark to the UK: Ole’s start in business [07:13] - Why discomfort is key to personal and career growth [13:09] - Taking risks and trusting instincts as a CEO [15:56] - What Greif does and its impact on daily life [21:26] - Why Harvard made Greif a business case study [27:43] - Ole’s CEO transition and time management tips [33:18] - Leading as an introvert and embracing discomfort [39:07] - Handling uncertainty and turning stress into energy [40:42] - Where to follow Ole and learn more about his work Follow Our Guest Ole Rosgaard: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orosgaard/  Greif: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greif/  Greif (Website): https://www.greif.com/  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 team, driving change, or building a strong work culture, this talk with Ole Rosgaard shares real stories, simple tools, and smart lessons to lead with courage, clarity, and heart in today’s fast-changing world. #Leadership #PeopleFirst #GrowthMindset #ResilientTeams #OleRosgaard #Greif #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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Most CEOs obsess over strategy design — the off-site, the big slide deck, the bold direction. But the truth is, strategy rarely fails in design. It fails in execution. In this episode, I’ll explain why execution is the graveyard of strategy, the mistakes that derail it, and the three practices that separate companies who execute brilliantly from those who don’t.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 128,000+ 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 Chris O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of GrowthLoop. Chris is a board director at Gap Inc. and an advisor to several AI companies. He is also the founder of Bobcaygeon Capital LLC & has over 25 years of leadership experience at companies like Google, and believes in using AI and data to drive business growth. Chris shares lessons on leadership, change, and innovation, and how CEOs can lead with clarity and confidence during this fast AI transformation. Chris shares how CEOs can lead better in the AI era by staying curious, embracing change, and thinking big. He explains how leaders should focus on solving real problems, building strong teams, and using AI to move faster. With clear advice and real stories, Chris shows how a learning mindset, open thinking, and smart risk-taking can help leaders grow, adapt, and lead with purpose in fast-changing times. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why AI is changing how leaders think and act in today’s fast world. How to build strong teams that grow with speed and purpose. Why mindset and curiosity matter more than tech skills in AI. Ways CEOs can lead change without knowing all the answers. How to test new ideas fast and build better habits at work. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of Chris O’Neill [03:32] - What GrowthLoop does and how AI powers it   [06:12] - Why Chris still believes in the Bay Area for innovation   [09:09] - How AI changes product fit and team roles   [13:06] - Why mindset shift is key to working with AI   [16:51] - How non-tech CEOs can lead in the AI era   [22:00] - Facing fear and helping teams embrace change   [29:50] - What skills and habits leaders now need to grow   [34:34] - Smart risk-taking and testing with AI tools   [39:52] - Building a fast culture without losing direction   [44:13] - Where to follow and learn more from Chris O’Neill Follow Our Guest Chris O’Neill: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croneill/  GrowthLoop: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growthloop-co/  Gap Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gap-inc-/  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 in fast-changing times, exploring AI, or rethinking how to grow your team, this talk with Chris O’Neill shares clear ideas, smart tools, and real lessons to lead with speed, focus, and confidence. #Leadership #AITransformation #CEOMindset #TeamGrowth #ChrisO’Neill #GrowthLoop #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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- For decades, CEOs have relied on the same leadership playbook: stability, control, hierarchy. But in 2025, that playbook is broken. In this episode, I’ll explain why the old rules no longer work, the traps leaders fall into by following them, and the three leadership shifts every CEO must make to stay relevant and effective today.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 126,000+ 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 talks with Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann, Founding Member of RMK Group, LLC &  Board Member at Fifth Era Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ Ticker: FERA). Rebecca is Executive Mentor at The ExCo Group, Advisor to Notabene, Advisory Board Member at DigitalDx Ventures, International Advisory Board Member at idclear, Advisor at Limitless Bridge Capital, and a leadership advisor. She led Citi California during the 2008 crisis and is co-author of the book FitCEO. She now helps CEOs and founders build strong cultures and reinvent their leadership for long-term growth, health, and impact. Rebecca shares how CEOs can lead better by focusing on culture, self-awareness, and reinvention. She explains how leaders must build strong teams, set clear boundaries, and care for their health to stay effective. With honest advice and clear steps, Rebecca shows how small changes in habits and mindset can help leaders handle stress, inspire others, and grow with purpose and balance. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why culture is key in times of crisis and how it drives real change. What stops CEOs from making bold moves, and how fear and ego play a role. How leaders can reinvent themselves and lead with more clarity. Ways to build healthy habits that make leadership more sustainable. Simple tools from Rebecca’s book FitCEO to manage stress and grow. 📘Lead with balance and purpose with Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann’s best-selling book FitCEO: Be the Leader of Your Life! Order your copy now! Visit: https://a.co/d/5308Cgv  Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann [04:09] - Lessons from leading Citibank through a crisis [08:21] - What scares CEOs about changing culture? [14:25] - How ego and fear hold leaders back [16:21] - Reinventing yourself as a CEO [22:44] - Moving from doing to inspiring as a leader [25:39] - How CEOs can lead with more balance? [31:17] - Building healthy routines and boundaries [39:33] - Simple tips for long-term leadership success [42:47] - Where to follow and learn more from Rebecca   Follow Our Guest Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-m-k/ Website: https://rmkgroupllc.com/   RMK Group, LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rmk-group-llc/  The ExCo Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excoleadership/  DigitalDx Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitaldx/  idclear: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idclear/  Citi: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citi/  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 through a crisis, facing burnout, or looking to build a stronger team culture, this talk with Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann offers real tools, smart habits, and fresh ideas for lasting leadership success. #Leadership #CultureShift #CEOWellbeing #Reinvention #FitCEO #RebeccaMacieiraKaufmann #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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever wonder why your team isn’t hitting the performance levels you know they’re capable of? It might not be about them—it could be about you. Leadership mistakes can quietly sabotage your team’s effectiveness, productivity, and morale. In today’s episode. I’ll break down three common leadership mistakes that could be killing your team’s performance and, more importantly, how to fix them right away. - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 122,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/