
The World Class Leaders Show: Master High-Stakes Leadership: Learn from Top CEOs and World-Renowned Leaders
What does it take to lead with confidence in a world that’s constantly changing?
The World Class Leaders Podcast is your go-to resource for actionable strategies and real-world insights from top CEOs and world-renowned leaders.
Hosted by Andrea Petrone—Performance and Executive Coach to CEOs and Leadership Teams—this show dives deep into the challenges of executive leadership, from crisis management and team dynamics to navigating volatile markets and shaping a culture that drives execution.
Each week, Andrea and his guests share practical tools and inspiring stories to help you:
- Make bold, data-driven decisions—even when the stakes are high and the clock is ticking.
- Build teams that not only survive but thrive in the face of constant change.
- Navigate volatile markets with clarity, adaptability, and a competitive edge.
- Shape a culture that drives execution, turning vision into measurable results.
- Lead with unshakable confidence, even when the pressure feels overwhelming.
Featuring insights from leaders at companies like Microsoft, GE and Target, this podcast has helped thousands of executives transform their leadership approach.
Don’t miss these standout episodes:
- 158: How Prioritizing Culture Helped One CEO Lead a Powerful Transformation with Lindsley Ruth
- 062: The Six Mindsets of Extraordinary CEOs with Carolyn Dewar
- 054: Lorenzo Simonelli, CEO of Baker Hughes on Driving Change Through Uncertainty
Whether you’re a seasoned CEO, an aspiring executive, or a leader looking to level up, this podcast will give you the strategies and mindset shifts you need to excel in the boardroom and beyond.
Subscribe now and transform the way you lead. Follow Andrea on LinkedIn for exclusive leadership tips and behind-the-scenes insights.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 8min
183 - How to Stop the Frenzy You’re Accidentally Leading
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
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If your organization feels like it’s always in a frenzy—racing from one crisis to the next, overloaded with meetings, and constantly behind—you’re not alone.
But here’s the hard truth:
Frenetic energy doesn’t equal progress.
In today’s episode, I’ll show you how to stop the chaos, slow things down, and actually accelerate what matters.
This is a leadership epidemic.
I see the addiction to urgency across nearly every executive team I work with.
When everything is a priority, nothing is. When speed becomes your culture, clarity disappears. And when your team is always reacting, they stop thinking strategically.
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 86,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Apr 10, 2025 • 56min
182 - How to Transition Into Retirement Without Losing Your Identity with Teresa Amabile and Lotte Bailyn
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
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In this episode of The World Class Leader Show, host Andrea Petrone sits down with Teresa Amabile, Professor Emerita at Harvard Business School and author of the book The Progress Principle, and Lotte Bailyn, Professor Emerita at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Together, they challenge traditional ideas of retirement and explore how it can become a fulfilling phase of reinvention and continued growth.
Drawing from ten years of research and over 200 interviews, they share strategies to help individuals transition with purpose, clarity, and confidence. Together, they coauthored a book Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You, offering a practical and research-backed guide to navigating life beyond a full-time career.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why retirement is a bridge, not a destination & what that means for your mindset.
How identity, purpose, & structure shape your transition into retired life.
The four key tasks to navigate retirement successfully.
The powerful role of relationships and how to manage expectations.
What leaders & organizations must do to support retiring employees.
Follow Our Guest:
Teresa Amabile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-amabile-8542727/
Lotte Bailyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lotte-bailyn-6952967/
Book: Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You
Harvard Business School: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6409
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/directory/lotte-bailyn
📘 Ready to plan the next chapter?
Get your copy of Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You and start building a meaningful life beyond your career.
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
⭐ Don’t miss this rich and honest conversation on reinvention, courage, and creating a life that truly works for you at any stage.
#Retirement #Leadership #Identity #Purpose #LifeTransitions #OrganizationalCulture #TheWorldClassLeadersShow

Apr 3, 2025 • 7min
181 - Most CEOs Spend 72% of Their Time in Meetings. That’s the Problem.
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
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What if I told you that most CEOs are running their companies from the wrong place?
Not geographically—but mentally.
Research shows CEOs spend 72% of their time in meetings and only 3% with customers.
That’s not leadership—it’s insulation.
In today's article, I’ll share why the future of leadership is frontline-first, and what great CEOs are doing to get out of the boardroom and back into the business.
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 80,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Mar 27, 2025 • 47min
180 - How to Lead Like You Mean It, Building Integrity and Purpose from the C-Suite with Laysha Ward
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
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In this episode of The World Class Leader Show, host Andrea Petrone sits down with Laysha Ward, a respected corporate leader with over 30 years of experience. She spent the majority of her career at Target Corporation, where she served as Strategic Advisor, Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer, shaping the company’s stakeholder relations and community impact strategies.
Currently, Laysha serves on the Board Member for United Airlines Holdings, Denny’s Corporation, Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) and Minnesota Orchestra, bringing her leadership expertise to industries spanning aviation, hospitality, and the arts.
In this conversation, she shares her journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a top corporate executive. She discusses how leaders can stay authentic, build trust, and lead through uncertainty, while also emphasizing the importance of relationships and personal purpose in long-term success.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why personal purpose is critical for leadership success.
The role of trust and integrity in high-performance leadership.
How to lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
Why nurturing meaningful relationships is key to long-term success.
How to create your own personal board of advisors for growth and resilience.
Follow Our Guest Laysha Ward:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laysha-ward/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laysha.ward/?hl=en
Twitter: https://x.com/layshaward
Website: https://www.layshaward.com/
Book: https://www.layshaward.com/book-lead-like-you-mean-it
United Airlines: https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-airlines/
Denny’s: https://www.linkedin.com/company/denny's/
Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ): https://www.linkedin.com/company/nazmpls/
Minnesota Orchestra: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minnorch/
Get your copy of Lead Like You Mean It by Laysha Ward and learn how to lead with purpose and integrity. Visit http://layshaward.com/book-lead-like-you-mean-it to find out more!
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
⭐ Join us for this powerful conversation on leadership, purpose, and making an impact.
#Leadership #Integrity #Purpose #Trust #CareerGrowth #C-SuiteLeadership #BusinessSuccess

Mar 20, 2025 • 8min
179 - CEOs: Your Biggest Challenge Isn’t the Market—It’s Your Mindset
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
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Many CEOs today feel trapped—markets are unpredictable, AI is reshaping industries, and the pressure to perform has never been higher.
But here’s the real challenge:
It’s not just external forces holding leaders back—it’s their own perception of those forces.
If you believe the market is too tough, that growth is impossible, or that pressure is crushing, you’ll lead accordingly.
In this episode, I’ll show you how to shift your mindset, challenge your assumptions, and turn pressure into a competitive advantage.
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 72,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Mar 13, 2025 • 41min
178 - The CEO Playbook for Leading Change and Overcoming Resistance in 2025 with Nellie Wartoft
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
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In this episode of The World Class Leader Show, host Andrea Petrone welcomes Nellie Wartoft, a Swedish entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Tiger Hall, A platform helping enterprises drive change more effectively. Backed by top investors like Sequoia Capital and Monk's Hill Ventures, Tiger Hall helps Fortune 500 companies drive large-scale transformation across 32 countries.
Nellie takes us through her journey from a top-performing consultant to launching Tiger Hall in 2019. She shares the struggles she saw in traditional corporate change efforts and why she set out to create a more engaging, people-focused way to drive transformation.
In this conversation, Andrea and Nellie break down what it really means to be a CEO today, why so many change initiatives fall flat, and how leaders can rethink their approach to make change stick. If you're leading an organization through transformation, this episode is packed with real-world insights on building trust, getting people on board, and leading with authenticity.
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
What it truly means to be a CEO in 2025 and the biggest misconceptions about the role.
How workplace change is evolving and why old methods fall short.
How Tiger Hall is helping companies navigate change with interactive and engaging solutions.
The importance of authenticity, transparency, and trust in leading change successfully.
How global leaders can drive change across different cultures and geographies.
Follow Our Guest Nellie Wartoft:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelliewartoft/
Tiger Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tigerhall/
Email address: nellie@tigerhall.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
⭐ Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nellie Wartoft, CEO of Tiger Hall, as she shares insights on modern leadership, driving organizational change, and building trust in a fast-evolving business world.
#TheWorldClassLeadersShow #Leadership #ChangeManagement #BusinessTransformation #TrustInLeadership #FutureOfWork

Mar 6, 2025 • 11min
177 - Silos Are Killing Your Business—Here’s How to Break Them for Good
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
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Every Leader wants a high-performing, aligned organization.
Yet, in most companies, silos are everywhere—departments operate in isolation, teams protect their own priorities, and execution slows down.
Leaders assume this is a structural issue—that silos exist because of reporting lines, lack of collaboration tools, or unclear processes.
But here’s the truth:
Silos start in the mind before they show up in the business.
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest barriers to execution and growth: silos.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated because your teams aren’t collaborating, your departments aren’t aligned, and information is stuck in one place, this episode is for you.
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 67,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Feb 27, 2025 • 43min
176 - The Leadership Strategy CEOs Use to Create Trust and High-Performing Teams with Cheryl Fields
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
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In this episode of The World Class Leader Show, host Andrea Petrone sits down with Cheryl Fields Tyler, Founder and CEO of Blue Beyond Consulting, to explore the leadership skills and mindset needed for 2025 and beyond.
With over 30 years of experience in building organizations where both businesses and people progress, Cheryl has been featured in CNBC, BBC, Fast Company, and Forbes. In 2020, she received the For All Leader award from the Great Place to Work® Institute, and under her leadership, Blue Beyond has been repeatedly recognized as one of Fortune's Best Small-Medium Workplaces and an Inc. 5000 company.
Andrea and Cheryl talk about what makes great leadership today, the role of trust and accountability, and how leaders can navigate challenges while keeping their teams engaged. They also discuss effective communication, company culture, and resilience, providing practical strategies to help leaders and teams perform at their best.
If you're an executive, CEO, or business leader looking to strengthen your leadership, build trust, and drive high performance, this episode is a must-listen!
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Lead with trust and high expectations to create a thriving workplace.
Communicate effectively as a CEO to align, motivate, and inspire your team.
Balance business growth and people-first leadership to build long-term success.
Foster a strong, supportive culture where employees can do their best work.
Adapt and thrive in uncertain times while staying true to your leadership values.
Follow Our Guest Cheryl Fields Tyler:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylfieldstyler/
Blue Beyond Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluebeyondconsulting/
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
⭐ Join us for an inspiring conversation with Cheryl Fields Tyler, Founder and CEO of Blue Beyond Consulting, as she shares practical leadership insights on building trust, setting high expectations, and creating a workplace where both people and business thrive.
#TheWorldClassLeadersShow #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #TrustInLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipLessons

Feb 18, 2025 • 12min
175 - The Real Reason Your People Aren't Taking Ownership
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
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‘My people aren’t stepping up, so I have to be more directive. But when I do, they feel disempowered, and then I have to take even more control.’
I hear it all the time.
It’s a frustrating cycle. You want your team to take initiative, solve problems, and think independently.
But when they don’t, you feel like you have no choice but to step in. And the more you step in, the less they take ownership.
So how do you break this pattern? How do you lead in a way that empowers your people while ensuring accountability?
In this episode, I’ll unpack why this cycle happens, the leadership traps that cause it, and—most importantly—how to build a team that takes real ownership without having to micromanage.
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 64,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Feb 13, 2025 • 46min
174 - How to Lead Across Cultures—Lessons from a CEO Who Did It | Kenneth Wilcox
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
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In this episode of The World Class Leader Show, host Andrea Petrone sits down with Kenneth Wilcox, former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank and expert in global business leadership.
Ken shares his journey leading Silicon Valley Bank through a decade of transformation, expanding into China, and building a people-centric culture. Now a professor at UC Berkeley and author of Leading Through Culture and The China Business Conundrum, Ken offers deep insights into leadership, global expansion, and cross-cultural business strategies.
Andrea and Ken discuss the challenges of scaling a business globally, the leadership lessons learned from navigating different cultures, and how to build trust and adaptability in uncertain times. If you're a leader looking to expand internationally, manage cultural differences, or refine your leadership style, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Lead through transformation by learning how Ken Wilcox refocused and expanded Silicon Valley Bank.
Build a global mindset by adapting leadership to different cultures and markets.
Balance focus and flexibility to stay committed while adapting to change.
Develop strong business relationships by understanding trust, culture, and negotiation.
Avoid pitfalls in global expansion by learning what works and what doesn’t.
Follow Our Guest Kenneth Wilcox:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenwilcoxsvb/
Silicon Valley Bank - Website: https://www.svb.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
⭐ Join us for an insightful conversation with Kenneth Wilcox, former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank, as he shares leadership lessons on global expansion, cultural adaptability, and building trust in business.
#TheWorldClassLeadersShow #GlobalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #CrossCulturalLeadership #TrustInBusiness #LeadershipLessons
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