The World Class Leaders Show: The CEO leadership podcast for leaders who solve big problems and build better futures.

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  __________________________________________ 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 - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ By the end of January, the holiday energy is gone, the pressure is back, and your momentum starts to slip. Decisions slow down, priorities blur, meetings pile up — and the year already feels suspiciously like last year. In this episode, I’ll explain why the “January dip” actually peaks in the last week of the month, the three forces that quietly collapse CEO momentum (over-activation, fragmentation, and leadership reversion), and why so many leaders enter February already tired and reactive. You’ll learn how world-class CEOs reset before February hits: how to redraw your attention map, reestablish a sharper decision rhythm, and design an environment that supports 30,000-feet thinking instead of dragging you back into the weeds — so the next 11 months compound in the right direction instead of the wrong one. I’ll also share more about WCL 21, my new CEO community for fast-growth and mid-size CEOs who want a stronger inner circle, better challenge, and a real space to think.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 155,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/  

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  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 - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by Shirin Behzadi, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Board Director & Investor at Shirin Behzadi, LLC. She is also the author of the book “The Unexpected CEO”. Shirin shares her journey from working behind bulletproof glass at a gas station to becoming a billion-dollar CEO. She opens up about fleeing Iran, building resilience through adversity, and leading a company through major transformation. Shirin discusses the mindset shifts that helped her succeed, how she used empathy in leadership, and why setbacks can be powerful turning points for growth and reinvention. Shirin shares how leaders can turn adversity into a strength by changing their mindset and focusing on what is possible. She explains how her early challenges, from fleeing Iran to recovering from a life-threatening brain tumor, shaped her views on resilience and reinvention. Shirin introduces key lessons from her book, including the power of belief, the value of listening, and the importance of defining a clear vision. She also talks about how empathy helps leaders build stronger teams and make better decisions. Throughout the conversation, she offers honest stories and practical advice for growing as a leader and building a successful business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - How to turn adversity into a powerful tool for personal and business growth. - Why mindset and belief play a key role in achieving big goals. - Steps to move from financial insecurity to successful leadership. - How to use empathy to lead teams and make better business decisions. - Why defining your vision and listening to others can drive real transformation.   📘 Read “The Unexpected CEO” - Discover how Shirin Behzadi went from a gas station cashier to leading a billion-dollar company with lessons in resilience, leadership, and growth. 👉 Visit: https://shirinbehzadi.com/book/    Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Shirin Behzadi [03:00] - Why Shirin wrote The Unexpected CEO and its impact [04:51] - Life before and after exile from Iran and key early lessons [06:26] - How mindset and belief helped shape her future [09:33] - Seeing adversity as a strength and growth opportunity [12:38] - Facing a near-fatal brain tumor and learning resilience [16:19] - Reframing setbacks and growing during the Great Recession [18:38] - From CFO to CEO and leading major business growth [24:02] - Key leadership principles that drove 70% company growth [28:19] - How empathy shaped her leadership and team success [33:58] - Why the book is a roadmap for decision-making and growth [37:01] - Final advice for CEOs facing uncertainty and adversity Follow Our Guest Shirin Behzadi: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-behzadi/  - Website: https://shirinbehzadi.com/  - Shirin Behzadi, LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shirin-behzadi-llc/ 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 change or facing big challenges, this talk with Shirin Behzadi offers real guidance on turning setbacks into strength, leading with empathy, and building a business with purpose and vision.

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  __________________________________________ 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 - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ January exposes a quiet truth for many CEOs: your calendar is full, but your leadership space is empty. You’re making high-stakes decisions without a room that keeps you clear, sharp, and truly at altitude. In this episode, I unpack why so many CEOs feel isolated—even when surrounded by teams, advisors, and board members—and why traditional CEO groups, conferences, and masterminds rarely give you the depth and challenge you need. You’ll discover what WCL21 is (and what it’s not): not another mastermind, not a content library, not generic group coaching—but a curated leadership environment for serious CEOs who want strategic clarity, sharper identity, and better decisions under pressure. I walk you through what members get inside WCL21—from monthly CEO roundtables and live “CEO Insights” sessions, to AMAs, private dinners, retreats, company visits, and a rhythm that keeps you thinking and operating at altitude all year. Finally, I explain who WCL21 is for (and who it’s not for), why founding membership is open only once, and the three advantages founding members get: significant pricing, real influence on the platform’s DNA, and priority access to the highest-impact experiences. If you don’t want to lead alone in 2026, this is your invitation to step into a different kind of CEO room.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21   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 - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies __________________________________________   In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by Nancy Duarte, CEO & Principal at Duarte, Inc. and author of six bestselling books. Known for transforming how leaders communicate, Nancy shares how CEOs can lead in the era of AI by becoming strategic, authentic communicators. She explains how to use AI to drive both efficiency and creativity, why clear messaging is essential during change, and how to build a strong leadership presence that inspires trust. Nancy also reflects on her own leadership journey and the importance of empathy and values in shaping a high-performing culture. Nancy shares how CEOs can lead with confidence in a fast-changing world shaped by AI and rising complexity. She explains why leaders must understand AI at a deep level and use it across the whole business, not just for small tasks. Nancy highlights the growing need for strong communication, showing how leaders can build trust through clear, authentic messages. She also talks about the importance of storytelling, emotional connection, and adapting communication to different teams. Throughout the conversation, she offers real insights and practical tools leaders can use to guide change, reduce resistance, and grow with purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why CEOs must lead AI efforts instead of leaving them to others - How to use AI to improve both productivity and creativity at work. - The role of authentic communication in building trust and clarity. - Ways to prepare for resistance and guide teams through change. - How strong values and culture can support performance and growth. 👉 Check out her Books: https://www.duarte.com/resources/books/ 👉 Check out her Newsletter: https://www.duarte.com/help-contact/newsletter/  Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and Introduction of Nancy Duarte [02:21] - Why AI is a tsunami that CEOs must lead through [04:06] - Using AI for both productivity and creative value [06:38] - How CEOs can build a strong AI-driven business [14:28] - What separates world-class leaders from the rest [16:49] - Preparing for resistance and gaining buy-in through story [21:19] - How to cascade communication across the company [26:42] - Nancy’s shift from founder to visionary CEO [34:45] - Balancing values and performance for long-term success [37:08] - Final advice for CEOs to lead with empathy and clarity Follow Our Guest Nancy Duarte: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyduarte/  - Twitter (X): https://x.com/nancyduarte  - Duarte, Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duarte-design/  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 or driving change, this talk with Nancy Duarte offers powerful lessons on using AI wisely, communicating with impact, and leading with empathy in today’s fast-moving business world.

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21   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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2026 won’t reward the same leadership habits of the past. This year will demand more clarity, more courage, and more self-awareness than any other — especially as AI, complexity, and pressure keep accelerating. In this first episode of the year, I walk you through the seven mindset shifts every CEO must make to lead confidently in 2026: from knowing to learning, from more goals to fewer but better commitments, from leading alone to leading in community, from static strategic plans to strategic adaptability, from authority to authenticity, from managing performance to designing culture, and from chasing growth to building legacy. You’ll be challenged to audit how you’re really leading today, spot where you’re still operating from “old” logic, and redesign your 2026 around clarity of intent, identity, and impact. I’ll also share why this is the year to stop carrying leadership alone and how WCL21 — my new CEO circle — will support you in making these shifts real in your world.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21   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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2025 was the year I sat with some of the sharpest minds in leadership — CEOs who turned around distressed businesses, thinkers who challenged how we work, and operators who rebuilt organizations from the inside out. In this final episode of the year, I’m not recapping episodes. I’m pulling out the 10 deepest leadership lessons that kept showing up — from Amy Edmondson on psychological safety to Gary Hamel on systems, Adam Bryant, Linda Gratton, Jim Keyes, Chris O’Neill, Ole Rosgaard, Brian Melka, Leisha Ward and more — and what their ideas mean for how you lead in 2026. We cover why psychological safety is courage plus accountability, why clarity is the most underrated CEO superpower, why culture is engineered not declared, how discomfort and reinvention drive growth, why time and attention are your real constraints, how AI is making leadership everyone’s job, and why legacy beats performance. If you want a sharp reset for how you lead in 2026, this episode is your roadmap.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ 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” 👉 Download Now ------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the outside, you look like a successful CEO. But inside, you feel the gap: more pressure, fewer real conversations, and almost no space to say what it’s really costing you. This quiet gap between the role everyone sees and the reality you live is where even the best leaders start to drift — not in a big breakdown, but through decision fatigue, overthinking, reactive leadership, and the sense that you should be further ahead by now. In this episode, I explain why even successful CEOs feel stuck, why 2026 will amplify this “CEO gap”, and why the real problem isn’t your capacity but your environment. I’ll also share why I created WCL21 — a high-level, intentionally small circle of CEOs — and how the right space can restore your clarity, confidence, and strategic altitude. If you want to learn more or join as a founding member, go to https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ 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 David Aaker, Vice Chairman of Prophet. Recognized as the father of modern branding, David is a renowned author of 18 books and over 120 articles, with more than 170,000 citations. He shares his updated thinking from the new edition of his book “Aaker on Branding”, highlighting how branding must evolve in a fast-changing world. David explains the dangers of short-term thinking, the power of building strong brand portfolios, and why branding is key for long-term growth and innovation.   David shares how leaders can bring branding back to the center of business strategy by treating it as a long-term asset, not just a marketing tool. He explains why many organizations fall into the trap of short-term thinking and how this weakens brand value. David introduces his five key principles of modern branding, covering areas like relevance, loyalty, and brand portfolios. He also shows how branding plays a key role in driving innovation, building trust, and standing out in crowded markets. Throughout the conversation, he offers real examples and clear steps leaders can take to build stronger, more meaningful brands. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Why short-term thinking can damage brand value and business growth. 2. The five key areas that make up a strong and modern brand strategy. 3. How branding supports innovation and helps create new markets. 4. Ways to build trust and stand out in a crowded, skeptical market. 5. Why brand and company culture must work together for long-term success.   📘 Read “Aaker on Branding” - Unlock the essential guide to building powerful, strategic brands from David Aaker. 👉 Visit: https://prophet.com/2025/04/aaker-on-branding-second-edition/    Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of David Aaker [02:50] - What is new in the updated edition of Aaker on Branding [04:59] - The five key elements of modern branding [07:44] - Why branding is vital for disruptive innovation [14:49] - How to build trust and capture attention in crowded markets [22:51] - Real examples of brands that stand out and stay consistent [26:46] - How CEOs can treat branding as a long-term asset [30:33] - Branding in B2B and its connection to company culture [33:50] - Should brands take a stand on social or political issues? [38:56] - Final advice for leaders to strengthen brand strategy Follow Our Guest David Aaker: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaaker/   - Prophet: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prophet/  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 brand or shaping strategy, this talk with David Aaker offers valuable insights on building strong brands, staying relevant, and driving long-term growth in a fast-changing business world.

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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trust is collapsing in institutions and leadership teams, and when your people stop believing you, execution falls apart. In this short solo episode, I unpack why trust is in crisis and what CEOs can do to rebuild it quickly and credibly. I talk about: Why trust is the real currency of leadership and what happens to execution when it erodes How overpromising and underdelivering quietly destroy credibility over time Why silence and lack of transparency during restructurings fuel fear, rumours and attrition How hypocrisy and misaligned actions (rewarding toxic high performers, ignoring values) kill culture Three practical ways to rebuild trust fast: do what you say, communicate uncomfortable truths, and align words, actions and rewards If you’re leading in an environment where promises have been broken or engagement is slipping, this episode will help you treat trust as a strategic asset and rebuild it through integrity, transparency and aligned action.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 140,000+ 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 Alex Adamopoulos, Forbes Business Council Influencer at Forbes Boston Business Council, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Emergn, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in business transformation. Emergn, a global digital business firm that has helped major companies through their transformation journeys. Alex is recognized as a thought leader and contributor to industry discussions, including writing for Forbes. He shares insights on why many transformations fail, the importance of a product-led approach, and how AI can enhance learning and drive human-centered value in organizations. Alex shares how leaders can drive successful transformations by embracing a product-led approach, where teams work together to create value through continuous, incremental delivery. He explains why many transformation efforts fail, often due to disconnected leadership and unclear goals. Alex highlights the importance of building the right capabilities, encouraging experimentation, and using AI to enhance learning. He also discusses how a mindset shift in leadership can help organizations adapt and thrive in today’s fast-evolving business world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why many transformation efforts fail and how to avoid common pitfalls. - How to build a product-led organization through incremental delivery. - The importance of leadership alignment and clear value creation. - How AI can support learning and drive human-centered value. - Why investing in skills and capabilities is key to successful change. Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Alex Adamopoulos [02:25] - Why do many transformation efforts fail? [04:15] - The role of silos in organizational transformation [08:08] - The concept of a product-led organization explained [11:52] - Mindset shifts leaders need for a product-led organization [17:35] - Building capabilities and skills for successful change [21:17] - How AI enhances learning and drives value creation? [24:53] - AI's Return on Investment and Practical Application Challenges [30:53] - AI-Driven Learning Platforms for Skill Building [32:08] - Human-Centric Value in AI Adoption [37:27] - Practical tips for leaders to move towards AI-enabled organizations Follow Our Guest Alex Adamopoulos: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aadamopoulos/  - Forbes Boston Business Council: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forbes-boston-business-council/  - Emergn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergn/  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 change or looking to grow as a leader, this talk with Alex Adamopoulos offers key insights on driving transformation, leveraging AI, and building strong leadership in today’s fast-growing business world. #Leadership #ProductLed #AI #Transformation #AlexAdamopoulos #Emergn #WorldClassLeadersShow