
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

Mar 2, 2023 • 43min
074: How to Succeed in a Male-Dominated Industry as a CEO With Verona Frankish
Some of the world’s most powerful businesswomen are quitting. Last week, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, announced she is leaving the company to start a new chapter and follow her passion. Likewise, Meta's chief business officer Marne Levine is stepping down after 13 years with the company in order to “recharge and prioritize some quality time with family” before beginning her “next professional chapter.”
As a huge sponsor of women sitting at the top table, I feel that gender equality might become just a wishful thinking. Something good only for corporate branding and PR stunt.
For episode 070 of my podcast, ‘The World Class Leaders Show’, I invited Verona Frankish CEO of Yopa, an award-winning estate agency in the UK backed by some of the biggest names in the property industry, to discuss how a female CEO can thrive in a male-dominated industry. She also demonstrates that leading a purpose-driven organization isn’t only a case of setting goals and making tough decisions, but also of building trust with your team and customers.
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(02:22) The Benefit of Having Careers in Different Industry
( 04:52) Things Every First-time CEO Should Hear
(10:52 ) What Is Yopa & Its Future
(17:48) Challenges CEO Faced in Leading Organization
(26:56) How To Operate Better as a Team
(28:37) How To Succed as a Mother And A Leader
(30:41) A Female Ceo’s Tips to Success in a Male-dominated Industry
(34:35) Misconceptions About CEOs
(38:05) Verona’s Big Learning in Her Career
(34:35) Things She Wish She Done Differently
(34:35) Learning Source That Shaped Her Life and Career
Links:
Website: https://www.yopa.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronafrankish
Twitter: Verona Frankish (@Verona_F)
Mentioned:
The Chimp Paradox by Prof Steve Peters
The Infinite Game - Simon Sinek
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Let me know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone, or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30
Read the article related to this podcast:

Feb 23, 2023 • 15min
073: I Became a CEO. Here Is What Helped Me To Get There So Early
Success Always Leaves Footprints
I had a lot of reflections lately about my personal career on how I became a CEO at 35 years old, which is honestly remarkable. It's been really a fast-track career. So many clients ask me How can I go further in my career? How can I step in? How can I elevate myself? How can I become a CEO myself? Here are some footprints to help you on your journey toward success.
For this episode of ‘The World Class Leaders Show,’ I will share tips and pieces of advice, and I put them all together in one single episode and see whether they resonate with you. And hopefully, they can give you some ideas on how you can actually progress in your career because we all have blind spots. So maybe one of these five areas going to share with you today is going to be more useful than others.
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(05:06) Lesson #1: I Didn’t Really Choose an Easy Path
(07:07) Lesson #2: I Look For Challenges and Trouble
(08:18) Lesson #3: I Help My Boss To Succeed
(09:37) Lesson #4: I Build My Professional Network From Day One
(11:21) Lesson #5: I Never Became Complacent
Links:
Let me know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone, or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30

Feb 16, 2023 • 36min
072: How to Make an Impact as a CEO with Jason Salfi
The success of the company depends largely on how well its CEO creates a work environment that can drive innovation and productivity. Employees often look to the CEO for creating and maintaining the culture of their organization.
So then, as a CEO, you have the power to make an impact. But how do you set your company on the right path?
For episode 072 of my podcast, ‘The World Class Leaders Show’, I invited Jason Salfi. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Dimensional Energy, a revolutionary company that makes sustainable fuels and products from carbon dioxide and renewable energy.
Salfi has served as an Innovation Advisor for New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). In 1997 Salfi founded Comet Skateboards, a founding B Corporation he licensed in 2014. His experience as a manufacturer led him to consult on product design standards and acquisition strategy, building profitable and regenerative business models for a market-leading fortune 500 company from 2015-2017 before founding Dimensional Energy.
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(01:51) Jason’s Definition of Impact
(05:27) The Idea Behind Dimensional Energy
(10:48) How to build the Future of the Business
(14:25) How Jason’s Leadership Has Changed?
(17:34) Dealing With the Transition From Founder to CEO
(20:46) How To Protect Your Culture While Growing
(26:25) Working With a Co-founder and the Importance of Collaboration
(29:56) What Is the Biggest Misconception About Being a CEO?
(35:39) Being Open to Mentorship and Mentors
(38:35) What Would You Have Done Differently Across Your Career?
Links:
Website: http://www.dimensionalenergy.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsalfi/
Book Mentioned: “The Ministry for the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson
“Parable of the Talents” by Octavia E. Butler
Let me know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone, or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy
Read the article related to this podcast: https://www.andreapetrone.com/How to Make an Impact as a CEO with Jason Salfi/

Feb 9, 2023 • 12min
071: The Gap to Impossible Results
As a Leader, you may have asked yourself, "why do some businesses achieve extraordinary results while ours don't?" If so, it's probably because the answer to this question lies in the gap between where we are today and where we want our business to be.
In this episode of ‘The World Class Leaders Show,’ your host, Andrea Petrone, talks about what is needed to achieve extraordinary results in business and why we should focus on the gap. He also talks about how Leaders look at impossible things as an opportunity and shift it to build the future we want.
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(03:13) Why do some Leaders don’t get extraordinary results?
(06:50) How Bold Leaders Think
(08:53) How to Become a Bold Visioner
( 10:21) Limitations of a SWOT Analysis
Links:
Let me know your thoughts, or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30
Read the article related to this podcast: https://www.andreapetrone.com/The Gap to Impossible Results/

Feb 2, 2023 • 40min
070: How to Embrace Diversity for Powerful Results with Renée McGowan
The modern workplace generally presents unique leadership challenges due to differing perspectives, cultures, and beliefs, and leading a diverse organization is about much more than simply acknowledging differences.
For episode 070 of my podcast, ‘The World Class Leaders Show’, I invited Renée McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Marsh McLennan India, Middle East & Africa, to talk about how she embraces diversity and improves performance in the workplace.
She leads Mercer’s business across 15+ markets in this fast-growing, dynamic region, is also Chairperson of Mercer in Japan, and is Executive Director on Mercer boards in China and Hong Kong. In 2022, she was named one of Arabian Business’ 50 Inspiring Female Business Leaders. She is also a member of the MEA Business Group, Dubai Business Women Council, and Boardroom by EMIR.
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(02:52) What Has Been Renée’s Secret of Staying With the Same Organization for So Long?
(04:26) The Benefits of Leading a Diverse Workplace
(07:14 ) Mercer Company: What it Does, and Its Future?
(12:29) The Difference Between Skills and Roles in Organizations and How They Are Changing
(15:03) Three Areas of Focus to Have High & Sustainable Growth
(18:04) Renée’s Major Learning in Terms of Leadership
(20:24) How to Handle Uncertainty & Volatility That Exists in External Environment?
(25:04) How Great Leaders Stay on the Top of Changes
(27:37) Three Things Leaders Must Embody
(30:44) How Energy Can Have a Multiplier Effect
(33:33) Misconceptions About CEOs
(37:40) How Great Leaders Approach Decision Making
(41:06) How to Use Experience to Fuel Leadership
Links:
Website: https://www.latam.mercer.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneemcgowan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/renmcgowan
Let me know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone, or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy
Read the article related to this podcast: https://www.andreapetrone.com/How to Be a Great Leader in a Diverse Workplace with Renée McGowan/

Jan 26, 2023 • 14min
069: The Impact of Ownership on Results
Ownership can be the core component of one's perception of leadership. It requires a strong sense of responsibility, bravery and commitment. It's one of the most critical factors that can either make or break you as a leader. But when do you start taking ownership? How does ownership affect the company's goals and vision?
In this episode of ‘The World Class Leaders Show,’ your host, Andrea Petrone, talks about the difference between accountability and ownership and why ownership is a game changer. He also gave three tips on how to implement ownership in your organization because it's the key to transforming an average organization into an extraordinary organization.
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(00:00) Are You a CEO Looking For Ways to Make a Bigger Impact in Your Business?
(03:05 ) The Difference Between Accountability and a Sense of Ownership
(04:56) The Power of Ownership
(07:55) Accountability as the Next Step
(09:50) Tip #1 : Have a Strong Sense of Purpose
( 11:41) Tip #2: Help Them to Believe in What Is Possible
(12:26) Tip #3: Encourage Them to Use a Very Different Language
Links:
Let me know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone, or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy

Jan 19, 2023 • 47min
068: Team Alignment To Burn Down Silos and Improve Performance with Mauro Ghilardi
Our ability to work together depends on one thing: TEAM'S SUCCESS
But team alignment isn't easy to achieve. Some members might have conflicting or competing priorities, while others might have misaligned goals and objectives or be stretched thin because of their workloads.
It can be difficult to get everyone to agree on common goals, but this is what makes teamwork possible. Leaders who want their teams to work together effectively need a clear picture of where everyone stands, and the same is true for businesses looking to get maximum results out of their diverse workforce.
For this episode of ‘The World Class Leaders Show’, I invited Mauro Ghilardi, Chief People and Transformation Officer of A2A. he shared the Importance of Aligning Individual, Team, and Organizational Goals for Success !
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(06:52) How Great Leaders Align Their Team
(08:26) Uncovering True Motivation
(15:34) How Great Leaders understand what motivates people
(19:34) Individual Motivation vs. Team Motivation
(21:30 ) How bold vision and goals help people to be motivated?
(25:14) How to Eliminate Organizational Silos
(31:02 ) Job Rotation Advantages And Disadvantages
(35:17) How to Protect Your Team From a Toxic Work Culture
(41:48) Ways Leaders Can Connect and Mobilize Team Members
(47:34) Mauro’s Keytakeaways in his career
Links:
Website: Andrea Petrone
LinkedIn: Andrea Petrone - Executive Coach & Performance Advisor
Twitter: Andrea Petrone (@ie_andrea)
Links Mentioned:
The Infinite Game - Simon Sinek
Let me know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone, or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy
Read the article related to this podcast: https://www.andreapetrone.com/Team Alignment To Burn Down Silos and Improve Performance with Mauro Ghilardi/

Jan 12, 2023 • 23min
067: The Five Biggest Insights I Learned from Great Leaders
You Can Achieve Your Success
But in order to do that, one of the best things that I can offer to you today is maybe sharing some reflection and observation that I had in the last couple of weeks during holidays. Based on all the conversation that actually I had in 2022 with all amazing guests that are invited on the show, I found interesting that most of them shared very similar approach to leadership, to success, to personal development.
For this episode of ‘The World Class Leaders Show’, one of the best things that I can do today as a starting, is share with you what I identified essentially five main similar patterns when I interviewed my guest and see whether they resonate with you, but most importantly, whether they might be important or helpful for you right now to unlock your potential and also making sure that you have some sort of guidelines or principles that you can use for 2023 to achieve the level of success that you certainly have in mind.
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(05:16) Lesson #1: Great leaders don't have regrets about their past.
(08:02 ) Lesson #2: They have been able to adapt and pivot many times during their career.
(11:20) Lesson #3:Success is proportionate to the quality and support received by their team.
(13:28) Lesson #4: Great leaders don't complain about circumstances around them.
(16:01) Lesson #5: Great leaders spent a lot of time understanding themselves.
Links:
Let me know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone, or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30
Read the article related to this podcast: https://www.andreapetrone.com/the-five-biggest…om-great-leaders/

Jan 5, 2023 • 42min
066: 3 Things That Set Successful Organizations Apart with Michael Mlynarski, CEO of QualityMinds
Self-Centered, Arrogant, Distant, Spoiled, and Driven.
We've all seen news stories about unethical CEOs.
But do a few rotten leaders affect the reputation of the other leaders?
For this episode of ‘The World Class Leaders Show’, I invited Michael Mlynarski, Founder & CEO of QualityMinds.
Michael Mlynarski shared the biggest myths employees believe about CEO jobs. Here are some details that might help you rethink your image of what those people do all day—and also some tips on how to make your organization successful in its own unique way!
By listening to this podcast episode, you will learn more about:
(01:33) The Drive Behind Founding Companies
(04:57) What does QualityMinds do?
(08:30) How can QualityMinds support other Companies?
(14:42) The Key for Organizations Success
(20:39) To become a CEO: The Secret of Michael's Transition
(26:59) The Root of Complexity in Operations
(28:56 ) The Future of QualityMinds
(32:12) Things People Don't Know about CEOs
(35:55) Getting to Know Michael More
Links:
Website: https://qualityminds.com/
LinkedIn: Michael Mlynarski
Twitter: Michael Mlynarski (@MichalMM)
Links Mentioned:
The Big Five for Life by John Strelecky
Let me know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone, or via email at Andrea@andreapetrone.com.
Like my show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform.
For more information on my work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website at https://www.andreapetrone.com
If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog
Need more? Book a 30 min call here:https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30
Read the article related to this podcast: https://www.andreapetrone.com/3-things-that-set-successful-organizations-apart-with-michael-mlynarski-ceo-of-qualityminds-2/

Dec 22, 2022 • 34min
065: Haytham Kaddoura, CEO of Smartstream on Company Turnaround
For today’s episode, we want to repurpose one of the best episodes of the last 12 months. My interview with Haytham Kaddoura, CEO of SmartStream Technologies, a global company leader in financial transaction management solutions.
In this episode, we discussed how you could drive a successful turnaround by covering some interesting topics like:
Regardless of your position, you need to be accessible to your people.
The importance of creating a culture where people can take risks.
Factors that will affect your turnaround in your workplace.
Tips to enable your team to be successful from home.
“When you love what you are doing you get to apply the “Let’s build it together” mindset which will eventually become the norm and be invested in the successful transition.”
To connect with Haytham Kaddoura, you can connect with him on Linkedin:
www.linkedin.com/in/haytham
If you would like to get more information about Andrea’s work, go to:
www.andreapetrone.com
Subscribe to the weekly insight via email at:
https://www.andreapetrone.com/blog/
To connect with Andrea on Social Media:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/ie_andrea
Read the article related to this podcast: https://www.andreapetrone.com/how-to-lead-a-company-turnaround-to-success/
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