
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

Nov 28, 2024 • 41min
164 - How Great Leaders Build Mental Fitness to Make Better Decisions
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-fullproof-ceo-strategies
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Are you leading in a high-pressure environment and struggling to balance the demands of your role with your mental well-being? Do you wonder how training your mind like an athlete could unlock new levels of focus, resilience, and peak performance?
In this episode, we’re joined by Lissy Alden, founder of MYNDY, a mental fitness company revolutionizing how leaders care for their minds. Lissy Alden shares her personal journey of navigating burnout in demanding corporate roles and how she turned those experiences into practical, science-backed strategies for mental fitness.
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Distinguish between mental health and mental fitness to address stress and fatigue, applying simple daily routines and habits to boost focus, energy, and productivity while preventing burnout.
Master the "stop, slow, go" framework to enhance mental clarity, endurance, and decision-making, and proactively recognize early signs of burnout.
Shift your mindset to prioritize mental fitness as a leadership essential, fostering innovation, adaptability, and resilience under pressure.
Build a support system and accountability network, leverage micro-recovery moments, and maintain peak performance to inspire mindfulness and resilience in your leadership style.
Follow Our Guest Lissy Alden on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissy-alden/
Website: https://www.myndy.co/
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone
Website: www.andreapetrone.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/
Follow The World Class Leaders Show and stay updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/
Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
⭐ Listen now to discover how mental fitness can transform your leadership approach and help you thrive in any high-pressure environment!

Nov 21, 2024 • 12min
163 - Dear CEOs: Stop Hiding Your Smartest People
Have you ever hired someone brilliant, only to find they aren’t delivering the impact you hoped for?
Today, we’re tackling a common leadership paradox:
Hiring smart people—then stopping them from using their skills.
In today’s episode, we explore why companies often hire skilled people but prevent them from using their full potential.
By the end, you’ll discover how to:
Empower and trust new hires
Encourage open collaboration across your team
Protect innovation—and support new ideas through setbacks
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 30,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Nov 14, 2024 • 42min
162 - How Transitioning To a Woman Changed My Perspective As A CEO with Caroline Farberger
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-fullproof-ceo-strategies
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Are you leading a team but feel the pressure to understand, embrace, and implement diversity and inclusion at a deeper level? Do you wonder how to turn differences into strengths, creating a genuinely inclusive environment that fosters both trust and performance?
In this episode, we’ll uncover the secrets of how you can implement diversity and inclusion at your organization with powerful insights from Caroline Farberger, a former CEO and current board member who transitioned gender mid-career.
Caroline provides an extraordinary dual perspective on leadership, having led as both a male and female executive. Her insights into diversity, inclusion, and the power of vulnerability offer a profound look at how inclusive management can transform an organization’s culture and performance.
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Recognize the hidden biases that can impact decision-making at the executive level
Leverage vulnerability as a tool to foster trust and open communication with your team
Cultivate an inclusive leadership style that values diverse perspectives for improved decision-making
Move beyond tokenism to genuinely celebrate diversity, turning it into a strategic advantage
Shift from a directive to a facilitative management approach, empowering others to contribute fully
Follow our Guest Caroline Farberger on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinefarberger
Website: http://carolinefarberger.com/
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone.
Website: www.andreapetrone.com.
Twitter: https://x.com/ie_andrea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/.
Follow The World Class Leaders Show and stay updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/
Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
⭐Listen now to learn from Caroline Farberger’s unique leadership journey and discover how you can lead more inclusively and effectively in a high-pressure environment. 💯

Nov 7, 2024 • 12min
161: High-Stakes Leadership: How Top CEOs Thrive Under Pressure
Are you feeling the weight of high-stakes decisions?
Do you struggle to stay resilient when the pressure rises?
In this episode, we’re diving into what sets great CEOs apart when it comes to thriving under pressure.
For CEOs, pressure is a privilege. It’s a sign that you’ve reached a place where your actions matter—and where the stakes are high. But not every leader knows how to turn that pressure into progress.
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Lead with purpose to keep yourself grounded
Set boundaries to focus on what matters most
Communicate honestly and promote a culture that values both performance and well-being.
Listen now and learn how to lead in a high-pressure environment.
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Oct 31, 2024 • 6min
160: Essential Leadership Skills to Build a People-First Culture That Thrives
Are you struggling to balance high performance with strong relationships in your workplace?
Could you be overlooking key elements that are vital for a thriving culture?
If you're seeking to create a workplace where success doesn’t come at the cost of people, you’re not alone. Many leaders aim to foster environments that support both individual and team achievements.
This episode explores how to create a culture that values high performance while ensuring that every team member feels valued and respected.
By tuning in, you will learn how to:
Recognize people who make your workplace better by building strong relationships.
Lead in a way that puts kindness and respect first.
Define success as a team effort, not just individual achievements.
Listen now and unlock the strategies you need to build a successful and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive!
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

Oct 24, 2024 • 7min
159: How to Master Resilience To Elevate Your Leadership (And Stay Focused)
Staying resilient as a leader isn’t just a skill, it’s a necessity.
So how do you keep moving forward when everything around you seems uncertain? In today’s episode, I’m going to share five powerful strategies to help you stay resilient, focused, and confident when the going gets tough.
Hi, I’m Andrea Petrone, and welcome to The World-Class Leaders Show. Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked closely with Fortune 500 CEOs and their leadership teams, helping them navigate uncertainty and lead through times of transformation. This podcast is all about giving you practical insights to help you lead better, perform better, and create a winning culture.
If you’re serious about building resilience and leading through uncertainty, don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Now, let’s dive into the strategies that will keep you strong, no matter what comes your way.
Episode Highlights ⤵
00:00 Trailer
00:47 Introduction
01:46 1. Focus on what you can control
02:48 2. Cultivate a growth mindset
03:42 3. Prioritise your well being
04:41 4. Stay flexible and adaptable
05:42 5. Lean on your support network
Stay Updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show
https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Connect with Andrea Petrone:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
#Leadership, #CEO, #Advice, #Business, #Leadership, #Executive, #Tips, #Leadership, #Pitfalls, #CEO, #Challenges, #Business, #Success, #Leadership, #Skills, #Executive, #Leadership, #Leadership, #Development, #Business, #Growth, #Leadership, #Strategy, #Successful, #Leaders, #Leadership, #Mindset, #Success, #Insights, #Tips, #Journey, #Coaching, #Business, #Leaders, #CEOLife, #CEO, #Leadership, #Ideas, #CEO, #Interviews, #Business, #Executive, #Mindset

Oct 17, 2024 • 51min
158: How Prioritizing Culture Helped One CEO Lead a Powerful Business Transformation with Lindsley Ruth
In this episode of The World-Class Leader Show, Andrea Petrone sits down with Lindsey Ruth, an award-winning CEO who led a groundbreaking transformation at RS Group, pushing the company from the FTSE 250 to the FTSE 100 in record time. Known for his unique approach to leadership, Lindsey dives into the strategies that helped him turn a struggling business into an industry leader. But what exactly was his secret?
For CEOs and aspiring leaders, Lindsey's story offers a fresh perspective on navigating high-stakes challenges. He shares surprising insights about why traditional CEO roles are evolving and reveals what it really takes to build a team that drives massive growth. Why does he believe that culture, not performance metrics, is at the heart of success? And how did he rally his team to embrace continuous improvement, even in uncertain times?
This episode also explores a question many leaders face: how do you keep pushing boundaries when success is already within reach? Lindsey hints at the mindset and actions that kept him striving for more, never accepting the status quo. Could his approach to leadership inspire a new path forward in your own organization?
Additionally, Lindsey opens up about the often-overlooked toll of leadership on health and family life. As CEOs deal with intense pressure, how do they protect their personal well-being and relationships? Lindsey offers candid reflections on the sacrifices made and how he found ways to balance it all. For leaders feeling the strain, his insights could reveal a path to not just success, but a sustainable and fulfilling leadership journey.
Episode Highlights ⤵
Get out from behind your desk early on. Go meet frontline staff and ask for unfiltered perspectives on the business to inform your strategy.
Culture change must come from within, not top-down mandates. Help people see the why before dictating the what. Buy-in beats forced compliance.
Your staff are your top stakeholders. Tend to their wellbeing and engagement first so they can deliver for customers.
Loneliness comes with the CEO job. Have an executive coach you trust as a sounding board for advice and accountability.
Take smart risks when complexity abounds. Stay open to opportunities along with self-awareness to thrive.
Reflect regularly by journaling pivotal leadership lessons. Review for continuous improvement.
Stay Updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show
https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
Follow Us for More Insights:
- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy
- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
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About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
Connect with Andrea Petrone:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
About Lindsley Ruth
CEO & Board Member, Global Business Transformation
Award-winning CEO and highly qualified industrial distribution executive Lindsley Ruth was most recently CEO of RS Group plc (formerly Electrocomponents plc), a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, where he was responsible for improving the financial performance of the Group and instilling a renewed focus on putting the customer and supplier back at the heart of the business. He led the turnaround of the underperforming business and, working with the broader team, created a strong vision and purpose for the company leading the company from the FTSE250 to the FTSE100 in six years. Lindsley increased sales by more than 300%, profit by more than 500% and increased the share price by more than 6X.
#WorldClassLeaderShow
#LeadershipInsights
#LearningOrganizations
#LeadershipExcellence
#StrategicGrowth
#ResilientLeadership
#SmartRiskTaking
#GlobalTalent
#CEOInsights
#IndustryInnovation
#Cultureatwork

Oct 10, 2024 • 8min
157: 3 Leadership Mistakes Killing Your Team’s Performance (and How to Fix Them)
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 video, 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.
Hi, I’m Andrea Petrone, and welcome to The World-Class Leaders Show. I’ve spent over 20 years helping CEOs and leadership teams from Fortune 500 companies navigate challenges and unlock their full potential. This podcast is all about sharing actionable insights to help you become a stronger, more effective leader.
If you want to take your leadership and your team’s performance to the next level, don’t forget to like and subscribe to the channel. Let’s dive into the top leadership mistakes and how you can turn things around.
Episode Highlights ⤵
00:00 Trailer
00:28 Introduction
01:40 Micromanaging
03:38 Focusing on tasks, not people
05:25 Lack of clear direction
07:17 Episode summary
Stay Updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show
https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
Follow Us for More Insights:
- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy
- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
-Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
Connect with Andrea Petrone:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
#Leadership, #CEO, #Advice, #Business, #Leadership, #Executive, #Tips, #Leadership, #Pitfalls, #CEO, #Challenges, #Business, #Success, #Leadership, #Skills, #Executive, #Leadership, #Leadership, #Development, #Business, #Growth, #Leadership, #Strategy, #Successful, #Leaders, #Leadership, #Mindset, #Success, #Insights, #Tips, #Journey, #Coaching, #Business, #Leaders, #CEOLife, #CEO, #Leadership, #Ideas, #CEO, #Interviews, #Business, #Executive, #Mindset

Oct 4, 2024 • 45min
156: The Secret to Transform Organizations into Learning Powerhouses with Ujjwal Kumar, Group President of Teradyne Robotics
Andrea interviews Ujjwal Kumar, Group President of Teradyne Robotics, in an insightful conversation about turning organisations into powerful learning machines that drive performance. They discuss how past experiences at companies like General Motors and GE shaped Ujjwal's leadership approach centred on resilience, execution, and staying relentlessly focused on solving bigger problems. Ujjwal shares his vision for accelerated growth at Teradine through customer adoption, strategic investments in startups, and potential acquisitions. He stresses the importance of building a culture that encourages smart risk-taking and frames failures as learning moments rather than personal shortcomings.
Episode Highlights ⤵
Draw talent with diverse perspectives from around the world to solve complex issues that benefit societies
Transfer learnings across industries to spot patterns and common links between end markets
Cultivate resilience through open communication and regularly confronting weaknesses or blind spots
Avoid complacency even in market-leading positions by staying attuned to inevitable disruption
Focus your career on depth of learning over job titles to build capabilities as an effective CEO
Lead with humility and executive stamina to calmly connect with all stakeholders
Stay Updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show
https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
Follow Us for More Insights:
- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy
- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
-Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
Connect with Andrea Petrone:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
About Ujjwal Kumar
Ujjwal Kumar is the Group President of Teradyne Robotics. The Teradyne Robotics Group includes Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), which build human-scale robotics, designed to work alongside people doing tasks that are dull, dirty, and even dangerous. Ujjwal has a 25-year career spanning multiple industries and major multi-national corporations, including General Motors, General Electric, and Honeywell. He has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.
#WorldClassLeaderShow
#LeadershipInsights
#RoboticsRevolution
#LearningOrganizations
#LeadershipExcellence
#StrategicGrowth
#ResilientLeadership
#FutureOfWork
#SmartRiskTaking
#CustomerDrivenSuccess
#GlobalTalent
#CEOInsights
#Teradyne
#IndustryInnovation
#HumilityInLeadership

Sep 26, 2024 • 45min
155: 5 Powerful Ways to Get Your Team Talking (And Why It Starts With You)
If your team isn’t speaking up, don’t blame them—look in the mirror. The truth is, leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about creating space for others to contribute and feel heard. In today’s video, I’m going to share five simple but powerful strategies to help you create an environment where your team feels encouraged to speak up and take ownership. These strategies start with you, not them.
Hi, I’m Andrea Petrone, and welcome to The World-Class Leaders Show. I’ve spent over 20 years working with Fortune 500 CEOs and their leadership teams, helping them perform better and lead through transformation. In this podcast, we break down what makes world-class leaders successful and provide actionable insights to help you become a better leader. If you enjoy the content, don’t forget to like and subscribe so you don’t miss any of the practical leadership tips we’re sharing.
Episode Highlights ⤵
00:00 Trailer
00:31 Introduction
01:08 Stop Dominating the Conversation
01:48 Ask Open-Ended Questions
02:28 Actively Listen
03:08 Create a Safe Environment
03:45 Step Back and Let Them Lead
Stay Updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show
https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
Follow Us for More Insights:
- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy
- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
-Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
Connect with Andrea Petrone:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
#Leadership, #CEO, #Advice, #Business, #Leadership, #Executive, #Tips, #Leadership, #Pitfalls, #CEO, #Challenges, #Business, #Success, #Leadership, #Skills, #Executive, #Leadership, #Leadership, #Development, #Business, #Growth, #Leadership, #Strategy, #Successful, #Leaders, #Leadership, #Mindset, #Success, #Insights, #Tips, #Journey, #Coaching, #Business, #Leaders, #CEOLife, #CEO, #Leadership, #Ideas, #CEO, #Interviews, #Business, #Executive, #Mindset
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