“Ambition alone won’t get you to the top. It has to be matched with talent, experience, and resilience.”
Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey sit down with Kate Grussing, CBE, founder of Sapphire Partners and a leading voice in executive search and leadership diversity. Kate shares her insights from decades of working with CEOs and boards, exploring what it really takes to rise to the top, the pitfalls that derail leaders, and the importance of resilience and adaptability. From ambition and communication to succession planning and diversity, this conversation provides practical wisdom for both seasoned executives and ambitious professionals preparing for leadership roles.
Key takeaways
Effective leaders know when to step back, mentor successors, and avoid the trap of overconfidence.
Strong communication is essential, not just in speeches or media but in everyday interactions that build trust and credibility across the organization.
Diversity and inclusive leadership are not optional - they are essential for building strong, future-ready organizations.
Next step: Reflect on your leadership journey and ask yourself: Are you building the skills, networks, and resilience needed to thrive at the top?
About Kate
Kate Grussing is the Founder and Managing Director of Sapphire Partners, a leading executive search firm she established in 2005 to champion greater diversity in senior leadership and board roles. With deep expertise in CEO, CFO, NED, and Chair searches, she is recognized as a thought leader in human capital, diversity, inclusion, and equality, and was awarded a CBE for services to business in 2022.
Uplevel Your Career
Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/.
Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/.
About the Hosts
Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences.
MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.”
MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela).
Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd, is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors.
Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).
Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.
“I need people around me who are going to tell me when I’m wrong and explain why. That’s the only way an organization stays healthy.”
Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey sit down with Ken Tubman, Chairman of SAExploration and President of PPA Resources, to explore what truly defines effective leadership. Drawing on decades of experience in the energy sector and beyond, Ken shares candid stories about executive presence, the importance of listening, and the role of coaching in shaping leaders. His insights offer practical wisdom for both seasoned executives and ambitious professionals preparing for the top.
Key takeaways
Great leaders balance confidence with humility and always make space for opposing views.
No one has every skill, so the smartest leaders build teams that complement their own strengths and weaknesses.
Asking the right questions often matters more than having the right answers.
Next step: Reflect on your leadership style and ask yourself: are you truly listening to the people around you?
About Ken
Kenneth M. (Ken) Tubman is Chairman of the Board at SAExploration and President of PPA Resources, a strategic advisory for start-ups and established companies. He has held senior positions at multiple oil and gas companies, including ConocoPhillips, Marathon Oil and Veritas DGC. He is an active member of a number of professional societies and organizations, serving on multiple committees and boards. He earned a PhD in geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984 and a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Massachusetts in 1978.
Uplevel Your Career
Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/.
Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/.
About the Hosts
Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences.
MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.”
MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela).
Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd, is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors.
Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).
Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.
"Purpose, not money, is what drives the best CEOs. It is what makes their vision stronger and their teams more committed."
Juliana Garaizar, climate leader, venture capitalist, angel investor, and Kauffman Fellow, joins Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey to share what truly sets great CEOs apart. From building a powerful vision to navigating politics and scaling a business, Juliana offers practical lessons from working with more than 140 CEOs worldwide.
Key takeaways
Vision and Purpose Drive Leadership – A bold, clear vision is essential for attracting top talent and inspiring commitment, especially in the early stages.
Two Distinct CEO Journeys – Young, first-time CEOs often learn on the job, while seasoned executives bring process expertise and industry insight; both paths require adaptability.
Self-Awareness and Team Building – The best CEOs know their limits, hire smarter people, and foster a culture that values diversity, trust, and collaboration.
Next step: Reflect on your own leadership journey and identify one area where you can strengthen your vision, self-awareness, or team-building approach this week.
About Juliana
Juliana Garaizar is an experienced CEO with a proven history in venture capital and private equity. She is skilled in business planning, entrepreneurship, international business, venture capital, and strategic partnerships. A strong business development professional, she is a Kauffman Fellow and VC Include Fellow, focused on VC and diversity. Learn more at EnergyTech Nexus.
Uplevel Your Career
Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/.
Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/.
About the Hosts
Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences.
MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.”
MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela).
Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd, is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors.
Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).
Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.
"Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness and self-control. Only then can you lead others."
Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey unpack how to coach young leaders toward the CEO role, focusing on risk judgment, emotional intelligence, and the balance between technical skill and people leadership. They clarify the difference between mentoring and coaching, show how co-mentoring accelerates growth, and emphasize strategic influencing and direction-setting as core CEO skills. Through global case examples and a sports lens, they show how resilience, long-term goals, and cultural context shape readiness for the C-suite.
Risk calibration: Young leaders often swing between too bold and too cautious. Purpose helps guide decisions, but leaders must learn to size risks, own outcomes, and avoid copying playbooks that ignore ethics and long-term impact.
Mentoring vs coaching: Mentoring is content-rich guidance from experience. Coaching is content-light and question-driven, building self-awareness, self-management, and clarity on vision, influence, and next steps.
Resilience and influence: Resilience grows through long-term goals, practice, and recovery after setbacks. As leaders rise, strategic influencing and emotional intelligence move center stage, supported by role models, cross-mentoring, and culture-savvy communication.
Next step: Write your 12-month leadership vision in three sentences today and share it with one person who can mentor or coach you. For a bonus step, read the book Flourish by Martin Seligman.
Uplevel Your Career
Connect with MAC at https://www.redtreeconsultingllc.com/.
Connect with Liz at https://www.sparkleadership.co.uk/.
About the Hosts
Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences.
MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.”
MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela).
Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd, is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors.
Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).
Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.
“An ambitious person is not always impatient—but impatience is often the result of clarity, energy, and drive.”
In this episode, Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey explore the complexities of ambition - whether it's better to openly reveal or strategically disguise it on the path to becoming a CEO. They dive into how ambition is perceived differently across cultures, how it plays out in succession planning, and the fine line leaders must walk between demonstrating confidence and navigating politics. Through personal stories, global insights, and real corporate examples, they unpack what ambition looks like in action and why showing it - or not - can make or break your ascent to the top.
Key Takeaways
Next Step: Reflect on how your ambition is perceived within your company's culture - then adjust your visibility strategy to align with your CEO aspirations.
Uplevel Your Career
About the Hosts
Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences.
MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.”
MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela).
Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd, is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors.
Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).
Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.
"A CEO’s most valuable skill today isn’t just strategy – it’s adaptability and resilience.”
In this episode of Becoming CEO, Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey explore how executives and aspiring CEOs can adapt and thrive in today’s ever-changing business landscape. They dive into the cultural shifts shaping leadership today, from the power of language and communication styles to the biases surrounding accents, gender dynamics, and executive presence. With practical insights and real-world examples, this conversation is a must-listen for professionals ready to embrace the future with confidence and cultural awareness.
Key Takeaways
Next Step: Take five minutes today to reflect on one change in your industry. How can you shift your mindset to turn it into an opportunity?
Uplevel Your Career
About the Hosts
Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences.
MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.”
MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela).
Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd, is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors.
Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).
Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.
"Becoming a CEO isn’t just about skill - it’s about navigating the most complex political landscape in business."
In the inaugural episode of Becoming CEO, Dr. Maria Angela Capello and Dr. Liz Coffey dive into the challenges of stepping into the CEO role. From fierce competition and corporate politics to navigating the fears of an outgoing CEO, they uncover the unseen battles that shape the journey to the top. They also explore how succession planning, leadership development, and cultural dynamics play a role in the transition process.
Key Takeaways
Next Step: Consider your leadership strategy: How are you positioning yourself for growth while managing internal politics and external pressures?
Uplevel Your Career
About Your Hosts
Dr. Maria Angela Capello (MAC) is the President of Red Tree Consulting LLC and a distinguished leader in the energy sector. She spearheads initiatives in sustainability, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and geosciences.
MAC has held prominent roles at Kuwait Oil Company, Halliburton, and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The Italian Government has honored her with the “Star of Italy” knighthood, and UNESCO has endorsed her work, publishing her report “Geosciences in Action - Advancing Sustainable Development.”
MAC was recently conferred the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Author of more than 107 technical articles and four books, Capello earned her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK) in 2024, an MSc in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a BSc in Physics from Simon Bolivar University (Venezuela).
Dr. Elizabeth Coffey (Liz), Founder of Spark Leadership Ltd, is an internationally recognized leadership expert, lecturer, and author who develops CEOs, CEO Successors, and Board Executives of FTSE 100 and Global 500 companies. She has coached CEOs and their successors in a wide range of businesses and sectors.
Previously a Senior Partner in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Talent Consultancy, Liz held senior positions with Mercer Delta Consulting and The Change Partnership. In 2022-23, she was a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE, speaking to thousands of leaders across the energy sector in more than 50 countries about “How CEOs Lead for Success.”Liz has written several leadership books, including McGraw Hill's “10 Things That Keep CEOs Awake – and How to Put Them to Bed” (2002), Deutsche Bank's “The End of Tolerance?” (2001), and “The Changing Culture of Leadership – Women Leaders’ Voices” (1999).
Liz has received many awards over the past two decades, including an Honourary Doctorate (2024), Woman Super Achiever (2018), Mentor of the Year (2007), and the European Woman of Achievement Award (2001). She has worked in more than 40 countries, including extensively in several GCC countries.