In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels sits down with Alan Hepburn—CEO advisor, hospitality veteran, and YPO Singapore Integrated member who has spent over three decades shaping leadership across Asia—to explore what it truly means to lead without borders. They discuss why cultural intelligence is becoming the new leadership currency, how global CEOs can intentionally build trust, communication, and teamwork across cultures, and why diversity of thought is the key to innovation and agility in an age of AI. Alan shares grounded insights on adapting across continents, leading with authenticity, and building organizations that thrive beyond limits and beyond borders.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Cultural intelligence is the new leadership currency in a borderless world.

• Trust, communication, and teamwork are the foundation of any high-performing global culture.

• CEOs—not just IT leaders—must take ownership of their organization’s AI strategy.

• Diversity of thought, not just demographics, drives innovation and agility.

• Effective boards welcome challenge and disagreement to spark better decisions.

• Vulnerability and authenticity are strengths that build trust and connection.

• Leaders must create intentional spaces for dialogue across levels and regions.

• In a fast-changing world, agility and curiosity—not fixed five-year plans—define success.

  
  

Learn more about Alan Hepburn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-hepburn-8a552a3 

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels sits down with Rami Elghandour—engineer, investor, and YPO Global member who grew Nevro into a $3B company and now leads Arcellx—to talk about what it really takes to build a company that lasts. They dive into why alignment between vision and execution is so often missing, how leaders can build cultures that encourage innovation and risk-taking, and why diversity in leadership isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a real competitive edge. Rami shares honest insights on hiring for potential, connecting people to purpose, and building companies that don’t just succeed, but make a lasting impact.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Leaders need to align purpose, people, and performance to build lasting impact.

• Creating space for risk and failure is key to driving meaningful innovation.

• Hiring for potential—not just experience—can unlock exceptional talent.

• Recognition and visibility help employees connect their work to the bigger mission.

• Diverse leadership isn’t a checkbox—it’s a competitive advantage.

• A strong sense of purpose fuels engagement, resilience, and growth.

• CEOs and boards play a critical role in shaping inclusive, high-performing cultures.

• Tools like town halls, diverse candidate slates, and clear communication help build alignment.

Learn more about Rami Elghandour:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramielghandour 

Website: https://ramielghandour.com 

Website: https://www.arcellx.com 

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

Transforming Employees Who Stop Caring: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give It Their All | Creating Cultural Commitment That Lasts: Leadership Lessons on the Secret to Sustained Growth and Team Ownership | The Power of Building a Resilient Enterprise: Attracting Top Talent and Maintaining High Performance

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels sits down with Dave Garrison—seasoned executive, YPO Pacific One member, and author of The Buy-In Advantage—to unpack the silent crisis of employee disengagement. Together, they explore why disconnection at work isn’t a people problem but a systems issue, and how leaders can shift from command-and-control to cultivating cultures of deep commitment. Dave shares practical, human-first strategies to transform workplace culture, foster resilience through uncertainty, and empower teams through purposeful leadership.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Disengagement is a systems problem, not a people issue.

• Leaders often unintentionally stifle ownership by giving answers instead of asking questions.

• Factors that have reshaped workplace expectations.

• Culture must be prioritized even in high-growth or transition periods to prevent erosion.

• Effective leadership means defining desired outcomes and co-creating solutions.

• Drama-free problem solving fosters trust and efficiency.

• Recognizing and honoring employees as people builds authentic connection.

• Reassurance through clarity of purpose helps teams navigate uncertainty.

• Resilient cultures thrive on shared values, proactive engagement, and psychological safety.

Learn more about Dave Garrison:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-garrison-growth 

Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Dave-Garrison/234929794 
Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

The Future of Humanizing Technology: Bridging the Gap Between Human Emotions and Machine Learning | Implementing Leadership Synergy: Aligning Strategy with Tech Innovation | The Power of Empathetic Connection: Digging Deeper into Self-Connection, Human-to-Human Connection, and Human-Machine Partnership

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels delves into the human side of artificial intelligence with the pioneering Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, co-founder of Affectiva and General Partner at Blue Tulip Ventures. Rana shares her personal journey, from homesick student to global AI leader, and how that experience sparked a mission to humanize machines. They unpack how emotion AI is reshaping leadership, consumer insights, and mental health, while challenging long-held notions about emotion in the boardroom.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• The importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in both leadership and technology.

• The concept and development of emotional AI, or “emotion recognition” technology.

• Real-world applications of emotional AI in business, including consumer insight, team engagement, and mental health.

• The role of empathy and vulnerability in effective leadership.

• Ethical development and deployment of AI, with a focus on mitigating bias and respecting privacy.

• The need for human-centric AI that enhances connection rather than diminishes it.

  
  

Learn more about Dr. Rana el Kaliouby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliouby/ 

Website: https://ranaelkaliouby.com/ 

Website (Affectiva): https://www.affectiva.com/ 
Learn more about Diana Daniels:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/

Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

Unleashing Leadership Abilities: Transitioning from Employee Mindset to Ownership Mindset | Building a Winning Culture: The Power of Employee Ownership and Driving Growth, Innovation, and Success | Gaining Actionable Insights and Strategies: Implementing the Ownership Mindset in Your Life & Organization

In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels explores the power of employee ownership with visionary guest Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge. Kerry shares her journey of leading an employee-owned company to success, from implementing an ESOP to cultivating a culture of accountability and innovation. They unpack the strategies behind creating a true ownership mindset, discuss the ripple effects on growth and employee engagement, and highlight lessons on leadership, trust, and resilience.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Key benefits of broad-based employee ownership and its impact on company culture.

• Recognizing the right time for businesses to implement ownership structures.

• The importance of framing ownership as empowerment, not just compensation.

• Challenges of ownership programs and navigating tax implications for employees.

• Building a culture: aligning values, training, and performance systems.

• How self-awareness and personal responsibility are critical for leaders.

• Advice on overcoming self-criticism and embracing a positive inner dialogue.

• Practical steps to cultivate an ownership mindset, starting with trust.

  
  

Learn more about Kerry Siggins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/

Website: https://www.stoneagetools.com/ 

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

Unleashing Leadership Abilities: Transitioning from Employee Mindset to Ownership Mindset | Building a Winning Culture: The Power of Employee Ownership and Driving Growth, Innovation, and Success | Gaining Actionable Insights and Strategies: Implementing the Ownership Mindset in Your Life & Organization

In this episode, Diana Daniels dives into the power of strategic alliances and bold innovation with powerhouse guest, Belen Romero. As the leader of Uber's mobility operations across 12 countries in Latin America, Belen shares her journey of revolutionizing transportation through groundbreaking partnerships and risk-taking strategies. From collaborating with traditional taxi companies to fostering a culture of innovation, Belen offers insights on leadership, sustainability, and the future of urban mobility. 

Here are the things that we talked about:

Benefits of "competition" (cooperative competition) for companies, users, and governments.

Creating a culture that embraces failure and iterative learning.

Risk assessment and mitigation strategies using data and experimentation.

Moving from a zero-sum game mindset to value-sharing partnerships.

Electrification and earnings opportunities as pillars of sustainable transport.

Perspective on sustainability encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Advice for balancing innovation, risk-taking, and long-term vision.

Learn more about Belen Romero:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbromero/
Learn more about Diana Daniels:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/

Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

In this episode,  Diana Daniels speaks with Dr. Rebecca Homkes, advisor to CEOs and faculty member at London Business School and Duke Corporate Executive Education. They discuss how leaders can thrive in uncertainty, with Dr. Homkes sharing insights from her book, "Embracing Change to Thrive Through Uncertainty." She highlights the value of reframing uncertainty as opportunity, learning quickly, and staying agile while pursuing a clear growth strategy.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• The role of leaders in guiding teams to view uncertainty as a learning opportunity.

• Balancing speed with strategic alignment to avoid chaos.

• Incorporate continuous learning by adding "what did we learn" discussions to weekly meetings.

• Setting clear objectives while allowing teams the freedom to explore solutions.

• The importance of being upfront about what is known and unknown.

• Embedding learning and experimentation in company culture.

Learn more about Dr. Rebecca Homkes:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-homkes/Website: https://www.rebeccahomkes.com/

Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

In this insightful episode, Diana Daniels speaks with Shweta Sharma about how leaders can integrate emotional intelligence and mindfulness into their corporate strategies for sustainable leadership. Drawing from decades of experience in global organizations like Procter & Gamble, Shweta provides valuable insights into preventing executive burnout, fostering healthier workplace dynamics, and using mindfulness to enhance business results.

Here are the things that we talked about:

• Knowing the early signs of burnout: insomnia, inability to focus, frequent energy dips.

• Preventing by focusing on aligning work with personal values and purpose.

• How mindfulness helps in navigating crises and making business pivots.

• Integrating mindfulness into meetings (e.g., grounding exercises).

• Emotional intelligence & mindfulness tools: Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Healthy Minds for beginners.

• Self-awareness and emotional regulation, including understanding emotions and their impact on others.

Learn more about Shweta Sharma:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shweta--sharma/
Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/

Digital Transformation for Accessibility: Discussing the role of digital technologies in enhancing accessibility for the blind and partially sighted, and how RNIB Enterprises is leveraging these advancements. Innovation in Social Enterprise: Exploring innovative product and marketing strategies that meet commercial objectives while maximizing social impact, particularly those that enhance the participation of blind and partially sighted people in society. Fostering a Culture of Inclusion: Offering strategies and personal leadership philosophies on creating an inclusive environment that empowers employees and stakeholders, reflecting on the unique challenges and opportunities in the context of disability.

Join Diana Daniels, YPO Greater Europe member and CEO and Founder of Cronos Group, in an enlightening episode of the Leader of Leaders Podcast as she converses with Aline Gomez-Acebo, the CEO of ENIAX, about mastering mindful leadership. Discover Aline’s journey from childhood dreams to pioneering the use of AI in reducing patient absenteeism in medical settings. Learn about the concept of “executive intelligence.” Aline also delves into innovative sustainability practices, including generating energy from potato peelings and converting kitchen oil to biodiesel. 

In this episode, you will learn the following :

• Concept of “executive intelligence,” a blend of drive, determination, traditional IQ  and emotional intelligence essential for effective leadership and business success.

• How integrating psychological insights and emotional intelligence into leadership can enhance team performance and productivity.

• Innovative sustainability solutions like generating energy from potato peelings and converting kitchen oil to biodiesel.

• Essential leadership qualities such as time management, empathy, teamwork, and resilience and their importance in modern leadership.

• The need for flexibility and resilience in leadership to adapt to the future work environment.

• How AI and technology can be used to automate mundane tasks, allowing leaders to focus on strategic growth and human centric activities.

• Strategies for integrating sustainability into business practices, aligning it with financial goals for long-term success. 

• Real world examples of how companies are implementing sustainable practices and reaping benefits, such as using waste materials for energy generation.

Visit Aline Gomez-Acebo’s social media pages:

Website: https://eniax.care/en/ 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alinegomezacebo  

Learn more about Diana Daniels and her social media pages: 

Cronos Group: https://cronosgroup.net/

YPO Leadership Development Network: https://www.ypolearningtoolkit.org/ 

YPO Greater Europe: https://www.ypo.org/europe/  

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/diana_daniels 

Diana and Susan discuss the actions that must be taken to develop skills when opportunity knocks on your door. Listen to Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb's Country Director for Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania, to discover more about technical advancements and overcoming hurdles.

In our latest episode, Naom Yasour (YPO London), thoroughly discusses the use of AI in leveraging the organizations more efficiently and how technology advancement will support amidst the rapid changes in the industry.

In the latest episode, tune in as Diana shares a fruitful discussion with Monica Flores, the President of Latin America of ManpowerGroup, responsible for the operation of 18 countries. With her observations, Monica discusses the changes happening in the workforce and why it is essential now to have a leader that possesses the 21st century skills in finding and retaining the best talent. Join them as they explore more about a lead by example journey and what it takes in building a career path expected in the 21st century only here on Leader of Leaders Podcast!

In this episode, digital pioneer Dominique Gibbert, shares his story of disrupting the status quo and changing the way we think about health care. He shared about how he and his team at Webpm Munich adapted their business during the COVID pandemic in order to remain on top of the digital pathology space, increase in company efficiency and safety in pathology laboratories by digitizing and automating the process, and his company’s production of COVID testing kits and supplies during the pandemic in order to help those in need. Are you ready to hear about how he disrupted his industry with digital transformation? Tune in as Dominic talks about his journey only here on Leader of Leaders Podcast!

In our latest episode, we are joined by Patricia Pomies (YPO Madrid), the COO of Globant, an IT and Software Development company operating in 18 countries around the globe. She led the success of scaling the startup to a multinational company by building the team’s DNA. Pomies advocates for Women in Business, making her one of the most respected female executives in her field. Are you ready to be inspired in this episode? Tune in as Patricia talks about her journey only here on Leader of Leaders Podcast!

Welcome back to another season of Leader of Leaders Podcast, brought to you by YPO Leadership Development Network and hosted by Diana Daniels of YPO Greater Europe. To welcome another season we have Fred Mouawad (YPO SEA Angels Integrated), the Chief Executive Officer of Synergia One with operations in sixteen countries. As a serial entrepreneur, he discusses what pushed him to expand beyond his family’s jewelry business (which supplies the jewels for the Miss Universe pageant!) and how having an understanding of cultural considerations has played an important role in his success. Are you ready to be inspired in this episode? Tune in as Fred talks about his journey and passion for entrepreneurship.

Welcome to the pilot episode of Leader of Leaders Podcast’s second season, brought to you by YPO Leadership Development Network and hosted by Diana Daniels of YPO Greater Europe. To welcome another season we are joined by Olena Malysnka (YPO Kyiv Integrated), CEO of Women Political Network. Olena has over 20 years of top executive experience in both the United States and Ukraine and in this episode, we’ll talk about how the recent events in Ukraine honed her as a leader. What are the lessons she learned as a leader in the midst of the Russia- Ukraine war? Tune in as Olena talks about this more only on Leader of Leaders Podcast!

Welcome to the season finale of the Leader of Leaders Podcast, brought to you by YPO Leadership Development Network and hosted by Diana Daniels of YPO Greater Europe. In this episode, Diana talks with Adriana Dominguez (YPO Madrid). She became the Executive President of her family’s fashion empire, Adolfo Dominguez, during the height of the pandemic and has been leading her company’s transformation through sustainability, digital innovation and profitability as its main pillars. Listen and learn how she did it while maintaining the family values her business was built on.

Welcome to another episode of Leader of the Leaders Podcast brought to you by YPO Leadership Development Network and hosted by Diana Daniels of YPO Greater Europe! In this episode, we invited Gerardo Segat of YPO North Star Integrated. He has been a leadership coach since 2015. He’s also a member of YPO since 2013 and he is currently Founder and Mentoring Officer of YPO North Star, Chapter Chair of YPO Gold Italy and Founder and Chapter Chair of YPO Southern Switzerland. Are you ready to learn how leadership evolves to leaderness? Tune in to our tenth episode and don’t forget to give us 5 stars if you loved this episode.

This is another episode of Leader of the Leaders brought to you by the YPO Leadership Development Network and hosted by Diana Daniels of YPO Greater Europe. Listen in as she features Isak Pretorius,the founding partner and CEO of Afriscope, a business providing end-to-end business development, strategy and facilitation services to African businesses and businesses wanting to enter African markets. In this episode, Isak shares the importance of the organization’s human resources in the business structure and strategy, giving them the chance to contribute based on their own skill set. Tune in to Episode 8 to hear more of his valuable insights only here on Leader of the Leaders!

DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed by the podcast creators, hosts, and guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of Podcast Network Asia, the hosts of the program or other programs of the network. Any content provided by the people on the podcast are of their own opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.