How do leaders build strong teams worldwide? We discuss the answers with Carol MacKinlay, Chief Human Resources Officer at Pebl (formerly Velocity Global). Her three decades of experience leading people strategies across diverse organizations gives her a unique perspective to that question. Carol shares career lessons from scaling global teams, insights drawn from her unconventional path into HR, and her perspective on the evolving future of work.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Today, we speak with Kerry Sirkka, Chief Recruitment Officer at Medical Solutions, about the challenges and opportunities of leading in one of the nation’s most competitive labor markets. Kerry shares her perspective on attracting, developing, and retaining talent in healthcare while navigating disruption and building resilient organizations. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on leadership, adaptability, and the future of staffing that apply whether you’re just starting your career, managing a team, or leading at the executive level.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Today's guest is Chief Human Resources Officer at Vertiv, Frank Poncheri. Together, we'll explore lessons from his decades of leadership across global organizations. Frank reflects on his journey from GE Aerospace and Owens Corning to leading HR at Vertiv, a Fortune 500 company with over 30,000 employees, and shares insights on balancing career opportunities with family decisions, cultivating resilience, and navigating international assignments. He also underscores the importance of business acumen, consistency, and building trust through a strong “say-do” ratio. Leaders at every stage will gain inspiration on how to align personal values with professional impact while driving transformation in complex, global environments.

Today on C-Suite Conversations, Patrick sits down with Aneri Jambusaria, Head of Wealth Management at LPL Financial, the largest independent broker-dealer in the United States. Aneri shares her career journey and the pivotal experiences that have shaped her leadership style, from navigating complexity and scaling innovation to building trust in a rapidly evolving financial industry. Listeners will gain insights into how she leads with clarity, balances strategic growth with client needs, and fosters resilience in a dynamic marketplace.

In today's episode of C-Suite Conversations, Patrick Leddin sits down with Trevor Baldwin, CEO of the Baldwin Group, to explore his rise from commercial risk advisor to the executive suite. Trevor reflects on his early experience in private equity, the leadership principles that shaped his path, and how Baldwin Group has built a thriving culture aligned around ambitious goals. He also shares practical insights on sustaining engagement, sharpening strategy, and leading with clarity in times of change.   Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, C-Suite Conversations delivers real-world perspectives to help you lead with greater confidence, alignment, and impact.

We often look to leaders expecting them to have all the answers until we step into leadership ourselves and realize that's rarely the case. More often, great leadership is less about always knowing the right answer and more about deeply caring for a cause. Join Enrique Toledo, former Chief People Officer at Modivcare, as he shares a refreshingly humble perspective on what makes a strong leader and why imposter syndrome might not be such a bad thing after all.   For more information, visit https://www.franklincovey.com/

Sébastien Page, the head of Global Multi-asset and Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and the author of Psychology of Leadership, joins Patrick Leddin to share what he’s learned when it comes to leadership, culture, decision making, resilience, setting goals, and so much more. Sébastien has spent decades leading in a demanding, fast-paced environment, and he brings a thoughtful perspective on how to lead with clarity and purpose.

Charles ”Chuck” Ferry—decorated combat veteran and CEO of both APR Energy and Duos Technologies—joins Patrick Leddin to share hard-earned insights from leading in the military and the private sector. He explores the transitions between roles, industries, and leadership contexts, including what he learned running both a public and a private company simultaneously. Ferry reflects on the importance of building trust with experts, identifying technical vs. leadership talent, and creating systems where people can thrive. He offers a clear model for evaluating team members—skill, will, and teamwork—and explains why investing in people development is essential to organizational performance.

Garry Ridge, former CEO and chairman of WD-40 Company, joins Patrick Leddin to explore how leaders can build enduring cultures rooted in trust, learning, and belonging. He shares how he transformed WD-40 from a household product into a values-driven organization with over 90% engagement. Ridge discusses the power of coaching over managing, the role of servant leadership, and how values can become daily decision-making tools. He also reflects on his leadership evolution and how to lead with heart and backbone.

Keith Wyche, seasoned executive and board director with over 30 years at companies like Walmart, IBM, and AT&T, shares hard-won lessons on how to truly advance your career. He breaks down the three key factors that drive success—performance, exposure, and perception—and why top results alone aren’t enough. Keith offers candid stories, including how self-awareness, coaching, and personal growth reshaped his leadership style, and how every action sends a signal.

Scott Ward, luxury hospitality executive, shares insights from his 25-year career leading iconic resorts—from the Caribbean to the mountains of Colorado. He discusses the power of listening, team collaboration, and problem-solving in turning around struggling resorts and creating memorable guest experiences. Scott also reflects on leading through industry disruptions, the importance of respect in leadership, and the balance between honoring history and driving innovation. Whether you’re in hospitality or any leadership role, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on trust, culture, and impact.

Jason Zintak, CEO of 6sense, shares insights on hypergrowth, AI-driven sales intelligence, and maintaining company culture while scaling from $5 million to over $200 million in recurring revenue. He reflects on lessons from his early career in sales, the importance of process and grit, and how leaders can leverage AI without losing sight of customer value. Jason also discusses the challenges of leading through rapid innovation, investor pressure, and post-pandemic workplace shifts—and why humility and teamwork remain at the core of effective leadership.

Amanda Davies, Chief Research and Development, Sustainability, and Procurement Officer at Mars Snacking, shares her journey from an 11-year-old fascinated by science to a top executive shaping innovation and sustainability at one of the world’s most recognizable brands. She discusses the power of curiosity, learning from frontline workers and farmers, and breaking barriers as a leader in STEM. Tune in to discover how she navigates complex global challenges, fosters innovation, and leads with purpose—while ensuring the future of beloved brands like Snickers, M&M’s, and Dove Chocolate.

Legendary fashion designer, Norma Kamali, shares meaningful lessons from her 57-year journey in the industry. From pioneering iconic designs like the Sleeping Bag Coat and Farrah Fawcett’s iconic swimsuit to embracing AI and technology in fashion, Norma shares her insights on creativity, adaptability, and leading with purpose. She opens up about overcoming challenges, embracing failure, and why staying authentic and curious is key to success in any field. This conversation will challenge you to think differently about your career, legacy, and impact.

In this episode, Dr. Steven Neil Kaplan, professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, delves into the qualities that define successful CEOs and the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions. Drawing from his extensive research in private equity, venture capital, and corporate governance, Dr. Kaplan shares the key characteristics that not only help individuals rise to the C-suite but also thrive once they get there—emphasizing talent, execution, and charisma. The conversation also explores how private equity firms and public companies approach acquisitions, the cultural complexities post-merger, and what truly drives success in these deals. Dr. Kaplan offers actionable insights for professionals at any stage of their career, highlighting the importance of delivering results and continuously evolving in today’s corporate landscape.

RSM US CEO Brian Becker shares his journey leading an 18,000-person firm and the lessons he's learned along the way. From his early career decisions to his approach to leadership, Brian emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and fostering a culture of collaboration. He discusses the evolving role of leaders in navigating complex challenges, inspiring teams, and maintaining authenticity in every interaction. Packed with actionable insights, this conversation will leave you reflecting on your own leadership journey and the values that guide you.

The whole person we bring to work matters. Acorns CEO Noah Kerner discusses this as he shares the fascinating journey of his career, from his early passion for DJing and hip-hop music to his transition into purpose-driven business ventures centered around financial empowerment, health, education, and the arts. Noah touches on the importance of discovering and aligning one's purpose, the value of creative pursuits even in executive roles, and the critical role of caring and understanding people as a leader. Noah provides insightful advice, encouraging listeners to reflect deeply on what truly matters to them and to stay true to their core purpose, even as their career progresses through different stages.

There is power in autonomy, competence, and relationships. O.C. Tanner’s Chief Marketing & People Officer Mindi Cox joins C-suite Conversations to outline these three critical elements that empower and engage people personally and professionally. Mindi discusses the importance of helping people see their “spark” – the unique talents and contributions they can make that go beyond just doing their job. She emphasizes the power of a generative mindset, where people are inspired to synthesize, create, and solve problems in new ways that benefit the organizations, sharing that aligning individual purpose with organizational purposes is critical for building an engaged, high-performing culture. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels on creating work environments centered on empowering people, fostering purpose, and driving sustainable growth through a people-first approach.

Atif Rafiq’s remarkable career journey - from early tech roles to pioneering the Chief Digital Officer position - offers a masterclass in embracing change, managing calculated risks, and harnessing collective intelligence to drive impactful decisions. Emphasizing the value of vulnerability, Atif underscores how acknowledging setbacks can elevate one's leadership prowess. His insights on integrating AI into organizational workflows and cultivating agile, exploratory decision-making processes provide a roadmap for future-proofing businesses in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This episode of C-suite Conversations features an insightful conversation with Libor Michalek, the President and Director of Affirm. Libor shares his extensive experience building and scaling successful startups, offering advice on what to look for when pursuing a big idea, the importance of building the right team and culture, and the challenges of managing hypergrowth. He emphasizes the value of being deliberate about decision-making, staying true to your company's mission, and leveraging your unique strengths as a leader.