Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Rob Hornby, Co-CEO of AlixPartners and Rita Clifton CBE, Portfolio Chair and Non-Executive Director (including Deputy Chair of the John Lewis Partnership, Chair of Simplyhealth, Chair of the international sustainability organisation Forum for the Future, Visiting Fellow at Saïd Business School University of Oxford, Fellow and former Trustee of WWF-UK, Board Trustee of Green Alliance and Criticaleye Board Mentor) join Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Bridgette Hall to discuss what it takes to lead successfully in a digital world. As technology continues to transform every aspect of business, leaders are under growing pressure to balance innovation with ethics, human connection and cultural change. Rob and Rita explore how leaders can build empowered teams, retain top talent and drive organisational transformation while navigating the complexities of AI, automation and data-driven decision making. Discussion points include: How technology is reshaping organisations and the ways executives and Boards lead The ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, data and automation – and how leaders can ensure inclusivity and people-centred progress The growing importance of human and empathetic leadership in a tech-driven era How traditional sectors can adapt, foster resilience and integrate new technologies without destabilising core operations The key traits leaders need to thrive amid digital disruption The role of Boards in supporting executives through digital evolution and complex decision making Why benchmarking and learning from peers is critical in a fast-changing environment Final reflections on how leaders can inspire cultural change and build teams equipped for the future

Episode 27: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Becoming a World-Class CEO: Insights from the Board   In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Bruce Cox, a Criticaleye Board Mentor and seasoned global leader with over 40 years of executive experience across the industrial and resources sectors. Bruce has held senior roles at BHP and Rio Tinto, and today serves as a Non-executive Director for several major organisations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. He brings deep expertise in governance, strategy and business transformation, helping leaders drive growth and navigate complex change. The conversation explores what it takes to be a world-class CEO from the Board’s perspective, focusing on how great CEOs build trust, engage effectively with their Boards and continuously evolve to meet today’s complex leadership challenges.   Discussion points include: What qualities and behaviours define an exceptional CEO from the Board’s perspective? How do Boards evaluate a CEO’s ability to lead through uncertainty and transformation? Which behaviours enable CEOs to maintain trust and confidence with their Boards? What mindsets and approaches help great CEOs influence and align their Boards? How can leaders continue to learn and evolve at the highest level?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Lucinda Charles-Jones, Non-executive Director & Chair or RemCo for Virgin Money and Rank Group (plus a Criticaleye Board Mentor) and Jim Devine, Group HRD, Spirax Group speak to us about some of the findings of our most recent research with Chief People Officers.  Discussion points include: Key challenges and opportunities for CPOs, HR Directors and CHROs in the year ahead How priorities have shifted for CPOs and HRDs and evolving expectations on their role around driving business strategy and shaping the culture The skills and personality traits needed to be successful in the CPO role Relationships with key stakeholders including the Board, the senior leadership team and workforce What approach CPOs are taking when it comes to implementing new technology and AI across their organisations

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Christopher Boerger, CFO of E.ON UK, joins Criticaleye’s Director of Content Marc Barber to discuss the evolving role of the CFO as a driver of innovation and growth. From balancing risk and return to embracing new technologies and leading through volatility, Christopher reflects on how finance leaders can unlock creativity and long-term value in large organisations. Discussion points include: What innovation means for a business like E.ON UK and how new ideas are brought to market The CFO’s role in supporting experimentation, investment and the freedom to fail Approaches to risk appetite and measuring ROI on new projects The reality of AI-driven change and what’s hype versus substance Why both large and small companies face challenges with innovation Balancing short- vs long-term thinking in today’s volatile environment Lessons learned from over two years as Country CFO lead at E.ON UK

Episode 26: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Succeeding as a Regional Leader in Asia   In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Lance Little, Head of Region for Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific. Lance leads a team of over 6,000 employees across 16 markets and brings more than 30 years of experience in building leadership teams, shaping organisational culture and driving growth across diverse countries, including New Zealand, India, Thailand and Singapore. Drawing on his extensive experience, Lance shares his insights on what it takes to lead at scale in Asia. He explores how leaders can build connected and resilient teams, navigate cultural and operational complexities and continue to grow and adapt in a fast-moving environment.    Discussion points include:  What leadership capabilities are essential for success across the region today? How can regional leaders build resilient and connected teams across culturally diverse markets? How can regional leaders maintain self-awareness and continue to grow while managing large, dispersed teams? How should leaders adapt their approach to meet the varying expectations and needs of teams across different countries? What strategies help leaders create a shared purpose and values that unite teams and support long-term success?

Episode 25: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Aspiring CFOs: What Boards Really Want from Their CFOs   In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Catherine O’Connell, a seasoned Board professional and Criticaleye Board Mentor. Catherine currently serves on the Audit & Supervisory Board at FUJITSU and recently completed a historic term on the board of TOYOTA as its first foreign female outside board member. She is also the CEO of her own boutique law firm in Tokyo, where she provides fractional general counsel services to global businesses.   Drawing on her extensive Board experience, Catherine shares valuable insights into how CFOs can meet rising expectations in the Boardroom. She explores what Boards truly value in their CFOs today, how the role is evolving, and what aspiring leaders need to focus on to have real strategic impact at Board level.   Discussion points include:  What qualities and capabilities are Boards in Asia prioritising in their CFOs today? How can CFOs build trust, credibility and influence with the Board? What role do CFOs play in shaping non-financial strategy? How can aspiring CFOs prepare for Board interactions and avoid common pitfalls? How can CFOs stay ahead of evolving Board expectations and add value as strategic leaders?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Martin Balaam, CEO of Pimberly and Jacqui Summons, NED/Fractional CHRO join Criticaleye's Senior Editor, Jacob Ambrose Willson to explore the demands of private equity ownership from driving value creation and managing Board dynamics to resolving conflict, keeping exit front of mind and leading under pressure in today’s challenging market. Discussion points include: The growing popularity of private equity as a route to business growth and the impact of current market conditions How the definition of success in PE has evolved and what value creation looks like today Boardroom dynamics in PE-backed businesses and the characteristics of high-performing Boards The role of the Chair and executive team in managing investor relationships and resolving conflict Keeping the exit in focus throughout the ownership cycle while driving sustainable growth Leading through the pressures of the exit process and the current macroeconomic environment

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Tea Colaianni, Senior Independent Director at Watches of Switzerland and portfolio Non-Executive Director, shares her journey from Chief People Officer to the Boardroom and the unique strengths HR leaders bring as NEDs. Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we explore the transition from executive to NED roles, the importance of effective governance, the evolving role of HR at board level, and what boards should focus on when it comes to culture, inclusion and the future of work. Discussion points include: Tea Colaianni’s career journey from law to Chief People Officer to Non-Executive Director Key challenges and lessons from transitioning into the boardroom after an executive career The unique value CPOs bring to boards and what’s holding more HR leaders back from NED roles What makes a Board high-performing and the responsibilities of a Senior Independent Director How boards can take meaningful action on culture, inclusion and diversity What boards are missing about the future of work and how HR leaders can prepare to step up

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Sangeeta Desai, Non-Executive Director at Boat Rocker Media and Board Mentor at Criticaleye, joins Matthew Blagg, CEO of Criticaleye, to discuss how senior leaders can bring clarity of direction and purpose to inspire high performance in today’s volatile and fast-moving business environment. Hosted by Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we focus on how Chairs and Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) can best support CEOs in navigating uncertainty, fostering alignment and accelerating strategic decision-making to ensure long-term success. Discussion points include: How Chairs and NEDs can support CEOs during periods of volatility and pressure The balance between long-term strategy and short-term pressures at Board level Where misalignment occurs across leadership teams and Boards and how to address it The role of the Chair in fostering alignment and high performance What pace means for effective leadership and decision-making How resilience and clarity of direction help leadership teams thrive under pressure

Episode 24: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - A Board’s Perspective on the Business Landscape    In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Benny Goh, Founder and Managing Partner of Parami Solutions. Benny also serves as Strategic Advisor and Non-Executive Director at Taqtik Health, Inc., Board Advisor to Pereira International and is a Criticaleye Board Mentor. With over 30 years of leadership experience across Asia, he brings deep expertise in corporate governance, sustainability and energy efficiency.   During their conversation, Benny shares his perspective on how Boards can navigate the increasingly complex business landscape in Asia, shaped by rapid technological change sustainability imperatives and geopolitical uncertainty. He also discusses how Board leadership is evolving to manage risk, seize new opportunities and foster long-term organisational resilience and adaptability.   Discussion points include: How can Boards balance effective risk management with the need to seize new opportunities? What role do Boards play in building long-term organisational resilience? How should sustainability be integrated into Board-level decision-making? How are investor expectations around ESG influencing governance? How can Boards foster innovation while maintaining stability in fast-evolving markets? In what ways is Board leadership adapting to drive adaptability and long-term value in Asia?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast In this episode, we hear from Deborah Frost, UK Chair of Mercer Master Trust and former CEO of Personal Group, as she shares her experiences in leading and transforming high-growth businesses. Hosted by Marc Barber, Director of Content at Criticaleye, Deborah draws on both her executive and non-executive experience. She highlights how innovation has been key to her success and explores how to build a culture that supports creativity while effectively managing risk. Key discussion points:  The critical role of innovation in driving business growth. Empowering management teams while maintaining strategic oversight. What investors typically seek in high-growth companies. How leaders can prepare effectively for investor scrutiny and due diligence. Common red flags that may deter potential investors. Key advice for CEOs preparing their business for the next phase of growth.

Episode 23: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Succeeding as a Regional CFO in Asia In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Echo Jin, Chief Financial Officer, Asia at Microsoft. Echo plays a crucial role in shaping Microsoft’s long-term strategy and business planning across the Asia region, working closely with the CEO to drive strategic development.  During their conversation, Echo shares her expertise on the evolving role of CFOs in shaping business strategy, managing cross-border teams and adapting to the rapid changes in the dynamic region. She discusses the unique challenges faced by finance leaders in Asia, as well as how the CFO role is expanding beyond traditional financial oversight to become a key driver of innovation and long-term organisational success.   Discussion points include: How does the role of a Regional CFO extend beyond financial oversight in shaping the business strategy? How do you influence key stakeholders to align and drive organisational decisions? What challenges do you face in leading cross-border finance teams? How do you see the CFO role evolving in the future, especially in terms of driving innovation? How do you envision the CFO role adapting to challenges in Asia?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast In this episode, we hear from Sean Latus, Group CEO at Calisen, as he reflects on his transition from CFO to CEO and the realities of leading a complex organisation in today’s business climate.  Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, Sean shares his journey into the CEO role, the key mindset shifts and challenges he faced. He reflects on staying strategically focused, evolving stakeholder relationships and offers advice for others transitioning from CFO to CEO.  Discussion points include:  Navigating the career journey from CFO to Group CEO. The motivations, doubts and decisions behind stepping into the top role. Shifting responsibilities and early challenges faced as a new CEO. Leading from the front without getting pulled back into the detail. Redefining relationships with the Board and other key stakeholders. Advice for CFOs transitioning to CEO – what to expect and what support is needed.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Alison Gowen, Group HRD at AG Barr plc and Neil Hayward, Chair at Skills Union, discuss how CPOs and senior HR leaders can effectively align strategic HR objectives with broader business goals. Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, we discuss the key priorities for HR leaders in 2025, the challenges of aligning HR with business objectives and how HR leaders can strengthen their influence at the executive and Board level. Key discussion points include: Key trends shaping the HR landscape and where leaders should focus to drive impact. Challenges and best practices for integrating HR initiatives with company objectives. How HR leaders can strengthen relationships with key stakeholders like the CEO, CFO and Chair. Strategies for overcoming resistance and increasing HR’s influence within the organisation.  Key metrics and the role of AI in tracking HR’s contribution to business performance

Episode 22: Criticaleye Asia Podcast - Navigating Stakeholder Management Across Borders  In this episode, Yu-Wen Hsiao, Marketing and Communications Manager, APAC at Criticaleye, speaks with Will Lv, General Manager, China, and Shanliang Wu, Senior Vice President of Finance, China, at Flywheel Digital, a company headquartered in the United States with a strong presence in China. Both leaders bring extensive experience in navigating cross-border leadership, stakeholder management and business transformation within China’s fast-evolving digital landscape.  They discuss the challenges of aligning global strategy with local market realities, building trust across diverse stakeholder groups and leading with cultural awareness. The conversation also explores how they adapt their leadership styles, balance regional and global priorities and respond to the demands of an increasingly complex business environment.   Discussion points include: How can leaders align global strategy with local market dynamics? What does effective stakeholder management look like across borders? How can trust be built and maintained between global and local teams? What leadership styles support collaboration across cultures? How do senior leaders stay agile and informed in rapidly evolving markets?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Brian Hayes, Chair of Bank of Montreal Europe plc and Booking Holdings Financial Services International Ltd, and Elisabeth Stheeman, Chair, Edinburgh Investment Trust plc offer their experience and advice to those looking to become a Chair for the first time. Hosted by Julia Brook, Marketing and Communications Director at Criticaleye, they discuss the obstacles to becoming a Chair, and talk about their own journeys to taking on the role. Discussion points include:  The initial hurdles to becoming a Chair - how to overcome them and be successful in the role Defining your style as a Chair, as well was setting the right tone in the Boardroom Starting out and how to assess the capabilities you have around the boardroom table Ensuring as a first-time Chair you stay connected and have the right reference points and contacts to excel in the role Handling a crisis situation as a Chair - what can you do to prepare for the unexpected?

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Paul Kelly, UK Country Co-Leader, Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners, Tamsin Todd, Non-executive Director, Auction Technology Group and Jon Lowne, Global Head of IT & Digital, Lightsource bp explore the key triggers that drive the need for change, how businesses can leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance and the common pitfalls to avoid. Hosted by Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, they discuss emerging trends, leadership strategies and practical advice for navigating digital transformation. Discussion points include:  Key triggers for digital transformation and its alignment with business growth strategies Common pitfalls businesses face during digital change Technologies shaping the next phase of digital transformation How leadership adapts and evolves during transformation Maintaining strategic oversight as a Non-Executive Director (NED) The value of mentoring for leaders navigating digital change  

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Vicky Wallis, Chief People Officer (CPO) at Direct Line Group and Jane Pateman, Non-Executive Director (NED) & RemCo Chair at Knights plc, explore the transition from a divisional or regional CPO to a Group CPO role. Hosted by Alexander Hanna, Account Manager & CPO lead, Criticaleye, they discuss the key competencies required, how aspiring Group CPOs can develop the necessary skills and the best ways to gain the right experience before stepping into the top job. Discussion points include:  What does it take to successfully transition into the Group CPO role? Key mindset shifts when moving from a divisional/regional CPO to Group CPO How new Group CPOs can establish trust and credibility with the executive team & Board Common mistakes first-time Group CPOs should avoid How leadership style evolves when stepping into the top job

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast In this episode, our first for 2025, we kick off the year by speaking to Criticaleye CEO Matthew Blagg about the trends, challenges, opportunities and risks for leaders over the next 12 months. He talks to Jordan Christofis, Senior Marketing Executive & Digital Lead at Criticaleye about the landscape for this year. Discussion points include:  What factors will influence performance and decision making this year? Why 2025 will be a growth environment with opportunities and capital available to well-run and productive organisations. Increased pressure on Boards  and why the gap between Boards and operational team may widen this year. The leadership traits needed to be successful in 2025. What support leaders will need - the importance to find ways of benchmarking and testing ideas in a challenging environment.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast Adam Warby, Chair of Ocado Group plc and Andrea Gisle Joosen, Chair of Bilprovningen & Criticaleye Board Mentor examines how Chairs can play a pivotal role in ensuring their Boards are equipped with the right skills and capabilities to navigate the challenges of today. Hosted by Marc Barber, Director of Content at Criticaleye, we highlight the importance of strategic succession planning, exploring how Chairs can build teams that are aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision and capable of driving sustained success. Discussion points include:  The evolving role of the Chair and why succession planning is critical How can Chairs ensure a plan is in place to map out future leadership needs beyond CEO succession? Succession planning that aligns with the organisation’s strategic priorities and long-term goals Gaps and opportunities on the executive team The role of NomCo in identifying strength and depth on the Board