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.

There is value in moving outside your comfort zone and the functional area of your work to gain a deeper understanding of the business as a whole. Sanofi Chief Learning Officer Wanda Shoer joins C-suite Conversations to share how she intentionally works to be a more well-rounded leader. Wanda suggests challenging the status quo and driving innovation, even in highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance. She emphasizes asking thoughtful questions and envisioning the ideal future state and speaks to the importance of honesty about what you know and don't know, bringing enthusiasm and energy, and ensuring everyone enjoys the journey.

Be kind, be fast, and be disruptive. This is a glimpse into the key takeaways offered up by Brandtech Group Founder and CEO David Jones. David provides a compelling overview of how generative AI is poised to revolutionize marketing and business, describing it as potentially "bigger than the industrial revolution." He outlines several key reasons why generative AI will be a game-changer, including the massive investments from tech giants, the surging interest and valuations from investors, and the rapid adoption by consumers. David emphasizes that generative AI is not just a future possibility, but is already being leveraged by leading brands today to create content and ads faster, cheaper, and more effectively.

When harnessed effectively and in symphony, trust and ambition can elevate a company to new heights. The team at FranklinCovey knows that a high-trust culture is the foundation for a successful organization, and the same value is withheld by Mark Douglas in his work as the Founder and CEO of MNTN. Mark provides advice for leaders looking to spur innovation and progress in their organizations, emphasizing the need to identify and empower the "chief innovator" and to be willing to let go of tasks that others can handle better.

Follow the journey through Tim Massa’s impressive career, from his early days at Procter & Gamble to his transformative experience as an expatriate in Poland, and finally to his current role leading Kroger's people strategy as SVP and Chief People Officer. Tim shares valuable insights on the importance of developing talent, building a strong organizational culture, and approaching challenges with humility and adaptability. He emphasizes the significance of aligning purpose, values, and business priorities, and how this has been instrumental in Kroger's success, even during turbulent times like the COVID-19 pandemic.