CEO Reflects by CEO CF

Can you scale a company without losing its soul?

In this episode of CEO Reflects, Tony Wood talks with Neliya Macheva, Head of Talent and Culture at Dreamix, about the transition from a tight-knit startup to a scaling powerhouse.

Neliya pulls back the curtain on how to "architect" a culture that survives rapid growth. They discuss why culture is defined by how you treat people during the hard times—like bench periods rather than just the perks you offer during the good times.

In this 20-minute masterclass:

• Turning Points: How to spot when your "small biz" intuition is no longer enough.
• The Culture Test: Why Dreamix chose stability over layoffs to protect their values.
• Leadership Evolution: Shifting from a hands-on manager to a "leadership architect."
• Hiring Secrets: Why cultural fit always trumps technical skill.

What if one of your best employees started losing their vision… and didn’t dare to tell anyone? In this episode of CEO Reflects, Fiona Bordet is joined by Veronica Alves-Cardoso, orthoptist, to explore a topic leaders rarely address: vision impairment in the workplace.

Together, they discuss:

• Why vision loss is far more common than we think
• Why employees often hide it out of fear
• How unprepared companies really are
• What inclusive leadership actually looks like in practice
• Why inclusion isn’t about cost, but about mindset
• How AI can support — not replace — human contribution
• And how workplaces and events can become more accessible with small, concrete changes

This episode is not about disability. It’s about capability, dignity, communication, and humanity at work.

🎙 CEO Reflects is a podcast about leadership beyond titles — where business meets the human experience.

👉 Available now on Spotify and YouTube.

The Real Founder Life with Veera Amnelin-Kylämäki

Veera Amnelin-Kylämäki joins Tony Wood to share the real side of building Saaren Taika — from becoming the face of the brand to navigating vulnerability, energy, pressure, and growth.

A candid conversation on authenticity, resilience, and the unseen work behind a fast-growing D2C company. Perfect for founders and creators who want the truth behind “overnight success.”

Are we nearing the “GPT moment” for robotics?

In this episode, Tony speaks with Zoltán Dibó (Nortemsy) about how physical AI and autonomous robots will transform industries, workflows, and leadership in the years ahead.

We discuss:

• Which sectors will change first
• How robots will work alongside humans
• The new leadership skills CEOs will need
• Why experimenting with small robots now is essential

A concise, practical conversation for leaders preparing for the next wave of automation and embodied intelligence.

CEO Reflects — leadership for a changing world.

In a world obsessed with speed, optimisation, and AI-powered everything… what does it really mean to be human?

In this episode of CEO Reflects, Fiona sits down with Ludmila, an architect, wellness facilitator, and yoga teacher, to explore the balance between technology and humanity.

Together they dive into:

• How AI is reshaping daily life and leadership

• Why efficiency isn’t the same as presence

• The danger of becoming “better machines”

• Simple wellbeing rituals for busy leaders

• The power of silence, rituals, and human connection

• Advice for the next generation growing up with AI

This is a grounded, intimate conversation about belonging, purpose, and staying human in a world moving faster than ever.

Morocco is becoming a hub where leadership meets innovation: here’s what that means for entrepreneurs and deep tech. In this conversation, Radouane and Tony share insights on leadership, innovation, and Morocco’s growing role in the global business landscape, all just one month ahead of the CEO CF Fall Summit in Marrakesh.

📌 Topics we explore:

• The opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in Morocco

• How deep tech is shaping leadership and strategy

• Why community and peer exchange matter more than ever.

Stay tuned for more stories and reflections leading up to the Fall Summit in Marrakesh. #Entrepreneurship #DeepTech #Leadership #Morocco #CEOCF #Summit

In this episode of CEO Reflects, we dive into the world of generative AI with Dan Rupprecht to explore how this technology can empower service providers to elevate their offerings. Dan discusses the transformative potential of AI, from personalized client experiences to innovative problem-solving capabilities, and what it means for the future of customer service.

In this episode of CEO Reflects, we dive deep with Attila Csikász-Nagy, professor and biotech entrepreneur, to explore the challenges and rewards of navigating both academia and the startup world.

As the founder of Cytocast, Attila shares his insights on revolutionizing drug development and the complex journey of bringing scientific innovation from lab to market. Discover the balancing act between teaching and groundbreaking research, and how Attila’s work at Cytocast is transforming healthcare.

Stay tuned for an inspiring discussion that merges science, innovation, and entrepreneurship! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #CEOReflects #Biotech #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Cytocast #Leadership

Recording of our Fireside Chat in Milan with Constantin Pavléas, Daniel Rupprecht and Radouane Oudrhiri, where we explore AI's bright future and hidden risks. Our panel of experts delves into how AI reshapes industries, ethical challenges, and strategies to mitigate risks. Discover the balance between innovation and integrity in this crucial conversation.

Engage with us: like, share, and comment your views on AI's impact. #AIFuture #EthicsInAI #MilanTalks

In this episode of CEO Reflects, we sit down with Gautam Basu, Managing Partner & co-founder of True North Search, to explore the pivotal role of Operations Leadership in the ascent to CEO. This discussion promises to offer valuable insights for anyone interested in the dynamics of leadership and the path to becoming a CEO. Tune in to discover why the future of effective leadership might just be operational.