CXO Conversations

Mentorship and direct feedback can make or break a career. Sean Odendahl, Chief Transformation Officer, joins CXO Conversations to discuss how candid conversations, military discipline, and legal expertise shaped his leadership style. A must-listen for executives and future leaders.

For the full interview: https://ocns.co/sean-odendahl-partner-and-chief-transformation-officer/

#mentorship #executiveleadership #careergrowth #careerdevelopment #CXO

What makes a successful executive worth following? In this CXO Conversations episode, Rand Lewis—accomplished investor, co-founder of Delta-v Capital, and former McKinsey consultant—shares lessons from hiring and backing leaders across some of tech's most recognized companies, including Zayo, Iterable, and Chegg. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Rand explains the traits he looks for in candidates, why decisiveness and followership matter, and how building authentic relationships is just as important as financial investment. A must-listen for founders, CEOs, and aspiring leaders.

For the full interview: https://ocns.co/the-hallmark-of-a-great-leader/

#leadership #privateequity #venturecapital #executiveinsights #CXO

With over 24 years of experience in venture capital and private equity, Rand Lewis has seen what separates good leaders from great ones. In this episode of CXO Conversations, the Managing Partner and co-founder of Delta-v Capital—whose investments include Zayo, Cloud Sherpa, LogRhythm, Iterable, and Chegg—shares why he invests not just capital, but real relationships. Rand also offers candid advice to current and emerging CEOs, explains how he evaluates executive talent, and reflects on lessons learned from his early career at McKinsey and Centennial Ventures before launching Delta-v.

For the full 40 mins interview: https://ocns.co/the-hallmark-of-a-great-leader/

#leadership #privateequity #venturecapital #executiveinsights #CXO

From co-founding Techstars to authoring several books on startup leadership, Brad Feld has spent decades shaping the future of entrepreneurship. In this episode of CXO Conversations, Brad talks about the evolving role of boards, why supporting the CEO is a board's most critical responsibility, and how diversity and culture drive long-term success. He also shares stories from the Colorado Trail and a personal life experience that continues to guide him daily—offering both wisdom and humility for founders, executives, and investors alike.

For the full 40 mins interview: https://ocns.co/brad-feld-vc-boards-why-be-on-one-1st-timers-and-the-colorado-trail/

#startupleadership #boardgovernance #entrepreneurship #venturevapital #CXO

What does it really take to build an effective board and foster a thriving startup community? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Brad Feld—venture capitalist at Foundry Group, Techstars co-founder, and co-author of the released second edition of Startup Boards—shares lessons from serving on more than 30 boards (and why he'll never do that again). Brad also reflects on leadership, diversity, and culture in startups, plus a few personal stories—from hiking the Colorado Trail to the pivotal life experience that still shapes how he leads today.

For the full 40 mins interview: https://ocns.co/brad-feld-vc-boards-why-be-on-one-1st-timers-and-the-colorado-trail/

#startupleadership #boardgovernance #entrepreneurship #venturevapital #CXO

From Director to President overnight—Stephen Brown's career pivot is the stuff of bold leadership moves. In this CXO Conversations episode, Stephen tells the story of how one transition memo at Travelers Insurance turned into running an entire division in California. He opens up about the challenges of leading executives older than him, the importance of continuous improvement, and how he built the confidence to grow into the role. Now a veteran CEO, Stephen also shares the hard-won lessons and advice he'd give his 32-year-old self.

Tune in for actionable insights for anyone aspiring to executive leadership.

https://ocns.co/creating-the-president-role-for-yourself-at-32-years-old/

#leadershipdevelopment #executiveleadership #careeradvice #CXO

What happens when you propose leading a transition project—and instead get promoted to President overnight? In this episode of CXO Conversations titled "Creating the President Role for Yourself at 32 Years Old," Stephen Brown shares how a bold memo at Travelers Insurance changed his career forever. Thrust into leading an older C-suite generation at just 32, Stephen talks about overcoming self-doubt, continuously learning, and preparing himself for responsibilities far beyond his years. Today, as a seasoned CEO, he reflects on the advice 55-year-old Stephen would give his younger self, offering lessons every ambitious leader should hear.

For the full interview: https://ocns.co/creating-the-president-role-for-yourself-at-32-years-old/

#leadershipdevelopment #executiveleadership #careeradvice #CXO

Big news from CXO Conversations. After 70+ in-depth interviews with executives across the C-suite landscape, we're unlocking the best moments. Starting soon, you'll get 10-minute clips—actionable insights on leadership, hiring, growth, and navigating the C-suite.

These clips will give you a front-row seat to how leaders think, decide, and lead. Actional insight you can apply to your career growth.

Follow now so you don't miss the first drop of CXO Conversations Clips.

In this episode, host Michael Mitchel interviews Laura Hamirani, a speech language pathologist specializing in therapy for voice disorders. They discuss vocal executive presence and preventing vocal strain in the new Zoom culture. Laura emphasizes the importance of vocal warm-ups, breathing techniques, and vocal hygiene for maintaining a healthy voice. They also explore the impact of remote work and virtual platforms on voice issues. Laura shares advice on improving executive presence vocally and how it can prevent vocal cord strain.

Takeaways • Speaking in a comfortable pitch and controlling cadence can enhance executive presence. • Remote work and virtual platforms can contribute to vocal strain and voice issues. • Be mindful of vocal hygiene, such as staying hydrated and avoiding throat clearing. • Practice vocal warm-ups and breathing techniques to maintain a healthy voice.

An accomplished Soprano singer, Laura earned a Masters in Speech Language and Learning focusing on Pathology from Northwestern University. For over five years, Laura has been a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in voice disorders.

In this episode of CXO Conversations, Michael Mitchel interviews Anna Conrad, CEO of Impact Leadership Solutions, about executive coaching and the changing landscape of executive presence. They discuss the importance of reflection, self- awareness, and personal growth in executive coaching. They also explore how executive presence has evolved over the years, emphasizing the need for authenticity, connection, and integrity. Anna shares tips for projecting executive presence in virtual meetings, including being mindful of backgrounds, showing up fully, and being present. They also touch on the importance of concise communication and the power of silence in conversations.

Key Takeaways: • Executive coaching focuses on reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth. • Executive presence has evolved to emphasize authenticity, connection, and integrity. • Anna share tips for projecting executive presence in virtual meetings include being mindful of backgrounds, showing up fully, and being present.

Anna Conrad JD has been an executive coach for over 17 years. She is the Founder and moderator of Executive Voices, a panel series with leading senior leadership from Colorado's premier companies. Anna also teaches at University of Denver, a campus she knows well – she graduated from their DU law school.