Leaders have to make tough decisions and overcome adversity, often navigating through uncertainty and challenges along their leadership journeys. In this final episode of 2024, we’ll take a look back at the conversations we’ve had with the incredible leaders who joined us on Redefiners this past season to share their leadership stories and insights.  

Hoda and Simon dig into the Season 4 archives to highlight how guests have led, and in some cases redefined, their organizations in an unprecedented year of change. Topics include AI and tech transformation, CEO transitions, geopolitical uncertainty and national elections, boards, climate change and sustainability, and more. And continuing our end of year holiday tradition, Hoda and Simon put themselves in our guests’ shoes to answer some fun end of year rapid fire questions. 

Redefiners will return with more conversations with global leaders in January 2025, so be sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode!  

In the meantime, you can listen to and watch all Redefiners episodes at https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/redefiners or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Happy holidays! 

Change is something all leaders deal with at various points in their careers. Whether it’s technological change, organizational change, or perhaps even changing careers or industries. Our guest today has managed through all of that change and more. 

In today’s episode, Clarke and Hoda talk with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet and Google. Ruth shares her story of career change, transitioning from her long-time role as CFO at both Morgan Stanley and Google to leading investments and philanthropic efforts at Google. Through it all, she talks about how she’s led through both business and personal change and uncertainty – including the financial meltdown in 2007-2008 when she was with Morgan Stanley, the fast-paced change that comes with technology transformation at Google, as well as her own personal battle with cancer. She’ll also talk about the promise of AI, especially in science, healthcare, education, climate, and other key areas.  

We'll also hear from Robert Voth, a Managing Director in our Chicago office, who will discuss the critical challenge of CEO succession facing banking leadership today.  

Four things you’ll learn from this episode: 

1. How to lead through uncertainty and change 
2. What steps leaders can take to ensure they’re preparing their organizations and people for the changes AI will bring 
3. What skills organizations should look for when it comes to finding technology and AI-enabled leaders 
4. How to consider future-looking investment swings when there’s no guarantee they’ll pay off 

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

• Science Fiction to Science Fact: A Conversation with Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson 
• Reimagining Patient Care: A Conversation with Healthcare Innovator Ashley McEvoy 
• Trust Your Gut: AXA’s Thomas Buberl Talks Transformation and Reinvention 
• Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch 
• From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top 

We share how leaders can master the art of giving and receiving regular, effective feedback—and the benefits when they get it right. 

As the end of the year draws closer, you’re likely reflecting on your team’s performance—and how to give feedback that helps your leaders develop and improve. But, these types of conversations aren’t always easy to navigate.  

So, what skills are important to hone when giving feedback? And what are some of the common pitfalls you may encounter when having these honest conversations?  

But it’s not just about giving feedback. It’s also important that you’re getting the feedback you need to develop. So, how can you encourage honest, upward feedback? And what benefits will you see when you act on it? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Dee Fitzgerald, David Lange, and Silvia Lago—who share their perspectives on:   

• How to give actionable upward feedback 
• What to do when someone disagrees with you during a feedback session 
• The skills required to receive feedback effectively  
• How leaders can create a feedback-rich culture.  

“If the direct report feels like there's an environment of psychological safety…upward feedback actually becomes something that a direct report will offer regularly and proactively to their leaders.” 

David Lange, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.  

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.   

Four things you’ll learn from this episode  

1. Effective feedback focuses on specific behaviors, not personality. Frame feedback constructively to enable growth and development, avoiding subjective or contradictory comments. 
2. Creating a culture of psychological safety is essential for encouraging honest, upward feedback, which requires leaders to actively solicit input at all levels. 
3. It’s important to hone key skills, including actively listening to feedback, asking clarifying questions, and approaching it as a collaborative dialogue, rather than defensively. 
4. Integrating feedback into regular interactions, rather than relying on annual reviews, and seeking diverse perspectives through mentors or team debriefs, helps leaders continuously grow and innovate. 

In this 17 minute episode, we will cover:  

(1:32) How leaders can frame their feedback to ensure it’s delivered effectively. 

(3:09) Why it’s critical feedback is a two-way conversation. 

(5:06) What’s at the root of all effective upward feedback.  

(7:18) The two key ways CEOs can generate constructive, unfiltered feedback. 

(9:53) Why nothing should come as a surprise at an end-of-year review.   

(10:33) Why active listening is such an important trait for leaders receiving feedback. 

A closer look at the research from this episode:  

Walk the Talk: Inclusive Leadership Development Moves the Needle On DE&I | Russell Reynolds Associates 

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.   

It’s never been more important to get your personal leadership brand right as a leader. But, it isn’t easy to concisely articulate what you want to be known for and what your unique value proposition is.  

So, what is a personal leadership brand and how can you begin crafting it? How can you activate your leadership brand in the market? And, what are some of the common mistakes leaders make when cultivating their personal leadership brand?  

In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Jenna Fisher, Rafael Martinez Gallardo, Shoon Lim, and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Executive Producer of Redefiners Amy Scissons—who share their perspectives on:   

• The three key elements that make up a strong personal leadership brand. 
• How leaders can effectively activate their brand in the market. 
• The benefits when leaders get it right—for themselves and their organization.  
• The advice they have for emerging leaders who are starting to craft their brand. 

“I think earlier in one's career, there’s a tendency to want to be well-rounded and to try to hone things that perhaps you're not as naturally good with, and that's great. But I also think what's really important is to do the self-reflection, to figure out what is it that I am uniquely good at? What can I opine on to others? What can I be an expert at?” 

Jenna Fisher, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates.  

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.   

Four things you’ll learn from this episode  

1. Your leadership brand exists whether you shape it or not. Take control of your narrative by clearly defining your values, passions, and the legacy you wish to leave behind.  
2. Authenticity is key to a powerful leadership brand. Align your public persona with your true self to build trust and credibility. Don’t try to imitate anyone else. 
3. Don't just broadcast; interact. Your brand thrives on meaningful engagement with your community. Curate, create, and contribute to discussions to establish a dynamic presence.  
4. Your brand is a journey, not a destination. Continuously refine it through self-reflection, feedback, and intentional content creation. Remember, depth and consistency over time yield a robust presence. 

In this 16-minute episode, we will cover:  

(3.00) How a well-crafted personal leadership brand can differentiate you in a crowded marketplace. 

(3.47) The importance of clarity, congruence, and consistency when building your brand. 

(7.51) How much of what a leader shares should be personal. 

(8.12) How to identify what topics you should speak on. 

(11.17) One common mistake leaders make when creating their personal leadership brand. 

(14.04) Why there are no quick fixes to establishing your brand. 

A closer look at the research from this episode:  

Global Leadership Monitor 2022, Russell Reynolds Associates 

The New Leadership Portrait, Russell Reynolds Associates 

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.  

Not many CEOs would roll up their sleeves and ride on the back of a waste truck at 2am once a week for seven years. But for today’s guest, it was the best way to get to know his employees and learn first-hand what impacts their productivity in the field. 

In this episode, Waste Management President and CEO Jim Fish joins Simon and guest host Emma Combe – host of Redefiners’ sister podcast, Leadership Lounge – to dig into what it takes to run a $20 billion company working on the frontlines of sustainability. Jim shares his insights into the importance of putting people first and creating sustainable value through all phases of the waste cycle – from recycling and composting to producing renewable natural gas as a byproduct from landfills to running his waste fleet on natural gas. He also talks about his views on CEOs weighing in on social topics and the delicate balance leaders need to strike between having a personal opinion and the broader responsibility to shareholders.  

We'll also hear from Justus O’ Brien, a Managing Director in our Stamford office, who will outline what it takes to transition from the CFO role to the top seat.  

Four things you’ll learn from this episode: 

1. How to get your team on board with sustainability initiatives 
2. How to adapt your business to changing market conditions  
3. What it takes to create a people-first organization 
4. What is the CEO’s role when it comes to social issues 
5. How to balance and prioritize the many responsibilities and stakeholders a CEO has to manage 

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

• Putting Sustainability Talk into Action with former Enel CEO Francesco Starace 
• Leadership Lounge: Advice on when—and how—to weigh in on social issues 
• Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn 
• Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano 

Leaders today are operating in a business landscape with new issues, expectations, and pressures to contend with. This new world demands a new breed of leader.

So, how can you become a future-ready leader? What key skills will help you stand out and succeed in a fast-changing world? How can hiring managers identify whether leaders are ready for the role today—and are able to continue to develop and succeed in the role long-term?

In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Erin Zolna, Tobias Bothe-Hutschenreuter, and Dana Landis—who share their perspectives on:  

• The four foundational skills that are important for leaders to succeed today.
• How leaders can boost their staying power in the role through self-awareness and making time for reflection.
• Why continuous development is critical—no matter how senior a leader is. 
• The knock-on impact for diversity when hiring managers hire for potential and experience.

Four things you’ll learn from this episode 

1. When hiring your next leader, look at their readiness for the role today, but also their capacity to grow and evolve for when the operating environments inevitably shift. 
2. Curiosity, resilience, systems thinking, and social intelligence are key skills that you will want to ramp up to succeed in the long term.
3. The higher up you go in an organization, the less likely you are to think about yourself as someone who is growing and developing. But it’s important you continue to look for learning opportunities. 
4. Having a purpose and knowing your values as a leader is critical to not only your longevity, but the legacy you leave at an organization. 

A closer look at the research from this episode: 

The Future of Leadership

Season 4 - Ep. 10 | Driving Transformation with Volvo Cars President and CEO Jim Rowan | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds Associates

Global Leadership Monitor 

CEO Turnover Index 

Power, Influence, and CEO Succession (hbr.org) 

What does it take to transform a small regional traditional energy provider into a global renewable energy powerhouse? In today’s episode, Hoda and Simon are joined by the Chair of the Governance Board for Sustainable Energy for All and former Enel CEO Francesco Starace, who led the transformation of Enel from its start in electric generation in Italy to become a world leader in all renewable technologies, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal, operating in 30 markets. Francesco shares his insights into how he scaled the business, while keeping everyone’s focus on their north star of purpose and vision. He also talks about how Enel used a three-year-out timeline to make key decisions on strategic investments and how he uses technology and digital transformation to better serve customers.

We'll also hear from Rich Fields, a Managing Director in our Boston office, who will outline how boards can leverage the transformational impact of AI while being mindful of the significant risks.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

• Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn 
• Leadership Lounge: What do top-performing teams have in common? 
• Transforming the Energy Sector with Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli 
• Doing Well by Doing Good: Feike Sijbesma, CEO Emeritus of Royal DSM, on the Power of Bold Change 
• Feeding the World and Protecting the Planet with Yara International CEO Svein Tore Holsether 

In the last year, AI has moved from a boardroom buzzword to a business imperative. 

But, while some leaders have sprinted ahead in their AI adoption, others remain at the starting line. 

So, what skills are important to help you unleash the potential of AI? Why is AI a leadership issue? And how do you overcome barriers that might be preventing you from acting?

In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Tuck Rickards, Dana Landis, and Dan Cullen—who share their perspectives on:

• Why everyone in the organization must own AI—not just the tech department.
• The key reason why most tech transformations fail.
• The benefits and risks that AI poses for leaders.

A closer look at the research from this episode:

• Global Leadership Monitor 
• Leadership Labs | Russell Reynolds Associates

Being a first-time CEO can be a daunting transition filled with risk and opportunity, something that TCW Group President and CEO Katie Koch has experienced firsthand. In today’s episode, Clarke and Hoda talk with Katie about her career journey in the financial industry, from her early years as an intern at Goldman Sachs to becoming a first-time CEO at TCW. She shares what it takes to be a good leader and the skills needed to make tough decisions and take people where they may not want to go, including empathy, asking questions and listening, discipline of process, and the importance of having a great coach. She also shares her thoughts on how to navigate volatile global markets and the inherent friction of AI and business transformation. 

We'll also hear from Sean Dineen, a Managing Director in our Boston office, who will outline what it takes to succeed in the first few days and months as a new CEO. 

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: 

• Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano 
• Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO 
• In the Fast Lane: A Conversation with FIA CEO Natalie Robyn 
• Planting Long-Term Investment Seeds with Markel Group CEO Tom Gayner 
• Opening Hearts and Minds on Late Night News with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle 

No one is immune from burnout. Not even accomplished leaders. In fact, we often find that it’s the

highest performing, most passionate leaders who are most at risk from burnout.

So, what can you do to address this growing problem? What are the warning signs of burnout? And,

when a leader reaches burnout, what are the consequences for the individual and the organization?

In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Nic Cutts, Guylaine

David, and Henryk Krajewski—who share their perspectives on:

• How leaders can spot the warning signs of burnout in themselves—and their teams.
• Why it’s important leaders reframe their attitudes toward burnout.
• How leaders can avoid creating a burnout culture in their organization.
• How toxic positivity can lead to burnout.

A closer look at the research from this episode:

• World Health Organization, Burnout: An Occupational Phenomenon
• Russell Reynolds Associates, Redefiners Podcast, Season 2 - Ep. 18 | From Burnout to Performance: Creating a Culture of Resiliency (Re-Release) with Annastiina Hintsa, CEO, Hintsa Performance
• Russell Reynolds Associates, Executive Assessment & Benchmarking
• Russell Reynolds Associates, The New Wellness at Work: Improving Culture via Employee Wellbeing
• AXA UK and Centre of Economic and Business Research, The true cost of running on empty: work-related stress costing UK economy £28bn a year
• The Mindful Business Charter
• BBC News Lloyds boss: Mental health issues can break lives
• BBC News Jacinda Ardern to quit: ‘I no longer have enough in the tank’
• The Negative Impact Of Toxic Positivity In The Workplace (forbes.com)
• Why Six Hours Of Sleep Is As Bad As None At All - Fast Company