Rethink Change

How do you get people to believe in something they can’t yet see? It starts with conviction, an unshakable belief in the problem you are solving and the future you are building. When you pour that clarity into one meaningful problem at a time, selling the vision becomes less about persuasion and more about helping others recognize what is possible, especially in fields where progress directly affects people’s health and quality of life. Our guest this week brings that kind of focus to every stage of innovation.

In this episode of Rethink Change, Matt and Ward chat with Westbrook Weaver, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tempo Therapeutics. Dr. Weaver brings more than 7 years of executive management experience and 15 years of life sciences R&D experience to Tempo. He is an inventor of the microporous annealed particle (MAP) core technology that is the basis of Tempo’s product pipeline. With deep expertise in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomaterials, Westbrook brings a unique capability critical to Tempo’s mission at the intersection of materials, medicine, and immunology.

Throughout their conversation, Dr. Weaver reflects on what it truly takes to lead a medtech company built on breakthrough science and unrelenting uncertainty. He explains how he translates complex biomaterial technology into clear value for clinicians, investors, and regulators, and how staying disciplined around a single real-world problem became the turning point for Tempo’s growth. 

He also shares why embracing risk, listening deeply, and surrounding yourself with experienced operators are essential skills for anyone looking to lead in a highly regulated, innovation-driven industry.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro to Guest: Dr. Westbrook Weaver and Tempo Therapeutics

02:30 Challenges in Biotech: Finding the Right Problem to Solve

04:03 Simplifying Tempo's Mission: Improving Lives of Skin Cancer Survivors

06:10 Tempo's Innovative Solution: Synthetic Biomaterials

07:28 Commercialization Strategy and Market Challenges

11:27 Expanding Applications: Future Directions for Tempo's Technology

19:05 Lessons Learned: Imposter Syndrome and Team Building

22:40 Navigating Change: From Scientist to CEO

35:30 The Importance of Regulatory Bodies and FDA

37:02 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Topics Discussed: 

• Focusing on solving one problem at a time
• Getting clear on identifying problems and finding the right solutions
• Why imposter syndrome never truly goes away as a Founder and CEO
• Finding the right people who are willing to take on big risks with you
• How to sell a vision that means something (to both doctors and their patients)
• The biggest risks in early startups and learning how to pivot overnight
• 
  

Connect with Dr. Westbrook Weaver: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westbrook-weaver-b106ab17/ 

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

Some leaders grow through intention. Others grow through fire. And then there are leaders like Julia Chapman, who evolve through a rare combination of curiosity, serendipity, and the willingness to tackle problems most people would run from. Our guest this week doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. She uses her engineering mindset to run full force into challenges and leads her team to do the same. 

In this episode of Rethink Change, Julia Chapman, Vice President of Program and Portfolio Management at Latigo Biotherapeutics, takes us inside a career shaped by unexpected pivots, from filing records in a Novartis plant to designing pandemic response frameworks that later influenced global vaccine development. 

Throughout their conversation, Julia talks openly about what it takes to lead in an industry filled with uncertainty. She explains how she breaks down complex scientific challenges, how she communicates value to investors who expect clear direction, and how she’s learned to step back as a leader so her team can step forward. She also shares why understanding the problems above your role is one of the most important skills you can develop, no matter where you are in your career.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro to Guest: Julia Chapman: Using Science and Strategy to Lead Change 

01:19 From Duke & Med School Dreams to Novartis Records Room

04:48 Serendipity & Sponsorship: How Chance and Mentors Shape a Career

06:50 Pandemic Planning, mRNA, and Biotech Innovations at Novartis

12:02 Inside Latigo Biotherapeutics: Non-Opioid Pain and Nav1.8

15:13 Why Pain Is So Hard to Treat—and Where Current Drugs Fall Short

17:09 Making the Case: Communicating Value to Investors and Pharma Partners

23:48 Why This Team Will Win: Expertise, Vision, and Smarter Clinical Design

32:03 Scaling Yourself: Letting Go of the Details and Building Strong Teams

37:04 Career Advice for Emerging Leaders: Don’t Fear Hard Problems

42:04 Final Thoughts on Key Leadership Lessons

Topics Discussed: 

• The difference between thinking like a C-Suite leader and a VP
• Leveraging serendipity, curiosity, and relationships to accelerate your career
• Breaking down complex scientific challenges into clear, actionable strategies
• De-risking innovation and making smarter, faster decisions in uncertain environments
• Communicating value with clarity to investors, partners, and internal teams
• Learning to scale yourself as a leader and let go of the details
• Creating a sustainable culture that reduces pressure and strengthens trust

Connect with Julia Chapman: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-chapman-9319b824/

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

Navigating financial strain, organizational change, and the isolation of leadership demands courage and clarity. The strongest leaders pivot quickly, stay grounded in their values, and act rather than wait for circumstances to shift. 

Growth often emerges in seasons of pressure, when optimism, resilience, and strong relationships become essential tools for navigating the unknown. Our guest this week shares how these exact principles shaped his leadership journey. In this episode of Rethink Change, Hosts Matt and Ward chat with Pierce Bush, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star. 

Pierce Bush is an Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history in non-profit organization management, with skills in Organizational Leadership, Open Book Management Systems, Fundraising, Business Development, and Team Building. Pierce is also a strong results-oriented professional with a BA focused in American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. 

Throughout their conversation, Pierce explains that leadership starts with heart, values, and mission, long before systems or processes come into play. He reflects on how his early experiences as a volunteer shaped the way he leads today, emphasizing that clarity of purpose is the anchor for every decision. 

From unifying fragmented teams across Texas to stabilizing an organization facing serious financial strain, Pierce shows how values-first leadership creates alignment even in moments of uncertainty.

He also discusses the importance of empowering staff with information, embracing transparency, and simplifying complex missions into language anyone can understand. His approach highlights how a clear, consistent message not only strengthens internal culture but also helps donors and volunteers see themselves as central to the mission.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro to Guest: Pierce Bush on Becoming a Big Brother

04:06 Transitioning from Volunteer to CEO

09:31 Implementing the Great Game of Business

15:17 Navigating Major Changes and Building Consensus

17:20 Reflections on Leadership and Mentorship

20:04 Conviction, Challenges, and Values in Nonprofit Leadership

21:06 The Great Game of Business

24:42 Communicating Value to Donors and Simplicity in Messaging

28:05 Empowering Donors and Volunteers and Lessons Learned in the Nonprofit World

35:38 Final Thoughts on Looking Forward to New Challenges and Gratitude

Topics Discussed: 

• Incorporating a clear set of values before creating systems
• Building a culture between various entities around excellence
• Why having a strong network is vital to leadership
• How to pivot and seize the challenges in business
• Breaking down a “complex” mission into simple language 
• How to differentiate yourself during tough times 
• Learning to pivot and take quick action vs. “thumbsucking” 

Connect with Pierce Bush: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercebush/ 

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

What does it really take to simplify complex systems in a world where financial services, customer expectations, and technology evolve faster than most teams can keep up? And as AI unlocks real-time insights and new opportunities, how do leaders balance speed, strategy, and the courage to rethink what’s always been done? 

In this episode of Rethink Change, Lily Isham, General Manager, Financial Solutions at Conduent, explains how understanding the full process gives leaders the power to simplify it, move faster, and create better outcomes for both clients and employees. She takes us inside the evolving world of financial services, where customer expectations shift overnight, and AI offers unprecedented clarity through real-time data. 

Lily also reveals how generalists uncover hidden opportunities, why hiring people who think differently expands your blind spots, and how due diligence builds the credibility needed to drive meaningful change. Her story is ultimately about embracing constant evolution and learning to see change not as a disruption, but as your most reliable competitive advantage.

Lily Isham is an adaptable and results-driven general manager who leads two software businesses managing technology, data, and client outcomes. Currently overseeing an $80M portfolio at Conduent—including Legal eDiscovery, Cyber Data Triage, and Loan Servicing—Lily oversees all financial management, product, go-to-market strategy, and operational scale across industries, including banking, automotive, law firms, and start-ups. 

Her leadership also includes large-scale transformation, project and portfolio management, global operational teams, and complex cross-functional initiatives. Lily has a proven track record of developing and executing strategic initiatives that unlock savings, new revenue streams, expand partnerships, and accelerate product innovation in CX, Financial Services, and Government.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro to Guest: Lily Isham

01:17 Understanding Conduet and Lily’s Role in Supporting This Industry

02:37 Challenges in Financial Services and Customer Expectations

05:03 Simplifying Complex Processes

07:29 Different Types of Competitors and Secret Sauce of Conduet

10:14 The Value in Being a Generalist and Finding Opportunities

17:43 Navigating Change and AI Implementation

21:43 Leadership and Team Dynamics

28:29 The Major Differences Between Mentorship and Sponsors

31:25 Final Thoughts on Value Proposition and Relevant Branding

Topics Discussed: 

• Earned media and UVP (Unique Value Proposition): Telling your brand story
• Why Lily defines success as continual education through new opportunities 
• Moving quickly and embracing change as a competitive advantage
• How AI can support customer experience using real-time data 
• The challenges between large & small organizations in driving change
• How due diligence builds your credibility
• Why hiring someone different from you helps you overcome blind spots

Connect with Lily Isham: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-isham/ 

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

There’s something powerful about watching someone lead with both courage and calm, especially when everything around them feels uncertain. The kind of leader who doesn’t chase recognition or perfection, but instead stays anchored to purpose, faith, and the people they serve. Because when you’re building something that’s never been done before, doubt is inevitable, but so is growth. True leadership isn’t about having all the answers or never taking risks; it’s about having the vision to keep going when no one else can see the path forward.

In this episode of Rethink Change, Jason Jennaro shares what it truly takes to scale a vision bigger than yourself. He opens up about the challenges of leading through crisis when the future is uncertain, how to keep moving when everyone else doubts your vision, and finding the right partners who can take your mission even further. From weathering a 95% revenue drop during COVID-19 to navigating cultural integration post-acquisition, Jason’s journey shows us what true leadership looks like under pressure.

But beyond the strategy and success stories, Jason reflects on faith as his compass, the responsibility leaders have to the people who trust them, and the conviction that business should always serve something larger than profit. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or builder of any kind, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, risk, and purpose in a rapidly changing world.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro to Guest: Jason Jennaro

02:05 - The Art of Selling a Company

04:13 - Protecting Culture During Acquisition

07:33 - Passion Over Profit and Leadership Philosophy

11:30 - Learning Through Crisis: COVID-19’s Impact

1​​6:44 - FrontierGen: Building the Future of Infrastructure

27:38 - Why Texas Is Ground Zero for AI Development

37:12 - Faith, Purpose, and the Bigger Picture

Topics Discussed: 

• How passion and purpose drive sustainable success far beyond financial gain
• The critical role of surrounding yourself with complementary talent
• Why mistakes and failures are necessary lessons of innovation
• How Jason Jennaro navigated uncertainty during COVID-19
• Recognizing the importance of taking risks as an entrepreneur
• The role of faith in Jason’s entrepreneurial journey
• Turning rejection into momentum when you’re building something new
• 
  

Connect with Jason Jennaro: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jennaro-8b23b8/

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

Some leaders build companies. Others build legacies. Charles Tate did both. From investment banking to outdoor hospitality, his story isn’t about following a formula. It’s about trusting your instincts, taking bold risks, and choosing to lead differently when the easy option would be to stay the same.

Throughout his career, Charles has shown that doing things differently isn’t just about innovation. It’s about connection. Whether navigating Wall Street or creating new kinds of businesses from the ground up, his success comes from asking better questions: What emotion is my business solving for? How does this decision actually serve people, not just numbers?

For Charles, business is deeply human. The most successful companies, he says, don’t just sell a product; they solve an emotional need. Think of FedEx restoring trust, Starbucks creating community, or Buc-ee’s redefining comfort in the most unexpected way. When you understand the emotions that drive people, you start building something that lasts.

In this episode of Rethink Change, Charles chats with Ward about what it really means to lead differently. You’ll hear how clarity, courage, and emotional connection come together to build not just great businesses but meaningful ones, as well as how to surround yourself with the right people who can take your business to the next level. When it comes to entrepreneurship, it takes a lot of grit to keep pushing through challenges. But it also takes a lot of heart to create something impactful for your ideal audience.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Passion, Persistence, and the Entrepreneurial Mindset

02:15 – Doing Things Differently: The Power of Bold Decisions

05:10 – Reinvention: Pivoting Toward New Opportunities

08:00 – Innovating Capital: Rethinking Private Equity Strategy

11:00 – Building Beyond Yourself: Transition and Legacy

14:00 – Strategy Through Emotion: Rethinking What Business Solves For

17:00 – FedEx, Starbucks, and Buc-ee’s: Lessons in Emotional Strategy

20:00 – Newton Nurseries: Turning Insight Into Competitive Advantage

24:00 – Time as Currency: Building Around Customer Efficiency

27:00 – Outdoor Hospitality: Designing Emotion Into Experience

31:00 – Leadership Clarity: Focus, Management, and Purpose

Topics Discussed: 

• Making a difference in entrepreneurship
• Constructing your company as solving an emotional problem 
• Balancing persistence and passion in leading a business
• Navigating the plateaus of business by trying something new 
• Why having good management is the difference maker

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

What does it really take to transform a company that’s stuck in old habits and resistant to change? How do you guide people through a shift they may not fully believe in while keeping culture, clarity, and courage at the center? 

Leading through that kind of tension doesn’t happen overnight. But when you get honest with your team about the necessity of creating a new type of culture, rebuilding relationships, and redefining what’s possible when the stakes are high, that’s when true transformation really begins.

Our guest, Charlie Reith, is the Chairman at Solomon Associates and is experienced in providing high-level support to energy industry clients to assist with the performance improvement of their existing facilities, with projects having been completed in most major regions of the world in refining, petrochemicals, logistics, and power generation sectors. 

In this conversation with Matt and Ward, Charlie shares what it was like to confront deep internal resistance, navigate leadership denial, and make bold decisions that forced the organization to stop operating in silos. He talks openly about the stress and uncertainty that come with real change, including the tough calls required to put people at ease while still pushing the company forward. 

Charlie also explains why customer intimacy, executive engagement, and a willingness to “rip the bandaid off” became non-negotiable parts of the transformation and how partnering with the Pennebaker team and moving through the Guardrails process helped create alignment, rebuild trust, and reshape the company into a more connected, future-focused business.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Highlights from our Conversation with Charlie Reith

00:43 Meet Charlie Reith: Transformation Leader

02:00 Challenges of Leadership and Transformation

03:15 Resistance to Change and Benchmarking Culture

07:41 Voice of Customer Research and Organizational Denial

10:43 Redefining the Company and Cultural Transformation

15:51 Executive Engagement and Guardrails Process

21:30 The Importance of Change Management

22:37 Reflections on Leadership, Technology, and Transformation

27:35 The Role of AI and Data Security

31:34 Advice for Emerging Leaders

33:05 Future of Solomon and Rebranding Insights

35:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Topics Discussed: 

• Why struggling companies need more than new resources to move forward
• Breaking down the structure of the guardrails process
• How true transformation requires redefining the company from the inside out
• Rebuilding trust and restoring customer intimacy through intentional leadership
• Embracing the challenges behind culture and organizational shifts
• Using communications as a strategic competitive advantage

Connect with Charlie Reith: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-reith-9022053a/

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

What do handwritten airline tickets, offshore oil rigs, and a mythical Greek creature have in common? They’re all a part of Bob Westendarp’s journey building Griffin Global Group into the world’s largest marine travel agency.

When Bob first stepped into the travel business, it wasn’t as a seasoned executive; it was as an accountant looking for free flights. But what started as a small side project with his wife quickly grew into a pioneering venture that redefined global crew logistics. 

By spotting an untapped niche in marine and offshore travel, Bob helped transform Griffin into a 22-country operation with 32 offices, moving nearly a quarter of the world’s ship crews across oceans. 

In this conversation, CEO Americas at Griffin Global Group, Bob Westendarp sits down with Matt and Ward to share the lessons learned from decades of reinvention. He explains why trust and communication matter more than hierarchy, how cultural differences can derail — or define — international partnerships, and why a unified global brand became the secret to Griffin’s explosive growth. 

Bob also reflects on navigating succession planning, managing shareholder rivalries across continents, and ultimately selling Griffin to its largest competitor.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Building Trust and Communication in Business

00:56 Introducing Bob: From Accountant to Travel Agency Leader

02:11 The Journey of Griffin Global Group

04:59 Challenges and Growth in the Marine Travel Industry

10:25 Global Expansion and Branding

12:18 The Importance of a Global Brand and Unified Vision

14:32 Cultural Differences in Global Business

22:45 The Sale and Legacy of Griffin

24:52 Lessons Learned and Advice for Future Executives

32:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Topics Discussed: 

• Honing the skill of creativity and making lemonade out of lemons
• Challenges of unifying different cultures and nationalities into one strong brand 
• Why trust and communication are keys to a successful company
• Finding a common vision and mission for the company
• Learning how to negotiate internally under one global company structure
• Why you need to know the values of global partners and get on the same wavelength

Connect with Bob Westendarp: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-westendarp-b76b6522/ 

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

What do Frank Sinatra’s bulletproof vest, the Rolling Stones’ backstage doctor, and a Japanese insurance giant have in common? They’re all part of Chris Williams’ journey leading Tokio Marine’s international business across 40+ countries.

When Chris Williams took on the challenge of leading Tokio Marine’s international business, he stepped into a role that would reshape one of the world’s most respected insurance organizations. From navigating billion-dollar acquisitions to managing across global markets, Chris brings a rare perspective on how to unify cultures, retain leadership after mergers, and build long-term trust in a global framework.

In this conversation, Chris sits down with Ward and Matt to share hard-earned lessons from decades of transformation. He explains what happens when you ignore your gut instinct, why culture fit can make or break an acquisition, and how international experience builds credibility in a world of unpredictable risks. Chris also opens up about the importance of nurturing rising stars, addressing talent mismatches quickly, and why keeping local leadership empowered is crucial to sustaining growth.

Whether you’re preparing your business for the next acquisition, learning how to strengthen global teams, or simply looking for ways to futureproof your strategy, Chris’s insights reveal why clarity, consistency, and communication matter more than ever in times of change.

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 – Important Thoughts on Growing Your Business

00:00:36 – Meet Chris Williams of Tokio Marine

00:01:29 – Explaining Specialty Insurance and Unique Polices

00:07:04 – How an Australian Became a Global Insurance Leader

00:07:22 – Tokio Marine’s Expansion and Diversification, HCC Acquisition

00:11:12 – Breaking Silos, Retaining Leaders, and Building Global Connection

00:16:03 – Understanding Japanese Business Culture 

00:18:04 – Post-Merger Integration and Employee Trust

00:21:08 – Building Local Leadership with Global Support

00:23:09 – Leadership Lesson: Following Your Gut

00:26:47 – Advice for Future Leaders: International Experience

00:32:40 – The Guardrails Process and Messaging with Ward

00:35:17 – Keeping Japan at the Heart of Global Strategy

00:38:30 – Biggest International Risks and Challenges Ahead

00:40:36 – Closing Reflections

Topics Discussed: 

• Trusting your instincts and following your gut (what happens when you don’t)
• What do when the culture or leadership is no longer the right fit for the company
• How to maintain local management within a global framework 
• Understanding the people you’re working with, both internally and globally
• Why international experience is important to understanding diverse cultures 
• Nurturing rising stars with structured training (and how to navigate talent mismatches)
• Futureproofing your business and global relations to prepare for unforeseen challenges

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/

When you’ve worked across more than 15 countries, led through multiple acquisitions, and helped steer one of the largest oilfield service companies in the world with over 4 decades under your belt, you learn a few things about change. 

For Charlie, change wasn’t something to fear; it was the through line of his 38-year career with Schlumberger. From competitive threats that forced him into new roles to acquisitions that brought tens of thousands of employees under a $10 billion a year business, he discovered that the difference between chaos and clarity often comes down to how you tell the story.

In this conversation, Charlie sits down with Matt and Ward to reflect on the pivotal moments of his career, sharing candid stories about the challenges of simplifying complex ideas, the competitive threats that jump-started his career in the oil and gas industry, and the aha moments in marketing he learned along the way. 

Charlie also discusses the importance of making your client the hero in their story and why talent identification and strong staff support are critical for navigating change, driving integration, and sustaining long-term growth.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Effective Communication and Marketing

00:36 Charlie's Career Journey: From Engineering to Oil Industry

01:24 Navigating Career Changes and Global Experiences

02:37 Challenges and Opportunities in the Oil Industry

08:38 The Importance of Online Engagement and Marketing

10:27 Acquisitions and Brand Integration Strategies

20:57 The Role of External Consultants in Business Strategy

23:53 The Role of Brand Identity Guidelines

24:56 Implementing Field-Level Identity Guidelines

26:03 Challenges and Successes in Mergers

27:08 Napoleon's Thirds: Managing Change

28:29 Focusing on Key Stakeholders

31:53 The Importance of Competence in Marketing

37:41 Differentiation and Positioning Strategies

42:28 Talent Identification and AI

44:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Topics Discussed: 

• Why having a diverse portfolio creates credibility in your career
• Simplifying your brand story into concise language for your audience
• Telling the story of your company so your employees & clients can see themselves in it
• Removing emotions and adding practical tools for business decisions
• How challenges and accountability strengthen your natural skillset
• Why your website matters in retaining attention (and how inconsistencies lose it)
• Practical advice for leaders navigating mergers, acquisitions, and large-scale transformations

Connect with Charlie Cossad: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosad1

About Rethink Change:

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.

Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.

Get Connected with Rethink Change:

• Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/