Sandy on Talent - Insights and Strategies for Leadership Excellence and Talent Optimization

Projects aren't just how work gets done. According to Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, they're how the future gets built. In this episode, Sandy sits down with the world's leading authority on project management, a Thinkers 50 honoree, six-time author, and the originator of the project economy concept, to talk about why most organizations are running too many projects, finishing too few, and paying a steep price for it.

Antonio brings decades of on-the-ground experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Fortis Bank, and GSK, and his latest book, Powered by Projects, published by Harvard Business Review Press, gives leaders a concrete framework for turning strategy into results.

The conversation covers prioritization, team structure, CEO failure rates, and what Antonio calls "are you crazy" projects. The ones worth betting on.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez went from shy, peripatetic student to the world's leading authority on project management
• Why projects build the future while operations only run the present
• The painful truth about prioritization and why a strategic session that doesn't feel uncomfortable probably wasn't strategic
• Why launching more projects than you finish or kill is a sign of poor leadership
• "Are you crazy?" projects and why most companies don't have enough of them
• How CEO success rates have dropped to 27% and what project discipline has to do with fixing that
• Building internal transformation muscle so every level of an organization can adapt, change, and keep moving

Resources from this Episode

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Jan Zijderveld has run businesses on five continents, fixing broken ones, growing strong ones, and inheriting everything in between. In Part 2 of this conversation, he picks up where the strategic playbook left off: leading leaders across Southeast Asia and Europe, then walking away from 30 years at Unilever to take the top job at a company most people had written off.

That company was Avon. Share price at $2, $2 billion in debt, 6 million sales reps cycling in and out the door every year. Zijderveld rebuilt it around four levers: brand, earnings, digital, and simplification, and sold it three years later for $6 a share.

The episode closes with hard-earned advice: start with the end in mind, take risks, and learn from everyone worth learning from.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Leading leaders across Southeast Asia and Europe, and what changes when the people reporting to you run billion-dollar companies
• How Jan turned a shrinking European business into Unilever's sharpest competitive proving ground
• The state of Avon when he arrived: $2 share price, $2 billion in debt, and 6 million reps churning through the door every year
• Four levers that rebuilt Avon from the ground up: brand restoration, rep earnings, digitization, and radical simplification
• Why 90th-percentile talent succeeds only 27% of the time, and what the other two variables are
• Start with the end in mind, get flying hours, and surround yourself with people who have a spike

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In part one of this two-part episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy sits down with Jan Zijderveld, a rare breed of truly global executive who built an extraordinary career spanning eight countries across three continents. From brand manager in New Zealand to President of Unilever Europe — a $14 billion business across 34 countries — Jan shares the leadership lessons, hard-won instincts, and pattern recognition that only come from decades of doing difficult things in unfamiliar places.

Jan opens up about his high-stakes turnaround of Avon Products, why the CEO success rate hovers around 27%, and how the right "click" between talent, work, and role is the real driver of extraordinary outcomes.

His advice is simple but profound: start with the end in mind, take risks, get your flying hours, and surround yourself with people who inspire you.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Jan Zijderveld built a truly global career across eight countries and three continents
• The nearly 30-year Unilever journey that took him from brand manager to President of Europe
• Leading a high-stakes turnaround at Avon Products and navigating its acquisition by Natura
• Why only 27% of top-tier CEO talent actually succeeds — and what's really behind the gap
• Sandy's "click" framework and how it connects talent, work, and role as the real driver of success
• The case for pattern recognition and flying hours over raw talent alone
• Why starting with the end in mind — and surrounding yourself with inspiring people — is Jan's blueprint for a life well lived

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

What does it take to lead at the highest levels — in war, in business, and beyond? In this episode, Sandy sits down with Shlomo Yanai, a man who has done exactly that. From commanding forces in the Yom Kippur War to transforming Teva Pharmaceuticals into an $18 billion global powerhouse, Shlomo's journey is unlike anything you've heard before.

Born to Holocaust survivors, Shlomo brings a rare depth of perspective on resilience, leadership, and reinvention. The conversation explores what it truly means to "click" in a role — and why humility and curiosity may be the most underrated qualities in a CEO.

If you're searching for your next great chapter, Shlomo's advice is simple: stop living in the past, and follow your gut.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Growing up as the son of Holocaust survivors and the silence that shaped a generation
• Hiding his combat role from his parents — and the moment it all came to light
• Lessons from the Yom Kippur War and why Israel's military recovery defined his leadership philosophy
• Doubling Teva Pharmaceuticals' revenue to $18 billion through bold, people-first leadership
• Why the current CEO selection process is "precisely wrong" — and what should replace it
• Humility and curiosity as the most undervalued traits in executive leadership
• "Follow your gut" — advice for senior leaders navigating their next chapter

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

What if you could transform a personal setback into an extraordinary career in collegiate sports? Tracy Smith, the head baseball coach at the University of Michigan, did just that. From his modest beginnings in Kentland, Indiana, to climbing the ranks in university baseball coaching, Tracy's story is one of resilience and strategic thinking. Listen as he shares how a life-changing car accident redirected his path, allowing him to channel his energy into coaching and developing Major League talents like Kyle Schwarber. This episode is your chance to glean insights from a seasoned coach who has not only survived the challenges of leadership in sports but has thrived, with 805 career victories and 90 MLB draft picks to his name.

Tracy walks us through the intricacies of building successful coaching programs, revealing the art of balancing coaching skills with business acumen. His journey from Miami University to Indiana University is filled with rich stories, like playing every position in a single game and lessons on stepping out of comfort zones. Discover how he secured significant investments for program facilities and what it takes to nurture young athletes, guiding them to reach their full potential. His candid reflections on leadership provide a blueprint for anyone looking to create a positive and enduring impact in their field.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Tracy Smith's journey from Kentland, Indiana, to coaching success at the University of Michigan.
• Insights into building a successful collegiate coaching program.
• Leadership challenges and the importance of authenticity and strategic alignment.
• Developing MLB talents like Kyle Schwarber and the impact of strong leadership.
• Navigating personal and professional challenges in collegiate sports.
• Creating a cohesive ecosystem and finding the 'Click' for team success.

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, Sandy sits down with Lord David Puttnam—Academy Award–winning producer of Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields, and The Mission—to explore what it truly takes to build a life of meaning, impact, and excellence. From being born during the Blitz to reshaping British film, education policy, and environmental legislation, Lord Puttnam reveals the through-line that connects his remarkable journey: self-awareness, purpose, and the drive to "amaze" rather than simply perform.

Together, they discuss resilience, creative leadership, commercial discipline in the arts, and the difference between ego-driven ambition and mission-driven work. Lord Puttnam reflects on his time in film, politics, and education—and the lessons that matter most.

For anyone searching for the intersection between talent and purpose, this conversation delivers enduring insight.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The discipline of self-education and learning to connect seemingly unrelated ideas
• The standard of "amaze me" and why good is never good enough
• Producing award-winning films with purpose, including Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields, and Local Hero
• The difference between ego and mission in creative leadership
• Transitioning from film to public policy, education reform, and the UK Climate Change Act
• Why self-awareness and identity are foundational to finding your true "click"

Resources from this Episode

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Puttnam

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230605-local-hero-why-the-iconic-scottish-environmental-film-was-decades-ahead-of-its-time

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy sits down with Sam Miller, founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer of Proteus Motion, to explore what it really takes to turn a powerful idea into a meaningful, world-changing business. Sam shares his journey from growing up around a half-finished invention in his basement to building a company that is redefining how human strength and power are measured across sports, health, and longevity.

The conversation explores entrepreneurship, grit, and the long road from concept to market, including why power is emerging as one of the most important indicators of performance and aging. Sam also opens up about stepping out of the CEO role to focus on where he creates the most value, and how finding the right "click" between talent, work, and role can change everything.

This episode is a candid, thoughtful conversation about innovation, impact, and designing work around your true strengths.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Sam Miller turned a childhood exposure to unfinished invention into a decade-long entrepreneurial journey
• The origins and evolution of Proteus Motion and why multidirectional power measurement matters
• Why power is emerging as a critical biomarker for performance, aging, and longevity
• Lessons learned from bootstrapping, early rejection, and slow-market adoption
• The difference between fascinating technology and real-world value creation
• Stepping out of the CEO role to maximize personal impact and organizational growth
• Finding the "click" between talent, work, and role to unlock long-term fulfillment

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy is joined by Matt LaPorta — former Major League Baseball player, Olympic bronze medalist, and partner at True Up Capital Advisors — for a candid conversation on what it takes to sustain high performance through success, setbacks, and major career transitions. Together, they explore the difference between confidence and arrogance, why talent alone isn't enough, and how discipline and self-awareness drive long-term fulfillment.

Matt shares lessons from his journey through elite athletics, career-ending injuries, and his transition into business and investing. The discussion unpacks the realities of pressure, failure, and reinvention, offering insight into how high performers continue to move forward even when the path isn't clear.

If you're navigating change or searching for work that truly fits your strengths, this episode delivers a practical perspective and hard-earned insight.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How early work ethic and discipline shape long-term performance
• Confidence versus arrogance and why listening matters at higher levels
• Navigating failure, setbacks, and career-defining adversity
• Transitioning from elite athletics into business and investing
• The emotional and identity challenges after career-ending injuries
• Why high performers seek difficult work and meaningful pressure
• Engineering the right fit between talent role and challenge

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Join us for an engaging conversation with the dynamic Chris Gagnon, CEO of CURVE Test Centers, a Senior Partner at CEO.works, and ex McKinsey alum, who brings a treasure trove of insights and experiences to our latest episode. From his formative years at Dartmouth to his leadership roles in McKinsey and later in private equity, Chris's career journey has been anything but conventional. Explore the unique blend of digital and traditional approaches he has harnessed to drive transformation in businesses.

Chris's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of mentorship. Throughout his career, the support of influential mentors played a significant role in guiding him to McKinsey and beyond, leading to his impactful contributions in leadership development and organizational growth. Our conversation explores the importance of having a robust support system and how aligning personal talents with job responsibilities can lead to fulfilling and successful careers.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The transformative power of mentorship and its impact on Chris's career.
• Innovative approaches in business transformation, including the use of digital and traditional methods.
• Reflections on career challenges, failures, and lessons learned in private equity.
• Building diverse and effective teams, and the significance of collaboration in leadership.
• The role of personal support networks in achieving professional success.
• The alignment of personal talents with job responsibilities for fulfilling careers.

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, Sandy sits down with longtime friend, the Co-Founder and Chairman of Onyx Canyon Partners, Jim Hirshorn for a wide-ranging conversation about careers, leadership, and what actually drives long-term success. Jim shares his journey from a quiet, analytically minded childhood through engineering, consulting, private equity, and executive operating roles, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how leaders are truly formed over time.

Together, Sandy and Jim explore why so many talented executives fail despite strong credentials and how success depends on the interaction between talent, role, and work. This episode challenges conventional thinking about career decisions, titles, and compensation, replacing it with a more intentional framework centered on fulfillment, impact, and alignment.

As co-founder and chairman of Onyx Canyon Partners, Jim brings over 35 years of experience as an operator, investor, and board leader across multiple industries. He is well known for his direct, people-centered leadership style, blending strategic clarity with a deep respect for culture and teams.

This is a candid, experience-driven conversation about choosing fulfillment over status and finding the role where your talents truly matter.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How early family influences shaped Jim Hirshorn's leadership mindset
• Why leadership success is a multiplication problem, not an addition problem
• The hidden risks behind executive job changes and PE-backed roles
• What role–talent–work alignment really means in practice
• Why culture often determines whether strategy succeeds or fails
• How to identify your personal superpowers and build a career around them
• Why chasing titles and compensation often leads to failure

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.