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In this episode, I’m joined by Sandeep Sahai, CEO of Clearwater Analytics (NYSE: CWAN) - a truly disruptive force shaping the future of financial technology. Clearwater operates on the cloud, providing clients with a comprehensive, real-time view of their portfolios and enabling global execution - processing and reporting on an extraordinary $8.8 trillion in assets daily as of December 31, 2024.

What makes this conversation special isn’t just the scale of Clearwater’s innovation - it’s the heart behind the leadership. From his grandmother teaching him chess at nine years old, Sandeep learned to think about others - to understand what drives people and why. That early lesson became a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy: If your employees are happy and engaged, they’ll build great products. They’ll take care of clients. And when clients succeed, shareholders succeed.

Throughout his journey, Sandeep has been driven by curiosity, hard work, and humility - and yes, he credits a touch of luck too. In our discussion, we explore the golden threads of his career, his fascination with technology, and how Generative AI is set to transform the way we live, work, and connect - just as every great technological leap before it has done throughout history.

This is a conversation that blends humanity, innovation, and vision - a masterclass in what it means to lead with care, courage, and conviction.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the global perspective is crucial for success.
• There are many versions of truth; perspective matters.
• Curiosity and open-mindedness lead to better conversations.
• Put your hand up for opportunities, even if uncertain.
• Success is defined by personal happiness and family well-being.
• Infectious passion is essential for effective leadership.
• Work-life balance is challenging but necessary for fulfillment.
• Generative AI will transform how we work and interact.
• Transparency in communication fosters trust and engagement.

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In this episode of Stratospheric Leaders, I sit down with Keyvan Mohajer, Co-founder & CEO of SoundHound AI - a technical innovator reshaping how we live, work, and interact with AI.

From selling bread at age ten to leading a $7B company powering billions of voice interactions worldwide, Keyvan’s journey is one of vision, grit, and relentless innovation.

He shares how childhood curiosity, sci-fi imagination, and his father’s wisdom shaped his path and why he believes the AI revolution is only just beginning.

This is a story of bold ideas, unshakable persistence, and building a legacy of real-world impact.

Key Takeaways:

Vision + Faith Beat the Odds - When all the data says you’ll fail, it’s faith, persistence, and belief in your vision that carry you forward.

Learn from Everyone, Everywhere — Great ideas, advice, and inspiration can come from anyone and anywhere, if you stay open and curious.

Leadership is Earned, Not Assigned — True leaders are chosen by their followers, not appointed by titles or superiors.

Resilience Fuels Repeatable Success — The toughest times offer the greatest lessons, and real success comes from building processes that can be repeated, not relying on luck.

Ride the Wave, Don’t Celebrate Too Long — Big shifts can drown you or lift you higher, depending on your mindset — so acknowledge wins, but keep moving forward.

If you want to learn more practical lessons and real-world leadership insights from remarkable founder CEOs, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠order Georgie's book Stratospheric CEOs out now (⁠U.K⁠. & ⁠U.S.⁠).

Show Links

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiedickins

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In this episode of Stratospheric Leaders, I am thrilled to be joined by Justin Bariso – one of today’s leading voices on emotional intelligence and the author of EQ Applied – a book I consider my leadership bible and one I gift to every client. A gifted writer, his popular weekly Inc.com column has attracted millions of readers.

What makes Justin remarkable isn’t just his mastery of the theory, but his ability to make emotional intelligence practical, relatable, and immediately usable. In our conversation, he doesn’t just explain EQ - he brings it vividly to life through real-world stories, powerful lessons, and actionable tactics.

At a time when the pace of change is relentless, Justin shows us why EQ and human-centred leadership aren’t just nice-to-haves - they’re the defining advantages of modern leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Pause before you react. Emotional control begins with creating space between stimulus and response.

• Feelings aren’t facts — but they matter. Emotions drive behaviour; understanding them (yours and others’) is a leadership advantage.

• Empathy is a superpower. It can also be a potential source of burnout for leaders.

• Criticism is data. Extract the lesson.

• Kindness scales. Small gestures of respect and appreciation compound into loyalty and stronger relationships.

• Clarity beats emotion in conflict. Anchor conversations in facts, not feelings, to resolve tension.

• Lead with curiosity. It opens doors to solutions.

• Your emotional culture is contagious. As a leader, your mood sets the tone. Positivity and composure spread.

• Self-awareness is the foundation. You can’t manage what you don’t notice. Name your emotions to navigate them.

Show Links

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In this episode, I sit down with the remarkable Dr. Kay Swinburne, Baroness Swinburne.

Kay is currently the non-executive Chair of the Association of British Insurers and an advisor to numerous FS Boards, having held senior executive roles in the financial & professional services industry. She played a pivotal role in shaping regulatory reform, spearheading major legislative reforms in financial services covering key areas like MiFID II, EMIR. She was a member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Wales between 2009 and 2019 in the shadow of the great financial crash, which involved putting in place once in a lifetime legislation for financial services. Kay then had the great honour of becoming a member of the House of Lords in 2023.

However, it all began in West Wales. Kay’s roots were humble. She grew up in a family-run bakery, where her first job was helping behind the scenes - stacking shelves, weighing potatoes, and tackling the tasks no one else wanted. It was in those formative years that her relentless work ethic was forged and hard work became the foundation for everything that followed. Her school motto of Sic itur ad astra - reach for the stars becoming one of her north stars.

As a child, she dreamed of being a doctor or leading a major healthcare company. She began her career in pharmaceuticals, then went on to be a leading pharmaceutical analyst at an investment bank before founding and running a biotechnology hedge fund - all while raising her two young children just a year apart. This is a person who is used to dealing with personal pressure.

She speaks openly about how hard she has pushed herself - where good enough was never good enough. Relentlessly driven to test her limits, her early career was all about earning a seat at the table, delivering results, and making an impact. Today, while those ambitions remain, her focus has expanded to include not just success, but legacy.

Kay, by her own admission, is a meticulous planner and self-confessed control freak. Yet, ironically, the defining roles and pivotal moments in her career - from pharmaceuticals to banking, fund management to politics weren’t part of any master plan. Opportunities found her. It’s no surprise she’s been dubbed The Accidental Politician. She often reflects on the role of serendipity in her journey - success born not just of strategy, but of showing up and being open to the unexpected.

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Kay. Her career has been defined by bold moves, guided by intellectual curiosity, courage, and humility. For Kay, it always comes back to the people. As she puts it, “It may have been your idea, it may be your company, but when things start to work, it’s because a team helped you deliver.” A powerful reminder that true leadership is never a solo act.

This is conversation is rich with insights, wisdom and lessons. It’s one you won’t want to miss.

Show Links

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In this insightful and highly enjoyable episode of Stratospheric Leaders, I sit down with Fabiana Fedeli, Chief Investment Officer, Equities, Multi Asset and Sustainability of M&G Investments. Fabiana leads a global team of 170 people, overseeing more than $70 billion in assets.

We start by going back to where it all started. Born in Rome, Fabiana’s work ethic was already evident at the age of 8, cleaning the leather covers of antique books for a family friend, earning 20 pence per book. Her second official job - ice cream maker, a role still listed in her Italian professions booklet.

Fabiana’s international career started in Tokyo, where she began her career as an equity analyst at ING Barings after completing a Master’s degree at a Japanese university. Her path included time in hedge funds, before moving into leadership roles in asset management.

Fabiana is a leader who balances strength with heart - firm, focused but fair, warm yet uncompromising. She sets a high bar and isn’t afraid to make the tough calls. In this episode, she offers powerful insights on what it truly takes to lead at the top - blending excellence with empathy and great energy.

Key Takeaways:

·      Leading with culture, respect, and pride

·      Knowing your outlets—and using them

·      Sleep as a strategic advantage

·      The pressure of the leadership seat

·      Making tough people decisions

·      Mentorship and the power of a trusted tribe

·      Turning hard feedback into growth

·      Why self-awareness and accountability matter

·      Embracing failure as part of the journey

·      Staying adaptable to stay ahead

Show Links

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In this engaging episode of Stratospheric Leaders, I sit down with Doug Cifu, co-founder and CEO of Virtu Financial — a global leader in market making and execution services.

Doug takes us on an extraordinary journey: from humble beginnings landscaping lawns and scooping ice cream, to practicing law, and ultimately co-founding one of the world’s most influential market-making firms alongside Vinnie Viola.

Doug shares how his upbringing shaped a fierce work ethic, the role of trusted relationships in his career pivots, and the leap of faith required to leave a secure legal career for the entrepreneurial journey.

But this conversation goes beyond finance. Doug opens up about the heart of leadership — building inclusive teams, preserving company culture, prioritizing wellness, and leading with authenticity.

This episode is more than just a conversation — it’s a masterclass in leading with heart and a powerful reminder that success and humility are not mutually exclusive.

If you want to learn more practical lessons and real-world leadership insights from remarkable founder CEOs, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠order Georgie's book Stratospheric CEOs out now (⁠U.K⁠. & ⁠U.S.⁠).

Key Takeaways:

• From Law to Leadership: How Doug transitioned from a law career to co-founding a global trading powerhouse

• The Power of Relationships: Why trust and personal connections are critical in shaping career-defining opportunities

• Culture Over Everything: Building inclusive, mission-driven teams that value diversity and collaboration

• Wellness as a Strategy: The importance of health, flexibility, and balance in sustaining long-term success

• Leading with Instinct: How staying true to your core values can guide big decisions in high-stakes environments

Show Links

Website - https://www.georgiedickins.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiedickins

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GeorgieDickins-q7x

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In this episode, I sit down with Sal Naro, Chief Investment Officer of Coherence Credit Strategies, a 5-time award winning fixed income credit fund with a 12-year track record.  This is a fund that has boasted an annualized return of 8% and a sharpe ratio of 1.50 since its inception in 2012.

Sal is an extraordinary leader who has spent over 40 years navigating the highs and lows of Wall Street. From his humble beginnings as a busboy to becoming a world-class trader and investor, he shares invaluable insights on building winning teams and leading with impact through times of uncertainty.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion. Sal’s wisdom is generous, hard won and deeply personal.

Key Takeaways: 

Early, Humble Beginnings Build Long term Character: Diverse work experiences forge leadership principles that last a lifetime. 

Building Winning Teams Through Vulnerability: the art of hiring for resilience, not just results. 

Leading through Uncertainty with Forward Vision: how to master the pivot by focusing ahead, not behind.

Thriving in Transformative Times: Cutting losses fast, letting gains run and spotting coherent patterns in chaos. 

Finding Light in Dark Moments Through Gratitude: crisis clarity comes through pause and appreciation, not anxiety. 

Memorable Quotes:

1. Learn from your losses. 

2. Hard work is a minimum.

3. Be in the business of getting along with people.

4. Every day give the best of you. Leave nothing on the sidelines. 

5. The events you think will never happen, happen all the time.

6. In times of cataclysmic events, adapting isn’t an option.

7. Don’t catch falling knives. Never double down on the things you are losing on. 

8. Reflect through the rear-view mirror but lead through the windshield.

9. As corporate athletes, there's no off-season—sustainable performance means mastering your own rhythm for rest and renewal.

If you want to learn more practical lessons and real-world leadership insights from remarkable founder CEOs, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠order Georgie's book Stratospheric CEOs out now (U.K. & U.S.).

Show Links

Website - https://www.georgiedickins.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiedickins

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GeorgieDickins-q7x

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In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Neal, a trailblazing executive in financial services with a proven track record in leading global markets and infrastructure businesses. With expertise spanning multiple asset classes, regulatory landscapes, and a focus on digitizing complex, scalable infrastructures, Michelle brings unparalleled insights to the table. Having held senior roles, currently as CEO of Fnality International, as well as at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, BNY Mellon, and RBC Capital Markets, she shares her remarkable journey through the industry. Tune in for her hard-earned lessons, innovative strategies, and invaluable advice—whether you're charting your career path or refining your leadership approach- this one’s for you! 

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Michelle's personal journey: building a strong work ethic, drive and commitment from an early age. 
• What drew Michelle to Fnality: its mission driven values that resonate deeply with her. 
• Practical strategies for driving innovation within large organizations. 
• Key traits Michelle seeks in top talent: the qualities that set individuals apart. 
• The vital role of clear and consistent communication in effective leadership. 
• Insights on navigating unexpected challenges during times of crisis. 

Memorable Quotes:

"Things that are complex can in some ways make you look clever, but genuine mastery is making complicated things simple."

"People can be super smart, but that doesn't necessarily mean they have common sense or good judgment."

"When it comes to the why, you need to be the CRO – Chief Reinforcement Officer. People rarely absorb a message the first time—they need to hear through multiple channels, in multiple ways."

"Not every crises will give you the luxury of time, but when it does take the time to think and be strategic rather than just react, in order to stem your losses quickly."

"Declaring failure is counter to human nature, but it is necessary to support innovation and growth. You don't have room for sustained failures, but you do probably have room to ideate, fail, try again and course correct."

"It’s important to love what you do, but that doesn't mean you have to love what you do for every task or every minute, because sometimes work is very rewarding and sometimes work is just work. "

"Develop good habits, learn from mistakes and get better at incrementally improving."

"I don't have all the answers. I think I'm only midway through the journey. I am trying to have a mindset to have no regrets."

If you want to learn more practical lessons and real-world leadership insights from remarkable founder CEOs, you can ⁠⁠⁠order Georgie's book Stratospheric CEOs out now.

Show Links

Website - https://www.georgiedickins.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiedickins

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I was delighted to welcome Michael Spencer to Stratospheric Leaders. Michael is one of the most renowned entrepreneurs and dealmakers of our time.

As the Founder and CEO of NEX Group (formerly ICAP), he built a global powerhouse—one that he later sold to CME Group for £3.8 billion in 2018.

His story is, in many ways, a modern history of the financial markets: how The City came to dominate global finance in the 1980's and 1990's.

In 1986, with just £50,000 of his own capital and three other brokers by his side, Michael launched Intercapital (a voice broking firm) - entering a fiercely competitive and crowded market with 23 well-established firms already operating in this space.

What followed was a masterclass in differentiating yourself from your competitors, looking forwards not backwards, never being complacent and sheer perseverance.

Over two decades, ICAP delivered a staggering 6,000% shareholder return.

In 2006 ICAP secured its place in the FTSE 100—a rare feat for a founder-led company.

So, what makes Michael different?

He’s a pioneer, always thinking ahead, willing to take calculated risks—even if that meansdisrupting his own business. He believes that to achieve more in the future, you must be ready to challenge and reinvent what you've built in the past.

Beyond business, Michael is a dedicated philanthropist, launching ICAP Charity Day, raising over $150 million pounds and supporting more than 2,000 charities.

Michael Spencer is a visionary -  He is somebody who has redefined markets, built extraordinary value, and proven time and again that fortune does truly favour the brave.If you want to learn more practical lessons and real-world leadership insights from remarkable founder CEOs, you can ⁠order Georgie's book Stratospheric CEOs out now.

Show Links

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In this compelling episode of Stratospheric Leaders, Georgie Dickins sits down with Henry Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of MSCI, to explore the essential qualities that define extraordinary leadership. From navigating uncertainty to embracing risk, Henry shares profound insights on vision, resilience, and long-term thinking. He reflects on lessons from his early life, the importance of calculated risk-taking, and how great leaders shape the future by working backward from a bold vision.

Henry unpacks the fine line between genius and irreverence. He also explains the necessity of embracing discomfort, and why failure is the foundation of success.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

The Leader’s Vision: Great leaders see the future and work backward to create it. Vision isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about unwavering belief in the mission.

Embracing Discomfort & Risk: Success comes from stepping into uncertainty. Leaders who push boundaries and defy convention often face rejection but create real change.

The Power of Long-Term Thinking: Most people are wired for short-term survival. The true differentiator of great leaders is their ability to think 5, 10, or even 20 years ahead.

Learning from Failure: Every failure plants the seeds for future success. The best leaders don’t bury their failures—they analyze them relentlessly to grow stronger.

Courage in Leadership: Whether in business or politics, transformational leaders inspire through resilience, bold decision-making, and a deep commitment to their cause.

Competitive Advantage in Crisis: Many companies retreat in turbulent times—Henry explains why MSCI expands during downturns and how crises are the best time to gain market advantage.

Memorable Quotes:

"Great leaders don’t need to know the exact path. They just need the conviction that they will find the way."

"If you want to be truly exceptional, study human nature. Success comes from understanding how people think and then going against the predictable."

"A crisis is a terrible thing to waste. The best opportunities come when the world is in turmoil."

"Take more smart risks. Fear magnifies risk in the short term. But if you master it, risk becomes your greatest advantage."

If you want to learn more practical lessons and real-world leadership insights from remarkable founder CEOs, you can ⁠⁠order Georgie's book Stratospheric CEOs out now.

Show Links

Website - https://www.georgiedickins.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiedickins

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GeorgieDickins-q7x