The C-Suite Framework

In this episode of The C-Suite Framework, host Jennifer Geary sits down with Anne Kiely, Chief People Officer at Aer Lingus and co-author of How to be a Chief People Officer, to unpack what it really takes to lead with empathy, data, and strategy in today's C-suite.

Anne shares her journey from banking to HR leadership in global organisations like Twitter and Aer Lingus, and reflects on the evolving demands of the CPO role across industries. Together, she and Jennifer explore how employee experience, talent management, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) sit at the heart of long-term business success.

🔍 In this episode:

• The dual lens of the modern Chief People Officer: employee-first and business-aligned

• How to hire for skills over background in a competitive market

• Practical strategies for building a positive, resilient workplace culture

• The role of data and AI in shaping future-focused HR decisions

• Why DEIB isn't just a programme — it's a mindset

• The impact of community leadership through Anne's work with Special Olympics Ireland

Get the book 'How to be a Chief People Officer' by Anne and Jennifer here.

This episode is filled with real-world wisdom for HR leaders, CPOs, CEOs, and anyone committed to putting people at the centre of strategy.

🎧 Hosted by Jennifer Geary, bestselling author and former COO/CPO. Jennifer and Anne are co-authors of How to be a Chief People Officer, part of the acclaimed C-Suite Series.

📘 Get the book: How to be a Chief People Officer 🌐 Tools, resources & leadership insights: csuiteframework.com 📚 Browse all titles in the C-Suite Series

Jennifer Geary interviews Anna Krotova, co-author of 'How to be a Chief Sustainability Officer.' They discuss the evolution of sustainability roles, the importance of organizational culture, the integration of sustainability into business strategy, and the concept of double materiality. Anna shares insights on building effective sustainability teams, the skills needed for a career in sustainability, and future trends in the field. The conversation emphasizes the challenges and responsibilities of CSOs and the importance of collaboration and support within the sustainability community.

Anna Krotova is a Sustainability Director and a pioneer in sustainability. She has been working in the field since 2010, advocating for transparent and responsible business practices that are rooted in respect for planetary boundaries and human rights. In her roles at the International Finance Corporation, Metabolic, Global Reporting Initiative, and private sector companies, Anna has helped organisations improve their sustainability practices, usher in impactive changes in company operations and culture, and encourage meaningful reflection around sustainability issues. She holds an MA in Environmental Policy from Moscow State University as well as an MSc in Industrial Ecology from Delft University of Technology, and she serves in various capacities across the sustainability community. She lives in Amsterdam with her husband and son.

Get 'How to be a Chief Sustainability Officer' by Anna and Jennifer here.

🎧 Hosted by Jennifer Geary, former COO and bestselling author of The Augmented COO, How to be a CSO, and the full C-Suite series.

📚 Explore Jennifer's books 🌐 Courses, tools & insights for modern leaders: csuiteframework.com

Dr. Max McKeown is an English writer, consultant, and researcher specialising in innovation strategy, leadership and culture. He has written six influential books and conducts research with Warwick Business School. He is a fellow of the RSA. He served on the advisory board for the Rollins Center for eBusiness. He earned his master's degree in Business Administration and PhD from the Warwick Business School

Speaker, Innovator & Author of The Strategy Book, Adaptability and The Innovation Book, Creator of Speed Strategy, Strategic Psychologist.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Max McKeown, a strategic psychologist, discusses the importance of strategy in leadership and innovation. He emphasizes that strategy is not just a document but a dynamic process that connects actions to desired outcomes. Dr. McKeown shares insights on how leaders, especially COOs, can engage with strategy, the significance of time for reflection, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing world. He also highlights common pitfalls in strategic thinking and the power of innovation as a means to achieve organizational goals.

Max's website https://thespeedstrategy.com

Max's latest book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strategy-Book-Max-Mckeown/dp/1292466634

Takeaways

• The difference between a good manager and a great leader is strategic thinking.

• Strategy is everything that leads from where you are to where you want to be.

• Engaging with strategy requires asking the right questions.

• Time for strategic reflection is crucial for effective leadership.

• Balancing strengths and weaknesses is essential for a COO.

• Strategy should be integrated into every aspect of the organization.

• Innovation is about making new ideas useful for achieving goals.

• Strategic procrastination can hinder organizational success.

• Understanding the connection between actions and results is key to effective strategy.

• Culture and strategy must work together for successful execution.

🎧 Hosted by Jennifer Geary, former COO and bestselling author of The Augmented COO, How to be a COO, and the full C-Suite series.

📚 Explore Jennifer's books 🌐 Tools & insights for modern leaders: csuiteframework.com

Welcome to the launch of the C-Suite Framework podcast!

In this short trailer, hear from me, Jennifer Geary, as I talk about my experience in stepping up to my first C-suite role, what I learned, how I distilled that learning into a set of books and why I felt compelled to start a podcast. Take a listen and head over to my first podcast with none other than Dr. Max McKeown, author of the best-selling strategy book in the world!

The "C-Suite Framework" podcast dives deep into the world of corporate leadership by speaking with experts and C-Suite executives about key roles such as Operations, Risk, People, and Sustainability. Each episode dissects the challenges leaders face today, offering insights and practical takeaways for listeners looking to enhance their own careers. Balancing depth with fun, the podcast is designed to be both entertaining and informative, giving listeners a unique perspective into the dynamics of executive roles and how to navigate their own path to success.