The Impact Exchange

Why does diplomacy matter—especially now?

In this episode, John Frehse speaks with Ambassador Lee Feinstein, President of McLarty Associates and a seasoned diplomat whose career spans the Pentagon, the State Department, and the U.S. Embassy, in a conversation “On Diplomacy.”

Together, they explore the philosophy and real‑world value of diplomacy across government, business, and personal life—highlighting the timeless principles that make it effective: clear communication, trust‑building, long‑term strategic thinking, and the ability to understand both your own position and the one across the table.

They also discuss the growing danger of today’s short‑term mindset and why sustainable outcomes require a willingness to think beyond today. 

Listen now to hear Ambassador Feinstein’s insights on why diplomacy still shapes the world—and how it can help all of us drive stronger outcomes.

Think control drives success? Think again.

Most leaders believe control equals results—but what if that belief is holding you back?

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners, to explore why the most successful leaders today aren’t the ones who “do more” or “know it all.”

You’ll learn:

• Why surrendering the illusion of control unlocks better leadership
• How adaptive cultures outperform command-and-control by 4x in revenue growth
• Practical steps to create clarity, alignment, and accountability without micromanaging
• A 4-question coaching framework that empowers teams and drives results

The takeaway? Stop clinging to old playbooks. Start shaping experiences that shift beliefs and inspire action.

What would happen if you stopped trying to control the uncontrollable?

Your brand isn’t what you sell – it’s the experience you deliver and how it makes people feel.

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with global brand and experience leader Ben Collier to explore the importance of delivering on brand promises. Ben draws on a career spanning advertising in Beijing and New York, financial services, luxury hospitality, premium spirits, telecoms, and multiple large-scale rebrands – and shares how he designs moments that foster trust, loyalty, and advocacy.

Listen now to explore how being intentional about the experiences you design – for clients, colleagues, and communities – can transform both your brand and your impact.

In this episode, John Frehse sits down with Dana Stefanczyk from Ankura Office of the CFO to unravel strategic insights into bill paying for enterprises. Discover how timing and prioritization can lead to impactful financial management. Whether you're a business leader or a financial expert, this episode offers fresh perspectives on leveraging vendor terms to enhance cash flow. 

Tune in today and learn how Ankura is helping businesses thrive amidst financial challenges.

As some businesses prioritize AI investment over graduate programs and hiring, a crucial question emerges: where will the next generation of leaders come from?

In this timely episode, host John Frehse sits down with recent graduate and Ankura colleague Cady Finley to unpack the essential role of human connections and advanced skills in career growth. They discuss college lessons, the power of real-world experience, and the opportunities for individuals and businesses to leverage AI for meaningful impact - an approach Cady practices every day in her role.

In an era where AI is transforming the workforce, nurturing the next generation of leaders has never been more essential.

At Ankura, we understand the importance of navigating this evolving landscape. Through strategic workforce planning and upskilling initiatives, we support people and our clients in preparing for the future. Learn more www.ankura.com

The financial pressure of inflation, rising debt, and tariffs is changing how consumers shop – so what does this mean for retailers and how can they win in this challenging market?

In this episode, Ankura Performance Improvement expert Chris Ventry joins John Frehse for a deep dive on emerging trends and challenges as retail businesses prepare for the 2025 holiday season. They explore consumer debt trends, the pivotal role of AI, how retailers can capitalize on early sales and personalized shopping experiences to drive success in 2025 and much more.

This episode uncovers insights retailers can't afford to miss - listen now!

Ready to challenge some stereotypes about Mexico's workforce?

On this episode, John Frehse sits down with Ankura's Horacio Gomez, a market strategy expert and transformational leader, to discuss the highly skilled and innovative labor force driving industry in Mexico. They explore the opportunities in healthcare, education, and digital transformation, and why American businesses should look southward for opportunities and growth.

As business leaders navigate intricate global transformations how can they foster a culture that embraces change? 

In this episode, John Frehse speaks with Gloria Madrid, a global operations excellence leader with over 20 years of experience across Latin America, the US, and Europe. Gloria discusses strategies for aligning stakeholders, balancing governance with people-centric leadership, and crafting tailored approaches for successful transformations.

Tracey Abbott, a seasoned Private Equity Operating Partner and Keynote Speaker, joins John Frehse to explore the vital role of intuition, risk-taking, and AI in today's business landscape.

Drawing from her extensive background in private equity, board advisory, and coaching CEOs, Tracey delves into the power of curiosity and the significance of learning from both triumphs and setbacks to enhance intuition and foster success.

Ever wondered why the U.S. healthcare billing process is so complex? Ryan Christine joins John Frehse to unravel the intricacies and challenges hospitals face with revenue cycle management.

Key insights include:

• What revenue cycle management really means
• The importance of cash flow in healthcare operations
• Tips on negotiating your medical bills as a patient

Learn how these challenges affect healthcare institutions and what solutions are being implemented.