The World Class Leaders Show

163 - Dear CEOs: Stop Hiding Your Smartest People

Have you ever hired someone brilliant, only to find they aren’t delivering the impact you hoped for?
Today, we’re tackling a common leadership paradox:
Hiring smart people—then stopping them from using their skills.
In today’s episode, we explore why companies often hire skilled people but prevent them from using their full potential.
By the end, you’ll discover how to:
Empower and trust new hires
Encourage open collaboration across your team
Protect innovation—and support new ideas through setbacks
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 30,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

162 - How Transitioning To a Woman Changed My Perspective As A CEO with Caroline Farberger

Are you leading a team but feel the pressure to understand, embrace, and implement diversity and inclusion at a deeper level? Do you wonder how to turn differences into strengths, creating a genuinely inclusive environment that fosters both trust and performance?
In this episode, we’ll uncover the secrets of how you can implement diversity and inclusion at your organization with powerful insights from Caroline Farberger, a former CEO and current board member who transitioned gender mid-career. 
Caroline provides an extraordinary dual perspective on leadership, having led as both a male and female executive. Her insights into diversity, inclusion, and the power of vulnerability offer a profound look at how inclusive management can transform an organization’s culture and performance.
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Recognize the hidden biases that can impact decision-making at the executive level
Leverage vulnerability as a tool to foster trust and open communication with your team
Cultivate an inclusive leadership style that values diverse perspectives for improved decision-making
Move beyond tokenism to genuinely celebrate diversity, turning it into a strategic advantage
Shift from a directive to a facilitative management approach, empowering others to contribute fully
Follow our Guest Caroline Farberger on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinefarberger
Website: http://carolinefarberger.com/
 
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone.
Website: www.andreapetrone.com.
Twitter: https://x.com/ie_andrea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/.
 
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⭐Listen now to learn from Caroline Farberger’s unique leadership journey and discover how you can lead more inclusively and effectively in a high-pressure environment. 💯

161: High-Stakes Leadership: How Top CEOs Thrive Under Pressure

Are you feeling the weight of high-stakes decisions?
Do you struggle to stay resilient when the pressure rises?
In this episode, we’re diving into what sets great CEOs apart when it comes to thriving under pressure.
For CEOs, pressure is a privilege. It’s a sign that you’ve reached a place where your actions matter—and where the stakes are high. But not every leader knows how to turn that pressure into progress.
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Lead with purpose to keep yourself grounded
Set boundaries to focus on what matters most
Communicate honestly and promote a culture that values both performance and well-being.
Listen now and learn how to lead in a high-pressure environment.- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

160: Essential Leadership Skills to Build a People-First Culture That Thrives

Are you struggling to balance high performance with strong relationships in your workplace?
Could you be overlooking key elements that are vital for a thriving culture?
If you're seeking to create a workplace where success doesn’t come at the cost of people, you’re not alone. Many leaders aim to foster environments that support both individual and team achievements.
This episode explores how to create a culture that values high performance while ensuring that every team member feels valued and respected.
By tuning in, you will learn how to:
Recognize people who make your workplace better by building strong relationships.
Lead in a way that puts kindness and respect first.
Define success as a team effort, not just individual achievements.
Listen now and unlock the strategies you need to build a successful and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive!- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/
 
 

159: How to Master Resilience To Elevate Your Leadership (And Stay Focused)

Staying resilient as a leader isn’t just a skill, it’s a necessity.
So how do you keep moving forward when everything around you seems uncertain? In today’s episode, I’m going to share five powerful strategies to help you stay resilient, focused, and confident when the going gets tough.
Hi, I’m Andrea Petrone, and welcome to The World-Class Leaders Show. Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked closely with Fortune 500 CEOs and their leadership teams, helping them navigate uncertainty and lead through times of transformation. This podcast is all about giving you practical insights to help you lead better, perform better, and create a winning culture.
If you’re serious about building resilience and leading through uncertainty, don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Now, let’s dive into the strategies that will keep you strong, no matter what comes your way.
Episode Highlights ⤵
00:00 Trailer
00:47 Introduction
01:46 1. Focus on what you can control
02:48 2. Cultivate a growth mindset
03:42 3. Prioritise your well being
04:41 4. Stay flexible and adaptable
05:42 5. Lean on your support network
 
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https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
 
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Connect with Andrea Petrone:- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
 
#Leadership, #CEO, #Advice, #Business, #Leadership, #Executive, #Tips, #Leadership, #Pitfalls, #CEO, #Challenges, #Business, #Success, #Leadership, #Skills, #Executive, #Leadership, #Leadership, #Development, #Business, #Growth, #Leadership, #Strategy, #Successful, #Leaders, #Leadership, #Mindset, #Success, #Insights, #Tips, #Journey, #Coaching, #Business, #Leaders, #CEOLife, #CEO, #Leadership,  #Ideas, #CEO, #Interviews, #Business, #Executive, #Mindset

158: How Prioritizing Culture Helped One CEO Lead a Powerful Business Transformation with Lindsley Ruth

In this episode of The World-Class Leader Show, Andrea Petrone sits down with Lindsey Ruth, an award-winning CEO who led a groundbreaking transformation at RS Group, pushing the company from the FTSE 250 to the FTSE 100 in record time. Known for his unique approach to leadership, Lindsey dives into the strategies that helped him turn a struggling business into an industry leader. But what exactly was his secret?
For CEOs and aspiring leaders, Lindsey's story offers a fresh perspective on navigating high-stakes challenges. He shares surprising insights about why traditional CEO roles are evolving and reveals what it really takes to build a team that drives massive growth. Why does he believe that culture, not performance metrics, is at the heart of success? And how did he rally his team to embrace continuous improvement, even in uncertain times?
This episode also explores a question many leaders face: how do you keep pushing boundaries when success is already within reach? Lindsey hints at the mindset and actions that kept him striving for more, never accepting the status quo. Could his approach to leadership inspire a new path forward in your own organization?
Additionally, Lindsey opens up about the often-overlooked toll of leadership on health and family life. As CEOs deal with intense pressure, how do they protect their personal well-being and relationships? Lindsey offers candid reflections on the sacrifices made and how he found ways to balance it all. For leaders feeling the strain, his insights could reveal a path to not just success, but a sustainable and fulfilling leadership journey.
Episode Highlights ⤵ 
Get out from behind your desk early on. Go meet frontline staff and ask for unfiltered perspectives on the business to inform your strategy.
Culture change must come from within, not top-down mandates. Help people see the why before dictating the what. Buy-in beats forced compliance.
Your staff are your top stakeholders. Tend to their wellbeing and engagement first so they can deliver for customers.
Loneliness comes with the CEO job. Have an executive coach you trust as a sounding board for advice and accountability.
Take smart risks when complexity abounds. Stay open to opportunities along with self-awareness to thrive.
Reflect regularly by journaling pivotal leadership lessons. Review for continuous improvement.
Stay Updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Showhttps://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6Follow Us for More Insights:- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl-Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
Connect with Andrea Petrone:- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
About Lindsley Ruth
CEO & Board Member, Global Business Transformation
Award-winning CEO and highly qualified industrial distribution executive Lindsley Ruth was most recently CEO of RS Group plc (formerly Electrocomponents plc), a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, where he was responsible for improving the financial performance of the Group and instilling a renewed focus on putting the customer and supplier back at the heart of the business. He led the turnaround of the underperforming business and, working with the broader team, created a strong vision and purpose for the company leading the company from the FTSE250 to the FTSE100 in six years.   Lindsley increased sales by more than 300%, profit by more than 500% and increased the share price by more than 6X.
#WorldClassLeaderShow#LeadershipInsights#LearningOrganizations#LeadershipExcellence#StrategicGrowth#ResilientLeadership#SmartRiskTaking#GlobalTalent#CEOInsights#IndustryInnovation#Cultureatwork

157: 3 Leadership Mistakes Killing Your Team’s Performance (and How to Fix Them)

Ever wonder why your team isn’t hitting the performance levels you know they’re capable of? It might not be about them—it could be about you. Leadership mistakes can quietly sabotage your team’s effectiveness, productivity, and morale. In today’s video, I’ll break down three common leadership mistakes that could be killing your team’s performance and, more importantly, how to fix them right away.
Hi, I’m Andrea Petrone, and welcome to The World-Class Leaders Show. I’ve spent over 20 years helping CEOs and leadership teams from Fortune 500 companies navigate challenges and unlock their full potential. This podcast is all about sharing actionable insights to help you become a stronger, more effective leader.
If you want to take your leadership and your team’s performance to the next level, don’t forget to like and subscribe to the channel. Let’s dive into the top leadership mistakes and how you can turn things around.
Episode Highlights ⤵
00:00 Trailer
00:28 Introduction
01:40 Micromanaging
03:38 Focusing on tasks, not people
05:25 Lack of clear direction
07:17 Episode summary
 
Stay Updated:Subscribe to The World Class Leader Showhttps://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
Follow Us for More Insights:- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl-Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
 
Connect with Andrea Petrone:- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
 
#Leadership, #CEO, #Advice, #Business, #Leadership, #Executive, #Tips, #Leadership, #Pitfalls, #CEO, #Challenges, #Business, #Success, #Leadership, #Skills, #Executive, #Leadership, #Leadership, #Development, #Business, #Growth, #Leadership, #Strategy, #Successful, #Leaders, #Leadership, #Mindset, #Success, #Insights, #Tips, #Journey, #Coaching, #Business, #Leaders, #CEOLife, #CEO, #Leadership,  #Ideas, #CEO, #Interviews, #Business, #Executive, #Mindset

156: The Secret to Transform Organizations into Learning Powerhouses with Ujjwal Kumar, Group President of Teradyne Robotics

Andrea interviews Ujjwal Kumar, Group President of Teradyne Robotics, in an insightful conversation about turning organisations into powerful learning machines that drive performance. They discuss how past experiences at companies like General Motors and GE shaped Ujjwal's leadership approach centred on resilience, execution, and staying relentlessly focused on solving bigger problems. Ujjwal shares his vision for accelerated growth at Teradine through customer adoption, strategic investments in startups, and potential acquisitions. He stresses the importance of building a culture that encourages smart risk-taking and frames failures as learning moments rather than personal shortcomings.
Episode Highlights ⤵ 
Draw talent with diverse perspectives from around the world to solve complex issues that benefit societies
Transfer learnings across industries to spot patterns and common links between end markets
Cultivate resilience through open communication and regularly confronting weaknesses or blind spots
Avoid complacency even in market-leading positions by staying attuned to inevitable disruption
Focus your career on depth of learning over job titles to build capabilities as an effective CEO
Lead with humility and executive stamina to calmly connect with all stakeholders
Stay Updated: Subscribe to The World Class Leader Showhttps://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6Follow Us for More Insights:- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl-Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
Connect with Andrea Petrone:- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
About Ujjwal Kumar
Ujjwal Kumar is the Group President of Teradyne Robotics. The Teradyne Robotics Group includes Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), which build human-scale robotics, designed to work alongside people doing tasks that are dull, dirty, and even dangerous. Ujjwal has a 25-year career spanning multiple industries and major multi-national corporations, including General Motors, General Electric, and Honeywell. He has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.
#WorldClassLeaderShow#LeadershipInsights#RoboticsRevolution#LearningOrganizations#LeadershipExcellence#StrategicGrowth#ResilientLeadership#FutureOfWork#SmartRiskTaking#CustomerDrivenSuccess#GlobalTalent#CEOInsights#Teradyne#IndustryInnovation#HumilityInLeadership

155: 5 Powerful Ways to Get Your Team Talking (And Why It Starts With You)

If your team isn’t speaking up, don’t blame them—look in the mirror. The truth is, leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about creating space for others to contribute and feel heard. In today’s video, I’m going to share five simple but powerful strategies to help you create an environment where your team feels encouraged to speak up and take ownership. These strategies start with you, not them.
Hi, I’m Andrea Petrone, and welcome to The World-Class Leaders Show. I’ve spent over 20 years working with Fortune 500 CEOs and their leadership teams, helping them perform better and lead through transformation. In this podcast, we break down what makes world-class leaders successful and provide actionable insights to help you become a better leader. If you enjoy the content, don’t forget to like and subscribe so you don’t miss any of the practical leadership tips we’re sharing.
 
Episode Highlights ⤵
00:00 Trailer
00:31 Introduction
01:08 Stop Dominating the Conversation
01:48 Ask Open-Ended Questions
02:28 Actively Listen
03:08 Create a Safe Environment
03:45 Step Back and Let Them Lead
Stay Updated:Subscribe to The World Class Leader Showhttps://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
Follow Us for More Insights:- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl-Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
 
Connect with Andrea Petrone:- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
#Leadership, #CEO, #Advice, #Business, #Leadership, #Executive, #Tips, #Leadership, #Pitfalls, #CEO, #Challenges, #Business, #Success, #Leadership, #Skills, #Executive, #Leadership, #Leadership, #Development, #Business, #Growth, #Leadership, #Strategy, #Successful, #Leaders, #Leadership, #Mindset, #Success, #Insights, #Tips, #Journey, #Coaching, #Business, #Leaders, #CEOLife, #CEO, #Leadership,  #Ideas, #CEO, #Interviews, #Business, #Executive, #Mindset

154: How Great CEOs Build Winning Executive Teams

Have you ever wondered why some CEOs seem to effortlessly lead high-performing teams, while others struggle with endless meetings, stagnation, and frustration? The secret lies in how they build their executive teams. In this video, I'm going to share with you the key mistakes average CEOs make when structuring their leadership teams—and how great CEOs do it differently to drive results. If you’re a CEO looking to take your team and company to the next level, you can’t afford to miss this.
Hi, I’m Andrea Petrone, and welcome to The World-Class Leaders Show. For over 20 years, I’ve worked closely with Fortune 500 and mid-cap companies, guiding leaders through times of uncertainty and transformation. In this podcast, I deconstruct the success of world-class CEOs and brilliant minds, sharing stories, lessons, and practical strategies to help you lead better and drive performance.
If you’re serious about improving your leadership and building a high-performing team, make sure to subscribe to this channel so you don’t miss any of the actionable insights we share.
 
Episode Highlights ⤵02:18 – Introduction to How Great CEOs build winning Executive teams02:40 – Mistakes CEOs make02:50 – 1. Hiring people just like you04:00 – 2. Surrounding Yourself with “Yes Men” or Old Friends05:06 – 3. Rewarding Status Over Contribution06:10 – 4. Making Your Team Too Big07:15 - 5. Ignoring Cultural Fit for Skills08:14 - Final thoughts
 
Stay Updated:Subscribe to The World Class Leader Showhttps://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
Follow Us for More Insights:- LinkedIn: https://shorturl.at/OUEwy- Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl-Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
About Andrea Petrone:
Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.
Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.
Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.
Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.
Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.
 
Connect with Andrea Petrone:- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
 
#Leadership #CEOAdvice #BusinessLeadership #ExecutiveTips #LeadershipPitfalls #CEOChallenges #BusinessSuccess #LeadershipSkills #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipStrategy #SuccessfulLeaders #LeadershipMindset #ExecutiveSuccess #CEOInsights #LeadershipTips #LeadershipJourney #LeadershipCoaching #BusinessLeaders #CEOLife #CEOLeadership #Leadership Ideas #CEOInterviews #Business#ExecutiveMindset #Leadership