The World Class Leaders Show: Mindset Shift, Decision Making, & High-Pressure Leadership Skills For Corporate CEOs & Executives

150: Are You Really Committed to Become An Impactful Leader?

Andrea spends this episode looking at the crucial distinction between commitment and interest, emphasizing the importance of true commitment in driving results. He highlights how many individuals and leaders often mistake interest for commitment, leading to shallow dedication and a lack of resilience when faced with challenges.  KEY TAKEAWAYS It is crucial to distinguish between commitment and interest. Commitment involves dedication, perseverance, and facing difficulties head-on, while interest leads to superficial engagement and giving up when things get tough. Commitment is about depth and resilience, pushing through challenges and making sacrifices for something meaningful. Interest, on the other hand, only drives initial enthusiasm but lacks the depth to sustain effort. Commitment is what drives personal and company ambition, leading to tangible results. Without true commitment, individuals and teams may struggle to achieve their goals. Growth only happens outside of the comfort zone, and commitment is a demonstration of stepping beyond what is easy, convenient, or comfortable. It requires going beyond the superficial engagement of mere interest. The importance of demonstrating commitment through actions, such as consistently showing up and putting in the hard work, to drive ambition and achieve desired outcomes. BEST MOMENTS "Commitment is about depth and resilience, while interest is about superficial engagement." "Growth only happens outside of the comfort zone, and commitment is a demonstration that you are stepping outside of that." "I'm showing up here every week because I'm committed, because that is how I can drive the ambition of this podcast."  "Are people really interested in something or are they really committed? There are some indicators for you to be more present about how people demonstrate their commitment." VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform! Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website   If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

149: How Leaders Can Effectively Navigate Change During Tough Times with Victoria Pelletier

Victoria Pelletier, a renowned corporate executive and turnaround expert, discusses the intricacies of leading a company through challenging times. Sharing her insights on on how to effectively thrive during tough times, Victoria emphasizes the importance of clear communication, empathy, and effective leadership. KEY TAKEAWAYS Victoria emphasizes the importance of whole human leadership, which involves recognizing and supporting the whole person, showing empathy, vulnerability, transparency, care, and compassion. Successful change management involves transparent communication, engagement, and aligning incentives with desired behaviors to drive successful transformations. Leaders are facing increased pressure to deliver results in a short timeframe, which can impact their leadership style and decision-making processes. Organizations need to focus not only on technology skills but also on developing attitudes, mindsets, and skills that promote flexibility, adaptability, and innovation. HR should be a strategic business partner reporting directly to the CEO, focusing on talent management, development, and aligning with the organization's strategic goals. BEST MOMENTS "I jokingly say I'm not very good with being idle. So when I made the decision to leave my last employer, which was Accenture, in June of last year, I thought, oh, now I have time to write a book." "The most successful transformations come when people are on board with the change. And getting people on board means sharing, being as transparent as you can." " 'WIFM. What's in it for me'. I think that's a really key component of that change management process. The communication is down to an individual level." "Everything you've ever wanted lives on the other side of fear." VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favorite podcast platform! Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website   If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy. My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

148: 13 Traits of Mentally Strong Leaders That Companies Are Desperate to Find

What traits are companies looking for in the leaders of today? Join Andrea as he talks about the 13 traits he has found in mentally strong leaders. From creating healthy habits to being happy, these are the traits that will help you build resilience and be recognised as a mentally strong leader. KEY TAKEAWAYS Enjoy time alone, they like to take time to themselves and need this time to think and reflect They celebrate others' success They have good healthy habits, in terms of sleep, diet and exercise Seeing change as an opportunity for growth. They embrace and celebrate change Live in the present time, focusing on the flow or right now Practice self-compassion Mental health equals performance, so put the right boundaries in place and communicate them Continuous learning, they challenge their thinking all the time and are always trying to learn and improve Build strong support networks and meaningful relationships Focus on what you can control, don’t spend too much time in the past Control your emotions and actions, resist impulsivity Learn how to live happily BEST MOMENTS "Companies are really desperate to find mentally strong leaders” “Try to start planning regular solo activities to boost your self-reliance” “To be mentally strong you need to be physically strong” “They replace criticism with a positive attitude” “These leaders find joy in their daily lives, they believe in the power of having fun” VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favourite podcast platform! The World Class Leaders Show YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59dect0RJ5cuxIXsX7hCRw Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website    If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

147: How Top CEOs Lead Through Disruption with Stefano Aversa, Vice Chair of AlixPartners

Andrea interviews Stefano Aversa, chair of EMEA and vice chair globally for AlixPartners. Stefano shares his experience of leading through disruption, creating flexible organisations, and driving change. From crisis management to empowering communities, Stefano shares practical tips for leaders navigating uncertainty. Stefano's experience in turnarounds and his work with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation provide a unique perspective on leadership in both business and non-profit sectors. KEY TAKEAWAYS Disruptions, rather than economic cycles, now dominate the business world, requiring leaders to be more agile and prepared with multiple contingency plans. Creating a small crisis can be an effective strategy to drive change and address underlying issues in an organisation. CEOs today are feeling more uncertain about their roles, with 79% expressing doubts due to technological changes and geopolitical shifts. The trend in leadership is moving towards more consensus-oriented, caring, and authentic styles, although results still ultimately determine a CEO's success. Private equity-backed companies tend to have less patience for underperforming CEOs, typically expecting significant improvements within the first two years. Non-profit organisations can benefit from applying business principles while addressing unique challenges in extreme situations. Talent should be viewed not just as a gift but as an obligation to develop and share with others. Leaders must learn to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty, turning these challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. BEST MOMENTS "Crisis is one of the best management skills, but measurement school. I tend to say that the crisis is an opportunity which is too important to miss." "Sometimes I create the crisis even when there is not, and it could be a small crisis, but for example, very often there is some uneasiness in the organisation." "The CEOs is more unsure today than they used to be.” "Talent is an obligation. It's not just a gift. It's an obligation to develop." VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favourite podcast platform! The World Class Leaders Show YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59dect0RJ5cuxIXsX7hCRw Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website    If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

146: Life and Leadership Lessons at 49 That I Wish I Could Tell My 29-year-old Self

How much time do you spend reflecting on your past? Do you wish you could go back and talk to your younger self? In this episode, Andrea shares five big lessons he has learnt in the past 20 years, in the hope that it can help and provide insight to those earlier on in their career. KEY TAKEAWAYS Always stay curious, even when you feel you don’t need to do. Power doesn’t equal influence, you can influence without power. Be patient, don’t look for power, look for impact. Question everything but do so respectfully. It is not wrong to challenge anything. BEST MOMENTS “I wanted to share with you what I really learnt in the past 20 years” “Power doesn’t equate to influences” “The bigger impact you make as an individual the more power people will see in you” “Speak up, raise your voice, raise your hand when you need to” “Learning, curiosity, patience, personal growth and questioning”   VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favourite podcast platform! The World Class Leaders Show YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59dect0RJ5cuxIXsX7hCRw Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website    If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

145: Guide to Navigating Uncertain Times with Carole Nakhle, CEO of Crystol Energy

Andrea interviews Dr. Carole Nakhle, founder and CEO of Crystal Energy. Carole shares her inspiring journey from war-torn Lebanon to becoming a leading voice in the energy sector. She offers unique insights into navigating uncertainty, the future of energy, and the challenges facing CEOs in today's complex world. KEY TAKEAWAYS Growing up during Lebanon's civil war taught Carole invaluable lessons in dealing with uncertainty and risk, shaping her approach to business and life. The energy sector is facing a complex transition, with a disconnect between political rhetoric and practical realities, especially in developing countries. Leadership in the energy industry requires adaptability, a deep understanding of global trends, and the ability to navigate policy uncertainties. Attracting and retaining talent in the energy sector demands flexibility and an understanding of changing priorities among younger generations. The future of energy will likely involve a complementary approach rather than a complete substitution of fossil fuels, contrary to some predictions. Digital technologies and AI are flattening hierarchies in organisations, creating new opportunities for rapid career advancement. Successful CEOs must balance long-term market trends with short-term policy uncertainties while motivating a diverse workforce. Embracing ambiguity and viewing it as an opportunity rather than a threat is crucial for leadership success in today's rapidly changing business environment. BEST MOMENTS "If you grow up in a torn civil war country, you learn how to live with risk, you learn how to live with uncertainty, and you have to be able to adapt very quickly." "We are moving towards a greener, cleaner energy future. But for those who believe that fossil fuels are going to be dead within the next 10, 20 years, they are wrong. It's not realistic." "My philosophy in life is that any minute you just deal with the future, it's like sailing in the fog. You cannot wait for the fog to dissipate, but you have to continue sailing until you start seeing the other side of the lake." "When people really learn to deal with ambiguity and see ambiguity as an opportunity, rather than as an adversity, things change because you start seeing people taking more risk." "If I'm going to shy away from what could happen, what is this, what is that? Of course, you have scenarios. But what did COVID tell us? All of our scenarios, you know, we have to ditch them and then start from scratch." VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favourite podcast platform! The World Class Leaders Show YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59dect0RJ5cuxIXsX7hCRw Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website    If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

144; Balancing Board Relations and Bold Leadership in Private Equity | Andrea on X-Factor Podcast

The roles are reversed in this episode as Andrea is interviewed on the X-Factor podcast. Andrea dives deep into the high-stakes world of private equity leadership and shares invaluable insights on thriving under pressure, mastering mindset, and balancing strategy with execution.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Performance coaching is not about fixing weaknesses but enhancing abilities to succeed at a higher level, focusing on the connection between mindset, action, and performance. Successful leaders in uncertain environments must balance short-term results with long-term vision, dealing with ambiguity and creating a bold future while managing current challenges. In private equity-backed companies, leaders must make decisions quickly with limited information, trusting instinct and simplifying processes to avoid unnecessary complexity. Effective CXOs strike a balance between respecting their private equity board and confidently advancing their own ideas, fostering open communication and transparency. Execution is crucial in private equity environments, with boards expecting management teams to implement strategies effectively rather than just focusing on planning. Leaders must clearly communicate strategy throughout the organisation, ensuring collective ownership and empowering teams to execute efficiently. Mindset shifts are essential for high performance, allowing leaders to change their frame of reference and achieve extraordinary results. Building strong relationships with board members, including one-on-one connections, can lead to better support and involvement in strategic decisions. BEST MOMENTS "The only way to drive performance in any organisation, either for ourselves, for the business, is by, of course, changing our actions. But the only way to change our actions is by shifting our mindset." "Those leaders that will be able to work on a burning platform, meanwhile creating that future that is ambitious, is bold, is important for investors, is important as well for employees, they're going to succeed." "Good news [travels] fast, bad news [travels] faster. So transparency, openness, you're not going to do yourselves any favours by delaying shared information." "The reason why most of the time organisations really struggle to execute a strategy is because the strategy is not clear or because there are so many contradictory points in the strategy." "There is an expectation strategy is defined by the board, but the reality is the board is just waiting for the organisation to execute." VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favourite podcast platform! The World Class Leaders Show YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59dect0RJ5cuxIXsX7hCRw Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website    If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

143: Why Brands Are Failing Consumers Today with Bob Neville

Andrea interviews Bob Neville, a global retail business expert with over 30 years of experience working with iconic brands like Adidas, New Balance, and Under Armour. Bob shares invaluable insights on creating emotional connections with consumers, the power of storytelling in branding, and the importance of leadership in shaping brand identity and culture. KEY TAKEAWAYS Emotional connection with consumers is crucial for brand success, going beyond superficial community-building to create genuine relationships. Storytelling is a powerful tool for brands to differentiate themselves and create meaningful connections with their target audience. Leadership plays a vital role in shaping brand identity and culture, with leaders needing to visibly embody the brand's values and purpose. Frontline employees are the true face of the brand, making it essential to empower and engage them in the company's mission and values. Understanding the "why" behind a brand's existence is crucial for creating authentic connections and standing out in a crowded marketplace. BEST MOMENTS "If you don't have a story to talk about, what do you have to talk about? It comes down to price. And then you, if you haven't got a story, it's discount. And that doesn't take you anywhere." "The CEO is not the most important person in the company. It's the person interacting with your consumer." "As a servant leader, we're there to create environments for success, both for your staff and for the consumers and your board." "If you're not growing, you know, was it, they say, if you're not growing, you're dying." "Process, operational efficiency, combined with emotional engagement, equals success." ABOUT THE GUEST BOB NEVILLE - GLOBAL RETAIL BUSINESS EXPERT WHO DRIVES PROFITABLE GROWTH Bob Neville has for the last 32 years worked all over the world with leading sports and footwear brands including amongst others adidas, New Balance and Under Armour. From redefining operational processes to increase profits, to building high performance and highly engaged teams, Bob really understands the customer experience. The strategic global retail leader has made a name for himself driving growth and innovation, whilst transforming the retail landscape.  Born in France, educated in the United Kingdom, currently residing between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong Bob has launched over 10,000 store concepts around the world. This experience has developed Bob’s keen understanding of global markets, and the specific nuances within cultures, worldwide. This wisdom only comes from spending extensive time physically immersed in various markets and sectors, gaining a global perspective of what it truly takes to drive growth and lead profitable businesses. Along with being a global business leader, Bob is also an active participant in creating a inclusive environment within the fashion apparel industry. Bob is a board member of Pride in Fashion (PIF), an NGO dedicated to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favourite podcast platform! The World Class Leaders Show YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59dect0RJ5cuxIXsX7hCRw Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website    If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

142: Keeping The Entrepreneurial Spirit Alive in Organizations

This week Andrea revisits a past episode, How To Preserve the Entrepreneurial Mindset in Your Organization. Andrea shares ‘the thing’ that keeps most CEOs he has had on the show up at night! He then discusses the four pieces of advice he would give to help tackle it. Andrea also gives an update on a network he is creating, drop him an email if you are interested in getting involved. KEY TAKEAWAYS As a company develops and grows, entrepreneurial spirit can be lost. Flexibility, agility and speed are all attributes of entrepreneurship that can get lost over time. Innovation can easily be downgraded as a priority as a company grows, looking to protect what already exists rather than generating new ideas and opportunities. Creating a culture that encourages risk and operates like a start-up is a way to continue to have an entrepreneurial spirit within your organisation. If you encourage employees to question existing ways of working then you will foster a culture focused around innovation. Try and identify one area in your organisation that if transformed, will have a big impact on your results. BEST MOMENTS "There is one thing that is quite consistent across the board” “As companies grow there’s definitely a tendency to get complacent” “You need to promote a culture that encourages risk taking” “There must be something somewhere that can be an incredible transformational element for the organisation” "That's what start-ups do, put the customer at the centre of their work...they have this relentless interest of creating value for the customers" VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favourite podcast platform! Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website    If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.

141: Why Double Standards Are Sabotaging Your Company Culture

In this episode, Andrea highlights the issue of double standards and their impact on your team. He talks about why double standards kill culture and how to prevent double standards from happening, talking about what you can do as a leader to foster a positive and respectful culture for all. KEY TAKEAWAYS Double standards occur when different sets of principles are applied to similar situations, particularly in regards to behaviour. Double standards erode trust in leadership and demoralise teams. Define clear behavioural expectations for your entire team. Leaders have to adhere to the highest standard of behaviour, leading by example always. Organisations can find it difficult to focus on behaviours, instead favouring performance and short-term goals. Creative an environment where people feel like they can come to you to talk about poor behaviour. Reward the right behaviours in your team, don’t take it for granted. BEST MOMENTS "Bad behaviour is bad behaviour, no matter who does it” “Double standards really kill culture” “Leaders must model the behaviour they expect from their team” VALUABLE RESOURCES Like the show? Please leave or write a review on your favourite podcast platform! The World Class Leaders Show YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59dect0RJ5cuxIXsX7hCRw Let Andrea know your thoughts or share your comments via LinkedIn or via email For more information on Andrea’s work and access to other valuable resources, please visit the website    If you don’t want to miss any episode and receive the full article in your inbox, subscribe today to our blog Need more? Book a 30 min call here: Need more? Book a 30 min call here: https://calendly.com/andreapetrone/strategy-call-30. ABOUT THE HOST My name is Andrea Petrone. I'm a Human Performance and Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach and International Speaker. I help leaders and their teams to change their mindsets and master their leadership capabilities so they can achieve extraordinary performance. I've been in the corporate world for more than 20 years working globally - in 6 countries and 3 continents - for medium-large companies.