The World Class Leaders Show: Master High-Stakes Leadership: Learn from Top CEOs and World-Renowned Leaders

173: Why CEOs Feel Lonely: The Truth No One Talks About

Ready to connect with top CEOs, challenge your thinking, and gain game-changing insights?
Join WCL 21, an exclusive CEO roundtable where high-level executives come together to exchange powerful ideas, tackle real-world challenges, and build a trusted peer network that drives results.
Join now → https://wcl21.andreapetrone.com/
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Leadership can feel exhilarating, fulfilling, and meaningful. But let’s be honest—it can also feel lonely. And most leaders don’t talk about it.
The higher you climb, the fewer people you can truly confide in. The weight of decisions, the pressure to appear strong, and the isolation that comes with being responsible for others can take a serious toll.
Today, we’re breaking that silence.
I’ll explore why leadership can feel isolating, how that loneliness affects decision-making, and—most importantly—how to surround yourself with the right people to break free from it.
 
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 56,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

172 - The World Cup Playbook for Building Elite Teams and Thriving Under Pressure with Steve Tashjian

Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO?Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today!
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In this episode of The World Class Leader Show, host Andrea Petrone sits down with Steve Tashjian, founder of The Elevation Project and an expert in high performance.
Steve has worked with some of the world’s top athletes, including the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, PGA champions, and world title boxers. He has also coached business leaders, bringing his knowledge of building resilience, adaptability, and sustainable excellence into the corporate world.
Andrea and Steve discuss practical strategies for creating high-performing teams, finding balance, and turning pressure into a competitive advantage. Drawing on lessons from sports and business, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for leaders at every level looking to elevate their teams and themselves.
 
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Understand what it truly means to achieve high performance in any environment.
Build teams that stay resilient and perform well under pressure.
Recognize and address personal and organizational habits that hold you back.
Create clear systems and processes to handle challenges with confidence.
Encourage collaboration and bring out the best in everyone on your team.
 
Follow Our Guest Steve Tashjian
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/steve-tashjian-hpd/ 
The Elevation Project - Website: www.elevationprox.com/ 
 
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone
Website: www.andreapetrone.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/
 
Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/
Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
 
⭐ Join us for an inspiring conversation with Steve Tashjian, founder of the Elevation Project, as he shares how to build high-performing teams and thrive under pressure.
 
#TheWorldClassLeadersShow #HighPerformance #LeadershipInsights #TeamBuilding #ThrivingUnderPressure #BusinessAndSports #EliteCoaching

171 - The 3 Leadership Skills Every Leader Must Master in 2025

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What sets great leaders apart in this rapidly evolving world?
It’s not about doing more—it’s about mastering the right skills.
In this article, I’ll explore the three critical skills that every leader must master in 2025.
They’re the foundation of leadership in an uncertain and fast-paced world.
But here’s the key: none of these skills are innate.
They can be learned, refined, and mastered with intentionality and practice.
So, as you think about the year ahead, ask yourself:
Which of these skills do I need to work on?
How can I challenge myself to lead better, connect deeper, and drive greater impact?
- Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/
- Want to become a world-class leader? Join 56,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

170- Leveraging Diversity in Leadership for CEOs to Build High-Performing Teams with Anthony Maiello

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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 discuss the secrets of implementing diversity and inclusion at your organization with powerful insights from Anthony Maiello, CEO of StratifyPro and a seasoned technology executive with over 40 years of leadership experience in global corporations like GE, Reuters, and DXC Technology.
Anthony shares his extensive expertise on how leaders can foster inclusive cultures that embrace change, enhance performance, and empower teams to thrive in a constantly evolving business environment.
By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Overcome cultural and organizational resistance to change in large organizations.
Align leadership with technology to foster innovation and inclusivity.
Cultivate an environment where diverse perspectives contribute to better decision-making.
Shift from a top-down approach to a collaborative and facilitative management style.
Harness the power of strategic planning and execution to drive measurable outcomes.
Follow Our Guest Anthony Maiello
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amllo/
Website:https://www.stratifypro.com/
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone
Wesite: www.andreapetrone.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/
Follow The World Class Leaders Show and stay updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/
Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
 
⭐ Listen now to uncover Anthony Maiello’s leadership insights and discover how to lead more inclusively and effectively in a fast-paced and diverse environment!
#TheWorldClassLeadersShow #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveLeadership #ExecutiveInsights #StrategyExecution #Innovation #LeadershipTips
 

169 - Mastering Uncertainty: The CEO’s Leadership Playbook for 2025

It’s the start of a new year—a blank slate filled with both opportunities and uncertainties.
And as we step into 2025, one thing is clear:
The pace of change isn’t slowing down.
Economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving workforce dynamics are redefining what it means to lead effectively.
So, how do we not just survive but thrive in this environment? How do we, as leaders, turn uncertainty into an advantage?
In this episode, I’ll share 3 actionable strategies to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and resilience, even in the face of the unknown.
- 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/

168 - Diversity Isn’t Enough—How Great CEOs Turn It Into a Competitive Advantage with Kelly McDonald

Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today!
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In this engaging episode of The World Class Leader Show, host Andrea Petrone dives deep into the nuances of leadership, diversity, and inclusion with Kelly McDonald, a celebrated speaker, author, and marketing expert. As the president of McDonald Marketing and author of four bestselling books, including How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You, Kelly has worked with countless organizations to create inclusive cultures that drive innovation and performance. Together, Andrea and Kelly uncover practical strategies for leaders to harness the power of diversity and build trust in their teams.
From aligning organizational vision to fostering collaboration, this conversation is a must-listen for CEOs, managers, and HR professionals looking to lead in a complex and diverse world.
By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to:
Differentiate between diversity and inclusion and understand why inclusion is essential for leveraging diverse perspectives.
Foster trust and psychological safety in teams to encourage honest dialogue and innovation.
Use curiosity-driven conversations to address challenges and unlock creative solutions.
Develop practical strategies for leaders to clarify goals and inspire alignment across the organization.
Create and sustain organizational cultures that empower individuals while promoting shared objectives.
Follow Our Guest Kelly McDonald on:
Website: https://www.mcdonaldmarketing.com.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellycmcdonald/
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone
Website: www.andreapetrone.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/
Follow The World Class Leaders Show and stay updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/
Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
 
⭐ Listen now to discover how embracing diversity and building trust can transform your leadership and organization!
#Leadership #DiversityInclusion #WorkplaceCulture #KellyMcDonald #CEOLeadership #TrustBuilding

167 - What This CEO’s Son Said Will Change How You Lead

Have you ever felt like you’re winning at work but losing at life?
It’s a tough realization—and one I’ve seen so many leaders grapple with.
In today’s episode, I want to share a story that struck me deeply.
It’s about a CEO who thought he was building his legacy through tireless dedication to his job. But one comment from his child changed everything.
We’ll dive into why so many leaders fall into this trap, and more importantly, how to reconsider your leadership without sacrificing what truly matters—your family, your health, and the moments that make life worth living.
 
- 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/

166-The Leadership Crisis CEOs Don’t See Coming with Dave Ulrich

Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today!
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Are you leading a business in uncertain times and seeking ways to harness human capability to drive value for all stakeholders?
In this thought-provoking episode of The World Class Leader Show, Andrea Petrone sits down with Dave Ulrich, a world-renowned HR and leadership expert, professor at the Ross School of Business, and partner at The RBL Group. Often referred to as "the father of modern HR," Dave has authored over 30 books and worked with leaders from Fortune 200 companies across 90 countries. Together, they explore the evolving role of CEOs and HR leaders in building organizations that thrive amid complexity. From aligning leadership priorities with stakeholder value to practical strategies for managing pressure, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for senior leaders, aspiring CEOs, and HR professionals.
By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to:
Shift your perspective to define value through the lens of your stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors.
Develop leadership skills focused on creating certainty in a world of unpredictability.
Align talent, leadership, and culture with what matters most to your customers.
Manage the increasing pressures of leadership through actionable self-care strategies.
Future-proof your organization by anticipating human capability needs and leveraging them to gain a competitive edge.
Follow Our Guest Dave Ulrich on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveulrichpro/.
RBL Group: https://www.rbl.net
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone
Website: www.andreapetrone.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/
Follow The World Class Leaders Show and stay updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/
Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
 
⭐ Listen now to discover how creating value through human capability can transform your leadership and organization!#Leadership #HRStrategy #DaveUlrich #CEOLeadership #StakeholderValue #CultureBuilding

165: How to Keep Your Best People From Walking Out the Door

Have you ever had a talented employee leave, and only then realized how much they mattered?
It’s more than just a replacement cost—losing top talent hits your team’s morale, productivity, and institutional knowledge.
And here’s the kicker:
many leaders don’t see it coming until it’s too late.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore why organizations lose their best employees and, more importantly, what you can do to stop it. By the end, you’ll learn how to:
Retain your top performers with more than just a paycheck.
Build a culture that inspires loyalty.
Foster growth, trust, and connection across your team.
- 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/
 

164 - How Great Leaders Build Mental Fitness to Make Better Decisions

Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” and start leading with confidence today!
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Are you leading in a high-pressure environment and struggling to balance the demands of your role with your mental well-being? Do you wonder how training your mind like an athlete could unlock new levels of focus, resilience, and peak performance?
In this episode, we’re joined by Lissy Alden, founder of MYNDY, a mental fitness company revolutionizing how leaders care for their minds. Lissy Alden shares her personal journey of navigating burnout in demanding corporate roles and how she turned those experiences into practical, science-backed strategies for mental fitness.By the end of today’s episode, you’ll learn how to:
Distinguish between mental health and mental fitness to address stress and fatigue, applying simple daily routines and habits to boost focus, energy, and productivity while preventing burnout.
Master the "stop, slow, go" framework to enhance mental clarity, endurance, and decision-making, and proactively recognize early signs of burnout.
Shift your mindset to prioritize mental fitness as a leadership essential, fostering innovation, adaptability, and resilience under pressure.
Build a support system and accountability network, leverage micro-recovery moments, and maintain peak performance to inspire mindfulness and resilience in your leadership style.
 
Follow Our Guest Lissy Alden on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissy-alden/
Website: https://www.myndy.co/
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone
Website: www.andreapetrone.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/
Follow The World Class Leaders Show and stay updated:
Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7
Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/
Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl
Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ
 
⭐ Listen now to discover how mental fitness can transform your leadership approach and help you thrive in any high-pressure environment!