The World Class Leaders Show: The CEO leadership podcast for leaders who solve big problems and build better futures. 228 - She quit her CFO job for this! This Female Executive Made a Bold Career Move | Cameron Drinkwater
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In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Cameron Drinkwater, Chief Product & Operations Officer, S&P Dow Jones Indices at S&P Global. Cameron shares insights from her journey across finance, strategy, and product leadership, and how she built a career by taking smart risks and embracing change. She explains how her leadership is shaped by adaptability, authenticity, and a strong commitment to culture, learning, and development. Cameron also discusses the importance of psychological safety, leading large teams, and balancing career growth with raising a young family.
Cameron shares how leaders can grow their careers by taking bold but smart moves, focusing on roles that build new skills and bring real joy. She explains how her success comes from a clear career strategy, strong personal values, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. Cameron talks about building trust as a young leader, leading large teams through change, and creating a culture that supports learning and innovation. She also highlights the role of coaching, feedback, and setting clear boundaries to stay healthy and balanced. Throughout the conversation, she gives honest advice and real-life tips for leading with impact and purpose.
- How to grow your career by making bold but smart job moves.
- Why personal values and clear goals help guide better decisions.
- Ways to lead with impact even without being a subject expert.
- How to build a strong culture that supports learning and risk-taking.
- Tips for balancing leadership, family life, and personal well-being.
Timestamps:
[00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Cameron Drinkwater
[03:04] - The career mindset behind bold job transitions
[05:06] - Learning to adapt and lead through personal strengths
[08:31] - From finance to product and operations: why Cameron made the shift
[14:00] - Leading 500 people and driving impact through indexing
[16:31] - Building a high-performance culture with learning and mobility
[23:20] - Taking smart risks and shaping leadership identity
[25:13] - The value of coaching and becoming a stronger leader
[27:04] - Leading with clarity, consistency, and team recognition
[31:41] - Balancing career growth with family and personal boundaries
[39:30] - Lessons from sport: mindset, focus, and leadership routines
Follow Our Guest Cameron Drinkwater:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-drinkwater/
- S&P Dow Jones Indices: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/s&p-dow-jones-indices/
Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone
- Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/
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⭐If you are leading teams or navigating career growth, this conversation with Cameron Drinkwater offers real advice on taking smart risks, leading with authenticity, and building a strong culture that supports both people and performance.