Redefiners
Russell Reynolds Associates
Call them changemakers. Call them rule breakers. We call them Redefiners. And in this provocative podcast, we explore how daring leaders from across industries and around the globe are redefining their organizations—and themselves—to create extraordinary impact in today’s rapidly changing world. In each episode, Russell Reynolds Associates former CEO Clarke Murphy, Leadership Advisor Marla Oates, and Chief Science Officer Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, host engaging, purposeful conversations with leaders in and out of the business world who share their insights and perspectives on how they lead, boldly. You’ll come away with fresh ideas and tangible takeaways on how you can redefine your own leadership trajectory—no matter where you are on your journey.
Leadership Lounge
A sister mini-series to the Redefiners podcast, Leadership Lounge gives listeners unfettered access to our global team of leadership experts, who share real-world answers to your most-pressing leadership questions—from how you can give and receive feedback to the benefits of having a mentor. Hosted by RRA leadership advisor Emma Combe, each 15-20-minute episode lifts the curtain on how great leaders think, act, and lead, helping you build your own leadership muscles, whether you’re just starting out or already at the top.
Our Hosts: Clarke Murphy, Marla Oates, Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, and Emma Combe :
Clarke Murphy leverages 30 years of experience in the executive recruiting industry to advise on critical leadership mandates across sectors—including Fortune 100 board searches and CEO successions. Based in New York, he has provided leadership advisory services to corporations such as Duke Energy, Deutsche Bank and Siemens, as well as private equity firms including the Carlyle Group.
Since joining the firm in 1988, Clarke has held several senior level roles at the firm, working both in Europe and the US. Clarke was the CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates from 2011-2021, where he led the firm through unprecedented growth. Previously, he led the CEO & Board Advisory Practice, served as Head of the Americas region, and was a member of the firm’s board of directors and Executive Committee.
Marla Oates is a leadership advisor at RRA who is passionate about connecting organizations with influential leaders and trailblazers who can inspire and drive change in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on identifying and recruiting exceptional talent for Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, and board searches, Marla has successfully partnered with hundreds of Fortune 500 organizations and private equity firms throughout the technology, industrial, and consumer sectors to identify and recruit top talent.Based in Austin, she has the privilege of fostering community and curating meaningful connections for C-suite executives and board members.
Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Science Officer at RRA and is an international authority in people analytics, talent management, leadership development, and the human-AI interface. His commercial work has focused on the creation of science-based tools that improve organizations' ability to predict performance, and people's ability to understand themselves. He was recently the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, and is a co-founder of DeeperSignals and MyTrudy, as well as Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University. He has previously held academic positions at New York University and the London School of Economics, and lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School, London Business School, Johns Hopkins, IMD, and INSEAD, as well as being the CEO at Hogan Assessment Systems.
As the host of Leadership Lounge, Redefiners’ sister podcast, Emma Combe leads the UK Board Practice for Russell Reynolds Associates. She excels at identifying board chairs, CEOs, and executive and non-executive directors for listed, private equity, and family-owned enterprises. She also has extensive experience advising clients on board composition and development, as well as CEO succession planning. Based in London, she brings deep expertise in the industrial, infrastructure, and services sectors, both in the UK and internationally.
Since 2023, Emma has hosted Leadership Lounge, a podcast mini-series where she asks Russell Reynolds Associates’ leadership advisors to answer some of the most pressing questions facing leaders today.
Emma joined Russell Reynolds Associates when The Zygos Partnership became part of the firm in 2017. Previously, Emma worked for a specialist headhunting firm advising private equity funds on the leadership of their portfolio companies. She began her career as an associate for a boutique executive search firm based in New York.
Leadership Lounge
A sister mini-series to the Redefiners podcast, Leadership Lounge gives listeners unfettered access to our global team of leadership experts, who share real-world answers to your most-pressing leadership questions—from how you can give and receive feedback to the benefits of having a mentor. Hosted by RRA leadership advisor Emma Combe, each 15-20-minute episode lifts the curtain on how great leaders think, act, and lead, helping you build your own leadership muscles, whether you’re just starting out or already at the top.
Our Hosts: Clarke Murphy, Marla Oates, Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, and Emma Combe :
Clarke Murphy leverages 30 years of experience in the executive recruiting industry to advise on critical leadership mandates across sectors—including Fortune 100 board searches and CEO successions. Based in New York, he has provided leadership advisory services to corporations such as Duke Energy, Deutsche Bank and Siemens, as well as private equity firms including the Carlyle Group.
Since joining the firm in 1988, Clarke has held several senior level roles at the firm, working both in Europe and the US. Clarke was the CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates from 2011-2021, where he led the firm through unprecedented growth. Previously, he led the CEO & Board Advisory Practice, served as Head of the Americas region, and was a member of the firm’s board of directors and Executive Committee.
Marla Oates is a leadership advisor at RRA who is passionate about connecting organizations with influential leaders and trailblazers who can inspire and drive change in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on identifying and recruiting exceptional talent for Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, and board searches, Marla has successfully partnered with hundreds of Fortune 500 organizations and private equity firms throughout the technology, industrial, and consumer sectors to identify and recruit top talent.Based in Austin, she has the privilege of fostering community and curating meaningful connections for C-suite executives and board members.
Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Science Officer at RRA and is an international authority in people analytics, talent management, leadership development, and the human-AI interface. His commercial work has focused on the creation of science-based tools that improve organizations' ability to predict performance, and people's ability to understand themselves. He was recently the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, and is a co-founder of DeeperSignals and MyTrudy, as well as Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University. He has previously held academic positions at New York University and the London School of Economics, and lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School, London Business School, Johns Hopkins, IMD, and INSEAD, as well as being the CEO at Hogan Assessment Systems.
As the host of Leadership Lounge, Redefiners’ sister podcast, Emma Combe leads the UK Board Practice for Russell Reynolds Associates. She excels at identifying board chairs, CEOs, and executive and non-executive directors for listed, private equity, and family-owned enterprises. She also has extensive experience advising clients on board composition and development, as well as CEO succession planning. Based in London, she brings deep expertise in the industrial, infrastructure, and services sectors, both in the UK and internationally.
Since 2023, Emma has hosted Leadership Lounge, a podcast mini-series where she asks Russell Reynolds Associates’ leadership advisors to answer some of the most pressing questions facing leaders today.
Emma joined Russell Reynolds Associates when The Zygos Partnership became part of the firm in 2017. Previously, Emma worked for a specialist headhunting firm advising private equity funds on the leadership of their portfolio companies. She began her career as an associate for a boutique executive search firm based in New York.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 15, 2025 • 38min
Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis
In today’s fast-paced, competitive business landscape, hiring and developing future-ready, transformational C-suite leaders is critical to organizational success. Making the wrong hiring decision can often lead to higher costs, damage to workplace culture, or worse. So what are the key things to keep in mind as you think about the leaders who can help take your organization to the next level? In our first episode of Season 5, Simon sits down with Russell Reynolds Associates’ own CEO, Constantine Alexandrakis, to talk about what to look for in transformational C-suite leaders and how to use leadership assessment tools – like RRA’s Leadership Portrait – to find them. He’ll reveal how to take the next step in building transformational teams and what makes them successful. He’ll also share tips from his own CEO journey and the steps he took to prepare for that transition to nail his first year in the role. We'll also hear from Erin Zolna, a leadership advisor in our New York office, who will outline our latest research on the skills that leaders need in a fast-changing world. Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How to start well when stepping into a new CEO role How to assess transformational leaders and why it’s important before they take on leadership roles What makes transformational teams different and how they operate What C-suite leaders are thinking about AI and the top challenges they’re facing If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat Leadership Lounge: How to Future-Proof Your Leadership Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano
Dec 18, 2024 • 53min
Redefiners Rewind: Insights and Takeaways from 2024
Leaders have to make tough decisions and overcome adversity, often navigating through uncertainty and challenges along their leadership journeys. In this final episode of 2024, we’ll take a look back at the conversations we’ve had with the incredible leaders who joined us on Redefiners this past season to share their leadership stories and insights. Hoda and Simon dig into the Season 4 archives to highlight how guests have led, and in some cases redefined, their organizations in an unprecedented year of change. Topics include AI and tech transformation, CEO transitions, geopolitical uncertainty and national elections, boards, climate change and sustainability, and more. And continuing our end of year holiday tradition, Hoda and Simon put themselves in our guests’ shoes to answer some fun end of year rapid fire questions. Redefiners will return with more conversations with global leaders in January 2025, so be sure to follow and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode! In the meantime, you can listen to and watch all Redefiners episodes at https://www.russellreynolds.com/en/insights/podcasts/redefiners or wherever you get your podcasts. Happy holidays!
Dec 4, 2024 • 41min
Exploring the Art of Possible with Google and Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat
Change is something all leaders deal with at various points in their careers. Whether it’s technological change, organizational change, or perhaps even changing careers or industries. Our guest today has managed through all of that change and more. In today’s episode, Clarke and Hoda talk with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet and Google. Ruth shares her story of career change, transitioning from her long-time role as CFO at both Morgan Stanley and Google to leading investments and philanthropic efforts at Google. Through it all, she talks about how she’s led through both business and personal change and uncertainty – including the financial meltdown in 2007-2008 when she was with Morgan Stanley, the fast-paced change that comes with technology transformation at Google, as well as her own personal battle with cancer. She’ll also talk about the promise of AI, especially in science, healthcare, education, climate, and other key areas. We'll also hear from Robert Voth, a Managing Director in our Chicago office, who will discuss the critical challenge of CEO succession facing banking leadership today. Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How to lead through uncertainty and change What steps leaders can take to ensure they’re preparing their organizations and people for the changes AI will bring What skills organizations should look for when it comes to finding technology and AI-enabled leaders How to consider future-looking investment swings when there’s no guarantee they’ll pay off If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Science Fiction to Science Fact: A Conversation with Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson Reimagining Patient Care: A Conversation with Healthcare Innovator Ashley McEvoy Trust Your Gut: AXA’s Thomas Buberl Talks Transformation and Reinvention Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch From Server to COO: Kat Cole’s Journey to the Top
Nov 20, 2024 • 18min
Leadership Lounge: The art of feedback - How to have honest and candid conversations
We share how leaders can master the art of giving and receiving regular, effective feedback—and the benefits when they get it right. As the end of the year draws closer, you’re likely reflecting on your team’s performance—and how to give feedback that helps your leaders develop and improve. But, these types of conversations aren’t always easy to navigate. So, what skills are important to hone when giving feedback? And what are some of the common pitfalls you may encounter when having these honest conversations? But it’s not just about giving feedback. It’s also important that you’re getting the feedback you need to develop. So, how can you encourage honest, upward feedback? And what benefits will you see when you act on it? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Dee Fitzgerald, David Lange, and Silvia Lago—who share their perspectives on: How to give actionable upward feedback What to do when someone disagrees with you during a feedback session The skills required to receive feedback effectively How leaders can create a feedback-rich culture. “If the direct report feels like there's an environment of psychological safety…upward feedback actually becomes something that a direct report will offer regularly and proactively to their leaders.” David Lange, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Four things you’ll learn from this episode Effective feedback focuses on specific behaviors, not personality. Frame feedback constructively to enable growth and development, avoiding subjective or contradictory comments. Creating a culture of psychological safety is essential for encouraging honest, upward feedback, which requires leaders to actively solicit input at all levels. It’s important to hone key skills, including actively listening to feedback, asking clarifying questions, and approaching it as a collaborative dialogue, rather than defensively. Integrating feedback into regular interactions, rather than relying on annual reviews, and seeking diverse perspectives through mentors or team debriefs, helps leaders continuously grow and innovate. In this 17 minute episode, we will cover: (1:32) How leaders can frame their feedback to ensure it’s delivered effectively. (3:09) Why it’s critical feedback is a two-way conversation. (5:06) What’s at the root of all effective upward feedback. (7:18) The two key ways CEOs can generate constructive, unfiltered feedback. (9:53) Why nothing should come as a surprise at an end-of-year review. (10:33) Why active listening is such an important trait for leaders receiving feedback. A closer look at the research from this episode: Walk the Talk: Inclusive Leadership Development Moves the Needle On DE&I | Russell Reynolds Associates Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
Nov 6, 2024 • 16min
Leadership Lounge: How to develop your personal leadership brand
It’s never been more important to get your personal leadership brand right as a leader. But, it isn’t easy to concisely articulate what you want to be known for and what your unique value proposition is. So, what is a personal leadership brand and how can you begin crafting it? How can you activate your leadership brand in the market? And, what are some of the common mistakes leaders make when cultivating their personal leadership brand? In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Jenna Fisher, Rafael Martinez Gallardo, Shoon Lim, and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Executive Producer of Redefiners Amy Scissons—who share their perspectives on: The three key elements that make up a strong personal leadership brand. How leaders can effectively activate their brand in the market. The benefits when leaders get it right—for themselves and their organization. The advice they have for emerging leaders who are starting to craft their brand. “I think earlier in one's career, there’s a tendency to want to be well-rounded and to try to hone things that perhaps you're not as naturally good with, and that's great. But I also think what's really important is to do the self-reflection, to figure out what is it that I am uniquely good at? What can I opine on to others? What can I be an expert at?” Jenna Fisher, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Four things you’ll learn from this episode Your leadership brand exists whether you shape it or not. Take control of your narrative by clearly defining your values, passions, and the legacy you wish to leave behind. Authenticity is key to a powerful leadership brand. Align your public persona with your true self to build trust and credibility. Don’t try to imitate anyone else. Don't just broadcast; interact. Your brand thrives on meaningful engagement with your community. Curate, create, and contribute to discussions to establish a dynamic presence. Your brand is a journey, not a destination. Continuously refine it through self-reflection, feedback, and intentional content creation. Remember, depth and consistency over time yield a robust presence. In this 16-minute episode, we will cover: (3.00) How a well-crafted personal leadership brand can differentiate you in a crowded marketplace. (3.47) The importance of clarity, congruence, and consistency when building your brand. (7.51) How much of what a leader shares should be personal. (8.12) How to identify what topics you should speak on. (11.17) One common mistake leaders make when creating their personal leadership brand. (14.04) Why there are no quick fixes to establishing your brand. A closer look at the research from this episode: Global Leadership Monitor 2022, Russell Reynolds Associates The New Leadership Portrait, Russell Reynolds Associates Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
Oct 23, 2024 • 31min
Waste In, Shareholder Value Out: A Conversation with WM President and CEO Jim Fish
Not many CEOs would roll up their sleeves and ride on the back of a waste truck at 2am once a week for seven years. But for today’s guest, it was the best way to get to know his employees and learn first-hand what impacts their productivity in the field. In this episode, Waste Management President and CEO Jim Fish joins Simon and guest host Emma Combe – host of Redefiners’ sister podcast, Leadership Lounge – to dig into what it takes to run a $20 billion company working on the frontlines of sustainability. Jim shares his insights into the importance of putting people first and creating sustainable value through all phases of the waste cycle – from recycling and composting to producing renewable natural gas as a byproduct from landfills to running his waste fleet on natural gas. He also talks about his views on CEOs weighing in on social topics and the delicate balance leaders need to strike between having a personal opinion and the broader responsibility to shareholders. We'll also hear from Justus O’ Brien, a Managing Director in our Stamford office, who will outline what it takes to transition from the CFO role to the top seat. Four things you’ll learn from this episode: How to get your team on board with sustainability initiatives How to adapt your business to changing market conditions What it takes to create a people-first organization What is the CEO’s role when it comes to social issues How to balance and prioritize the many responsibilities and stakeholders a CEO has to manage If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Putting Sustainability Talk into Action with former Enel CEO Francesco Starace Leadership Lounge: Advice on when—and how—to weigh in on social issues Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano
Oct 9, 2024 • 15min
Leadership Lounge: How to Future-Proof Your Leadership
Leaders today are operating in a business landscape with new issues, expectations, and pressures to contend with. This new world demands a new breed of leader.So, how can you become a future-ready leader? What key skills will help you stand out and succeed in a fast-changing world? How can hiring managers identify whether leaders are ready for the role today—and are able to continue to develop and succeed in the role long-term?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Erin Zolna, Tobias Bothe-Hutschenreuter, and Dana Landis—who share their perspectives on: The four foundational skills that are important for leaders to succeed today.How leaders can boost their staying power in the role through self-awareness and making time for reflection.Why continuous development is critical—no matter how senior a leader is. The knock-on impact for diversity when hiring managers hire for potential and experience.Four things you’ll learn from this episode When hiring your next leader, look at their readiness for the role today, but also their capacity to grow and evolve for when the operating environments inevitably shift. Curiosity, resilience, systems thinking, and social intelligence are key skills that you will want to ramp up to succeed in the long term.The higher up you go in an organization, the less likely you are to think about yourself as someone who is growing and developing. But it’s important you continue to look for learning opportunities. Having a purpose and knowing your values as a leader is critical to not only your longevity, but the legacy you leave at an organization. A closer look at the research from this episode: The Future of LeadershipSeason 4 - Ep. 10 | Driving Transformation with Volvo Cars President and CEO Jim Rowan | Redefiners - Podcast Series | Russell Reynolds AssociatesGlobal Leadership Monitor CEO Turnover Index Power, Influence, and CEO Succession (hbr.org)
Sep 25, 2024 • 36min
Putting Sustainability Talk into Action with former Enel CEO Francesco Starace
What does it take to transform a small regional traditional energy provider into a global renewable energy powerhouse? In today’s episode, Hoda and Simon are joined by the Chair of the Governance Board for Sustainable Energy for All and former Enel CEO Francesco Starace, who led the transformation of Enel from its start in electric generation in Italy to become a world leader in all renewable technologies, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal, operating in 30 markets. Francesco shares his insights into how he scaled the business, while keeping everyone’s focus on their north star of purpose and vision. He also talks about how Enel used a three-year-out timeline to make key decisions on strategic investments and how he uses technology and digital transformation to better serve customers. We'll also hear from Rich Fields, a Managing Director in our Boston office, who will outline how boards can leverage the transformational impact of AI while being mindful of the significant risks. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Daring to Build a More Sustainable World with Kate Brandt and Sophia Mendelsohn Leadership Lounge: What do top-performing teams have in common? Transforming the Energy Sector with Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli Doing Well by Doing Good: Feike Sijbesma, CEO Emeritus of Royal DSM, on the Power of Bold Change Feeding the World and Protecting the Planet with Yara International CEO Svein Tore Holsether
Sep 11, 2024 • 18min
Unleashing AI’s potential: Are you ready to lead the charge?
In this discussion, Tuck Rickards, a trusted advisor on AI adoption, Dana Landis, an expert in overcoming AI barriers, and Dan Cullen, skilled in leveraging AI, delve into the essential skills for effective AI integration. They emphasize that AI ownership should extend beyond tech departments to all employees. Key insights include the reasons behind tech transformation failures and the importance of leadership in creating a culture of innovation. The trio also breaks down the risks and rewards of AI, urging leaders to navigate its challenges proactively.
Aug 28, 2024 • 42min
Talking Tough Decisions with TCW President and CEO Katie Koch
Being a first-time CEO can be a daunting transition filled with risk and opportunity, something that TCW Group President and CEO Katie Koch has experienced firsthand. In today’s episode, Clarke and Hoda talk with Katie about her career journey in the financial industry, from her early years as an intern at Goldman Sachs to becoming a first-time CEO at TCW. She shares what it takes to be a good leader and the skills needed to make tough decisions and take people where they may not want to go, including empathy, asking questions and listening, discipline of process, and the importance of having a great coach. She also shares her thoughts on how to navigate volatile global markets and the inherent friction of AI and business transformation. We'll also hear from Sean Dineen, a Managing Director in our Boston office, who will outline what it takes to succeed in the first few days and months as a new CEO. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes: Unpacking Leadership Lessons with Marriott International President and CEO Tony Capuano Leadership Lounge: How to nail your first year as CEO In the Fast Lane: A Conversation with FIA CEO Natalie Robyn Planting Long-Term Investment Seeds with Markel Group CEO Tom Gayner Opening Hearts and Minds on Late Night News with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle
