Positive Leadership

What happens when one of Silicon Valley's most accomplished engineers decides the system he helped build is broken—and walks away to fix it? Today my guest is Raffi Krikorian, CTO of Mozilla and one of the most civic-minded technologists I know. We explore why the fight for open-source AI isn't just a technical debate; it is really a fight for who controls our relationship with knowledge itself. Raffi's career path is uniquely fascinating. He spent his early years scaling massive engineering teams at Twitter and launching Uber’s first self-driving fleet. But then he did something rare. He pivoted to public service, becoming the first-ever CTO of the Democratic National Committee to rebuild their cybersecurity from the ground up. He then went on to drive social-impact technology at Emerson Collective, applying his engineering mind to systemic issues like immigration and climate change. At Mozilla, he is now on the frontlines of the AI revolution. We talk about what it means to be "technically optimistic" right now—which also happens to be the name of his excellent podcast. For Raffi, optimism isn't about blind faith in algorithms. It’s about demanding that our tools are trustworthy, transparent, and built to serve humanity, rather than exploiting it. In our conversation, we explore:  → The Twitter crash that taught him his job was not to be the architect, but to create the conditions for others to do their best work  → Why he left Uber's self-driving program after discovering their models misclassified people based on skin color  → How a week of Google Sheets transformed an asylum-seeker nonprofit more than any AI chatbot could  → His conviction that we need seven billion AGIs—one for each of us—not seven controlled by massive corporations  → Why patience, not speed, is the leadership skill that actually builds movements "We have outsourced dreaming to a few people who are building companies and we all need to dream again." — Raffi Krikorian, CTO, Mozilla If you have ever wondered whether the technology on your phone is truly working for you—or for someone else—this conversation will completely change how you think about what comes next. 🔑 Key Themes: Open-Source AI, Responsible Technology, Purpose-Driven Leadership, Digital Trust, Civic Tech, Cybersecurity, Technical Optimism. 🎧 Related Episodes: Kevin Scott — Empowering people with AI: Navrina Singh — Building Trust in AI: Leadership, Governance, and Human Values Rana el Kaliouby — Human-Centric AI (purpose meets profit in technology)  🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, jpcourtois.com Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

What if the greatest turnaround in modern corporate history wasn’t driven by financial engineering or restructuring, but by an unshakeable belief in science and human talent? In this powerful episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I welcome Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca—a visionary leader who transformed a struggling pharmaceutical company into a defining global force in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory care. He is also someone I know personally: I had the privilege of serving on the AstraZeneca board between 2008 and 2016, and I was in the boardroom when we appointed him as CEO. What makes Pascal’s leadership so rare is his non-traditional ascent. He didn't start with an elite corporate playbook; his foundational lessons were grounded in learning the value of loyalty and protecting his people. By beginning his professional life as a practicing veterinarian, he developed a profound sense of empathy—traits that continue to drive his unwavering commitment to putting patients first today. But Pascal’s story isn’t your typical corporate trajectory. Raised in a humble background where he learned early lessons about loyalty, standing up for his team, and defending his territory, he began his professional life not in business, but as a veterinarian. It was this experience that profoundly shaped his empathy and his "patient-first" approach to leadership. In our conversation, we explore: 🔬 The Turnaround – How Pascal orchestrated AstraZeneca's massive transformation by instilling a clear, shared purpose and focusing relentlessly on patient outcomes. 🛡️ The Pfizer Takeover – How Pascal defended AstraZeneca against a massive hostile takeover bid from Pfizer by betting everything on the truth of long-term science. 🌍 COVID-19 & Global Access – The leadership lessons learned during the pandemic and the drive to ensure global, equitable access to the vaccine, particularly for countries in the Global South. 🤖 AI and the Future of Discovery – How AI is accelerating the race to cure cancer and redefine medicine. Pascal’s insight: “People come to work because they believe they can make a difference. First, a shared purpose. Second, clarity about each person’s contribution to that goal.” Whether navigating a corporate crisis, defending core values against short-term pressures, or building a culture of psychological safety and innovation, this conversation is a masterclass in resilient, purpose-driven leadership. Key Themes: Corporate turnarounds, healthcare innovation, purpose-driven leadership, AI in medicine, empathy, resilience, scientific truth, navigating crises. 🎧 Related Episodes You’ll Love: Indra Nooyi: Driving performance with purposeSir Ronald Cohen: Reinventing capitalism for impactGianpiero Petriglieri: Leadership, a matter of loveFabio Barbosa: Leading with Purpose: Profit, People, and the PlanetSubscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

What if the stories you inherited about who you’re supposed to become—from your family, your industry, your own fears—are the very narratives holding you back? In this powerful episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I welcome Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, a visionary media executive who has led transformations at The New Yorker and WIRED, and an extraordinary marathoner who set an American record in the 50K at age 45. But Nick’s story isn’t just about professional success or athletic achievement. It’s about the conscious choice to rewrite the narrative we inherit. Nick grew up watching his brilliant father—a Rhodes Scholar and academic star—whose life eventually “cracked up” due to alcoholism and personal struggles. Around Nick’s 40th birthday, his father warned him: “All men’s lives fall apart at this age.” That was the script Nick had inherited. A story of inevitable decline. But Nick refused to live that story. In our conversation, we explore: 🏃 The Running Ground – How Nick used running as therapy to honor his father while writing a different ending (achieving a 2:29 marathon at 44) 📰 Truth in the Age of Misinformation – Leading The Atlantic through a crisis of trust, deepfakes, and algorithmic manipulation 🤖 AI as Editorial Tool vs. Existential Threat – Why he says AI is “the best tool we’ve ever had” but could also “completely obliterate us” 👨‍👦 Inherited Patterns – Recognizing generational trauma and consciously choosing a different path ⚖️ ️ The Church-State Separation – Why editorial independence matters more than ever 💪 Defying Aging – Getting faster with age and what it teaches about leadership limits Nick’s profound insight: “I run because of my father. Running connects me to my father; it reminds me of my father; and it gives me a way to avoid becoming my father.” That sentence captures everything: honoring where we come from while consciously choosing who we become. Whether you’re navigating generational patterns, leading through uncertainty, or simply asking yourself what story you want to live—this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Key Themes: Narrative identity, media leadership, AI ethics, generational healing, resilience, editorial integrity, running as therapy, conscious choice 🎧 Related Episodes You’ll Love: -  Herminia Ibarra: Growing through personal disruption https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/10210926 Caroline Leaf: Managing your mind - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/15018482 Angela Duckworth: The power of grit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14677055 Peggy Johnson: Leading a human-centric future of AI - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/18329548 Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Dans ce nouvel épisode du Positive Leadership Podcast, j'ai l'honneur d'accueillir Moussa Camara, un entrepreneur visionnaire et un bâtisseur de ponts infatigable qui redessine le visage de l'entrepreneuriat en France.Fondateur de l'association Les Déterminés, Moussa a consacré sa vie à une conviction simple mais puissante : le talent est partout, même si les opportunités ne le sont pas. Sa mission ? Libérer le potentiel des entrepreneurs issus des quartiers populaires et des zones rurales en les connectant aux réseaux du monde des affaires.Mais pour comprendre l'homme, il faut revenir au début de son parcours. Tout a commencé à Cergy-Pontoise, dans le quartier "Croix-Petit". Enfant d'une famille nombreuse originaire du Mali, c'est là qu'il a lancé sa toute première "entreprise" : un service de retour de caddies au supermarché local. Une école de l'humilité et du travail.Dans notre conversation, nous plongeons au cœur de son incroyable résilience. Nous discutons sans filtre de la manière dont il a transformé l'échec de sa première entreprise (logistique et télécoms) en un tremplin pour bâtir quelque chose de plus grand. C'est une véritable masterclass sur le "Grit" (la niaque) — cette combinaison de passion et de persévérance dont j'avais discuté avec Angela Duckworth.Enfin, nous regardons vers l'avenir. Ensemble, nous explorons comment construire des écosystèmes qui ressemblent enfin à notre société. Moussa partage sa vision ambitieuse avec le lancement de Time4, un fonds d'investissement créé en partenariat avec Daphni, HEC et Live for Good, conçu pour financer ces entrepreneurs trop souvent ignorés qui construisent pourtant l'économie de demain.Dans cet épisode, nous abordons :Les Racines : Son enfance à Cergy et les valeurs de travail ancrées par sa famille et son premier job de caddies.Les Tripes de l'Entrepreneur : Comment rebondir après la faillite et transformer la colère en énergie positive.Le Mouvement : La création des Déterminés pour faire le pont entre "la rue" et les conseils d'administration.L'ADN : Pourquoi "Ne jamais rien lâcher" est une compétence de survie vitale. Le Futur (Time4) : Notre ambition commune pour financer l'excellence, d'où qu'elle vienne.Moussa nous rappelle que le Leadership Positif ne consiste pas seulement à gravir les échelons, mais à construire l'ascenseur pour les autres.🎧 Si vous avez aimé cette conversation, découvrez aussi :Angela Duckworth (Sur le pouvoir du "Grit") : Lien Fred Swaniker (La prochaine génération de leaders africains) : LienPierre Dubuc (L'éducation pour tous avec OpenClassrooms) : LienSubscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

In this new episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I’m delighted to welcome Katarina Berg, a leader who has redefined HR and culture for the digital age. As the long-time CHRO of Spotify and now Chief People Officer at On, Katarina has been at the helm of some of the most intense “hyper-growth” stories in tech history. But her journey started long before boardrooms—growing up sailing the world and being homeschooled on the ocean taught her a vital lesson: You cannot control the waves, you can only adjust your sails. In our conversation, we dive deep into her philosophy of “Controlled Chaos,” a bold approach that challenges the traditional command-and-control models of corporate leadership. Together, we explore a fascinating reality: What happens when you trust your employees enough to let them work from anywhere—not just as a perk, but as a business strategy? Katarina reveals how the “Work From Anywhere” policy at Spotify unlocked talent globally, and how she is now applying similar principles of trust and speed at On. But the real revolution isn't just about policy. It is about connection. We discuss her famous “Walk and Talks”—solving complex business problems on mountain trails rather than in meeting rooms—and how staying close to nature makes us better decision-makers. In this episode, we cover: The Origin Story: How a childhood spent navigating high seas shaped her resilience and adaptability as a leader. The Philosophy: Why “Controlled Chaos” is essential for innovation, and why rigidity is the enemy of growth. The Strategy: How to implement a “Work From Anywhere” culture that actually works (and isn’t just hybrid theater). The Method: The power of the “Walk and Talk” to break down barriers and foster deep human connection. The Future: Her advice for the leaders of 2030: “Dare to be bold, lead with your heart, and always lift others as you rise.” Katarina reminds us that Positive Leadership is not about choosing between high performance and human care. It is about realizing that you cannot have one without the other. I hope you’ll enjoy this energizing conversation with Katarina Berg. 🎧 If you enjoyed this conversation, you may also like these episodes: Hubert Joly: On “The Human Magic” and leading with purpose: https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/fr-liberer-la-magie-humaine-pour-reussir-avec-hubert-joly Jesper Brodin: Learning to embrace risk at IKEA: https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/learning-to-embrace-risk-with-jesper-brodin Kathleen Hogan: On building a people-first culture at Microsoft: https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/empowering-people-and-organizations-with-kathleen-hogan Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

MacKenzie Price is a Stanford-educated psychologist and co-founder of Alpha School, an innovative institution focused on AI-enhanced, personalized learning. She shares how her daughter's boredom with traditional school led her to create a new educational model that emphasizes life skills alongside academics. Students achieve mastery in just two hours a day, allowing time for creativity and vital skills like public speaking and resilience. MacKenzie envisions a future where education fosters changemakers and adapts to individual needs using AI, all while keeping human connections at the core.

In this engaging discussion, Navrina Singh, Founder and CEO of Credo AI, shares her inspiring journey from India to becoming a global advocate for responsible AI. She emphasizes the risks of AI stemming from poor governance rather than technology itself and explores her work in building trust through measurable AI ethics. Navrina highlights the need for diversity and empathy in AI development, alongside practical advice for future leaders to embrace adaptability. Her vision for AI governance calls for a balance between innovation and ethical accountability.

Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics and former Microsoft EVP, discusses her journey from a large family to tech leadership. She shares how her upbringing instilled a belief in inclusivity as vital for innovation. Peggy highlights the importance of humanoid robots in addressing labor shortages and the need for empathy in leadership. She envisions a future where technology enhances human life, promoting collaboration between humans and machines. Her insights on authenticity and purpose-driven leadership offer a roadmap for navigating the evolving tech landscape.

Pour célébrer les 10 ans de Live for Good, j’ai souhaité enregistrer un épisode très spécial du Positive Leadership Podcast. J’y reçois deux entrepreneurs que j’admire profondément et qui incarnent, chacun à leur manière, l’esprit de notre communauté : Anne-Sophie Thomas, fondatrice de Gestia Solidaire, et Marius Hamelot, cofondateur du Pavé®. Depuis dix ans, avec Live for Good, nous soutenons une nouvelle génération de jeunes qui entreprennent pour le bien commun. Anne-Sophie et Marius en sont deux magnifiques exemples : l’un transforme les déchets plastiques en matériaux innovants pour décarboner le secteur du bâtiment, l’autre réinvente l’accès au logement abordable pour les publics qui n’ont souvent aucune solution dans le parc privé. Avec eux, je reviens sur leurs déclics, leurs missions personnelles, les obstacles des débuts, la puissance de l’accompagnement, leurs modèles d’impact, leurs engagements citoyens et leur vision d’un leadership authentique et positif. Ils nous partagent aussi leurs plus grandes fiertés… et leur vision du futur, pour 2030 et au-delà. 🎧 Et pour prolonger l’inspiration, je vous recommande également : mon échange avec Laurence Tubiana, pour comprendre comment naissent les grandes transformations collectives : https://www.jpcourtois.com/fr/podcast/fr-le-courage-du-changement-avec-laurence-tubiana  l’épisode avec Daniel Goleman, sur les compétences émotionnelles au cœur du leadership moderne : https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/optimizing-your-performance-with-emotional-intelligence-with-daniel-goleman  ma discussion avec Lucie Basch, fondatrice de Too Good To Go, pour découvrir comment elle a transformé le gaspillage alimentaire en opportunité et construit une entreprise sociale rentable grâce à l’énergie positive : https://www.jpcourtois.com/fr/podcast/fr-construire-une-entreprise-pour-un-monde-meilleur-avec-lucie-baschet ma discussion avec Paul Hawken, qui explore comment la régénération peut devenir un nouveau modèle de société: https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/paul-hawken----regenerating-the-world-one-idea-at-a-time Cet épisode est un hommage à dix années d’engagement, d’audace et d’impact partagé. Merci à Anne-Sophie, à Marius… et à toutes celles et ceux qui font vivre la mission de Live for Good depuis 10 ans. Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

In this episode, I speak with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, global leadership expert, Thinkers50 Hall of Famer, and a pioneer of gender-balanced and age-ready organizations. We explore her unique journey across cultures, what she’s learned from advising leaders on four continents, and why cultural and contextual awareness is now essential for anyone leading across genders, generations — and even within couples. Avivah also shares why longevity will redefine careers, how companies can prepare for 100-year lives, and what positive leaders should focus on as AI, geopolitics, and demographics reshape the future of work. A sharp, inspiring conversation on building more balanced, human-centered organizations. If you enjoyed this episode, listen also to: A Defiant Optimist Transforming Global Finance (with Durreen Shahnaz): https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/a-defiant-optimist-transforming-global-finance-with-durreen-shahnaz  Not the End of the World (with Hannah Ritchie): https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/not-the-end-of-the-world-with-hannah-ritchie  Human centric AI (with Rana el Kaliouby): https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/human-centric-ai-with-rana-el-kaliouby   Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/