The Leadership Spark

Linda Hill, Harvard Business School professor and innovation scholar, shares her research on collective creativity. She breaks down why innovation needs co-creation, the Architect/Bridger/Catalyst roles, and how organizations scale ideas. She highlights psychological safety, curiosity, and system-level thinking in building cultures that turn experiments into lasting change.

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Ludovic Subran, Group Chief Investment Officer at Allianz and Senior Fellow at Harvard University, shares insights on leadership, economics, and innovation. He discusses the power of storytelling in economics, the transformative potential of AI and alternative data, and Europe’s evolving global role. Ludovic emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, the importance of clear frameworks, and the balance between kindness and accountability in leadership. He highlights how empathy, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity drive effective teams and decision-making. Show notes:Ludovic Subran LinkedIn profileUnited Nations Worldfood ProgrammeBook: "Grit” by Angela DuckworthBook “First 90 Days” by Michael D. WatkinsBook “Investing in a Changing Climate” by Ludovic Subransylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this Leadership Spark Podcast episode, Sylvain welcomes back Harvard professor Ranjay Gulati to discuss his new book, Courage: How to Be Bold. They explore the difference between risk and uncertainty, and how courage means acting purposefully despite fear. Ranjay shares multiple stories of everyday and extraordinary courage, from disaster response to personal challenges. The episode highlights that courage is a learnable skill, essential for leaders and individuals navigating today’s unpredictable world, and is deeply connected to purpose and human connection. Show notes:Book: "Courage: How to be bold” by Ranjay GulatiHBR Article: “Now is the time for courage” by Ranjay GulatiBook: “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de BeckerBook: “Radical uncertainty” by John Kay and Mervyn Kingsylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Roch Parayre, founder and CEO of Strategique. Drawing on his global experience in executive education and consulting, Roch discusses scenario planning, innovation, and strategic leadership. He explains how scenario planning helps organizations prepare for multiple possible futures, emphasizing adaptability over prediction. The conversation explores the challenges of adopting this mindset, the role of AI, and the importance of resilience, curiosity, and sensemaking in leadership. Roch shares practical examples and insights on how leaders can navigate uncertainty and drive effective, agile strategies in today’s fast-paced environment.Show notes:Roch Parayre LinkedIn profileBook: "Lean Start-up“ from Eric RiesBook: "Essence of Decision" by Graham Allison and Philip ZelikowArticle “Strategic thinking is like a golf swing” by Roch ParayrePESTEL frameworksylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Peter Salzer, an accomplished CEO, chairman, and private equity partner. Peter shares insights from his 30-year leadership journey across multiple industries, discussing his shift from corporate roles to private equity with a focus on operational value creation. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, inclusive leadership, and “relaxed resilience.” Peter recounts navigating crises, fostering communication during organizational challenges, and adapting to technological disruption like AI. The conversation offers practical advice on career development, people management, and building sustainable, high-performing organizations through hands-on leadership.Show notes:Peter Salzer LinkedIn profileBook: "The Big Short"Book: "The Endurance: Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition”Book: “Why nations fail”Thomas Malone at the MITsylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode, Steve Sargent, a seasoned Global CEO with over 20 years at GE and current non-executive director, shares his leadership learning and philosophy. He discusses the importance of structured time management, continuous learning, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Steve reflects on the influence of leaders who have impacted him, the value of making people feel appreciated, and the need for adaptability in today’s volatile world. He also highlights practical habits, such as weekly reflection on priorities and time spent with people and customers, to ensure leaders focus on what truly matters.Show notes:Steve Sargent LinkedIn profileBook “Winning” by Jack WelchBook “Jack - Straight from the gut” by Jack WelchBook “Good to great” by Jim CollinsBook “Start with why” by Simon SinekBook “The infinite game” by Simon SinekThe Great Barrier Reef Foundationsylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Nick Binedell, an academic originally from Zimbabwe and founding director of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in South Africa. Nick shares how his multicultural upbringing shaped his worldview and curiosity, discusses his transition from corporate leadership to academia, and recounts the founding of GIBS. He offers insights on business education, leadership challenges in Africa, the impact of emerging technologies like AI, and the integration of strategy and operations. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and authentic leadership in navigating complex, rapidly changing environments. Show notes:Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of PretoriaProfessor Nick BinedellHBR article: “Evolution and Revolution as Organizations Grow” by Larry E. GreinerBook “Winning” by Jack WelchBook “Life and Death in the Executive Fast Lane” by Manfred F. R. Kets de Vriessylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Julian Birkinshaw, Dean and Professor at the Ivey Business School in Canada, and co-author of "Resurgent." They discuss how established companies are better positioned to navigate the digital transformation than new market entrants. Burkinshaw shares lessons from companies like Disney, GE, Pearson and Nokia and explores the challenges of AI and productivity. Additionally, they explore the Leadership capabilities required to successfully navigate the Digital Transformation. This episode offers practical insights for leaders facing rapid technological and organizational change.Show notes:Julian Birkinshaw‘s websiteBook “Resurgent” by Julian Birkinshaw and John FallonBook "Only the Paranoid Survive" by Andrew GroveBook "The Age of Unreason" by Charles HandyBook "Team of Teams" by General Stanley McChrystalBook "Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel GolemanBook "Megatrends" by John Naisbittsylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews INSEAD professor Subramanian Rangan about the intersection of economic performance and societal progress. Rangan discusses his book, "Core Assumptions in Business Theory," and highlights how businesses can integrate profit, people, and planet through practical examples like the Linden Group’s True Value Method. The conversation explores the importance of moral reasoning in leadership, the challenges of measuring intangible impacts, and the need for companies to balance financial success with ethical responsibility and sustainability for lasting progress.Show notes:Society for ProgressBook “Core Assumptions in Business Theory” by Subramanian RanganBook "Dreams and Details" by Jim Hagemann SnabeBook "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam SmithBook "The Great Transformation" by Karl PolanyiBook "Passions and Interests" by Albert sylvainnewton.com/podcast

In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain converses with Robert Wreschniock, CEO of the Tatin Institute for Strategy Activation. They delve into Robert's book, "The Strategy Activation Canvas," focusing on bridging the gap between strategy formulation and implementation. Robert emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and visual communication of strategy within organizations. He advocates for engaging, memorable formats over traditional presentations to ensure employees retain and act upon strategic goals. Additionally he shares his perspective on Change Management and Transformation and the necessity to embrace the “nay sayers” in the process. Show notes:Book “Strategy Activation Canvas” by Ansgar Thiessen and Robert WreschniokQuickMBA websiteBook “Das große Buch der Strategie“ by Robert WreschniokBook „Leading Change“ by John KotterBook “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. CoveyGallup Strengths Findersylvainnewton.com/podcast