C-Suite Conversations with Dr. Patrick Leddin

Episode #108 Dr. Wendy Walsh

Learn how to make the seemingly impossible possible from this engaging and energetic conversation with Dr. Wendy Walsh, Chief Learning Officer for Air Education Training and Command. Throughout her career, Dr. Walsh has intentionally emphasized the importance of bringing people together, creating shared understanding, and enabling collaboration to achieve great things. As a leader, Dr. Walsh highlights the value of self-awareness, situational awareness, and creating psychologically caring environments where people feel supported and able to openly share their struggles and needs. She stresses the importance of balancing people-focused leadership with a clear sense of purpose and meaningful work, rather than seeing it as a simple trade-off.

Episode #107 Howard Friedman

Shared expectations are the root of all productive relationships. That is one of several impactful truths shared in this C-suite Conversations episode, featuring Utz Brands CEO Howard Friedman. Howard emphasizes the importance of goal-setting, alignment, and accountability across the organization. He stresses the need to keep goals active and alive through regular check-ins and a willingness to ask for help when off-track. Building effective teams and breaking down silos is a constant focus, as he emphasizes the importance of establishing norms, empowerment, and accountability as critical to fostering productive collaboration.

Episode #106 Ken Natori

At Natori, East meets West and passion meets fashion. Join Natori President Ken Natori as he and C-suite Conversations host Patrick Leddin discuss his career journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Ken reflects on how he was able to make his own mark on the company, the need to continuously pivot and adapt in a competitive market, and the necessity of having a genuine passion for what you do.

Episode #105 Scott Miller

In his final episode as host of C-suite Conversations, Scott Miller reflects on a key lesson he took away from the more than 100 interviews he's done. In addition to a focus on the importance of developing and fostering effective communication skills, Scott emphasizes a lesson he gleaned on the necessity of developing the ability to critically evaluate information and discern fact from fiction in an era of increasing misinformation. He closes by handing the proverbial baton to long-time friend and colleague, Patrick Leddin, who will be taking over as the host of C-suite Conversations moving forward.
 
 

Episode #104 Elisa Villanueva Beard

Join Teach for America CEO Elisa Villanueva Beard as she shares the inspirational story of her personal journey, from growing up in a low-income community in Texas to becoming a leader in the mission to provide educational equity for all students. Elisa walks through her own path to Teach for America, sharing the importance of continuously assessing your team and being willing to make changes to have the right people in the right roles.

Episode #103 Leila Hormozi

You can't lose if you don't quit. That's one of many valuable truths brought to by Leila Hormozi in her episode of C-Suite Conversations. The CEO of Acquisition.com shares her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of being willing to adapt and change quickly to succeed. She also shares what she has learned about culture, system creation, leadership growth, and the importance of being a team player. 

Episode #102 Jeannine Tait

Avoid your next career implosion with tactics and practices discussed with McGraw Hill Chief Human Resources and Communication Officer Jeannine Tait. Jeannine emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding individual strengths in leadership roles, and digs into some things we can all do to be more intentional about our career journey. Jeanine also provides insights into the mission and digital transformation of McGraw Hill, highlighting their commitment to personalized learning.

Episode #101 Joanna Sabato

Creating impact where its needed most is a huge focus for Joanna Sabato, Chief Global Marketing and Communications Officer for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Joanna shares her journey from a career in advertising to her current role, where she combines her business acumen, marketing skills, and passion for a worthy cause. Joanna discusses the competencies needed for success in the C-suite, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in the ever-evolving world of marketing and communications. She also highlights the incredible work of Ronald McDonald House Charities, providing support and accommodations for families with seriously ill children. This episode is a powerful reminder of the positive impact that can be made when businesses and individuals come together to make a difference in the lives of others.

Episode #100 Paul Walker

In this milestone 100th episode of Franklin Covey's C-suite Conversations podcast, host Scott Miller sits down with the CEO of Franklin Covey, Paul Walker. With nearly 25 years of experience at the company, Paul shares his journey from an inside sales role to becoming the leader of the most trusted and influential leadership development firm in the world. Paul provides valuable insights into creating high-performing cultures, solving organizational challenges, and the future of FranklinCovey.

Episode #99 Alexander MacDonald

Alexander MacDonald, the Chief Economist at NASA joins us to we delve into the fascinating world of space exploration and the role of economics in shaping NASA's future. From discussing the potential risks of conflict in space to the importance of international cooperation, Alex provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of space exploration. Discover how NASA is navigating the shift towards commercial partnerships and the exciting Artemis campaign to return to the moon. With anecdotes from Alex's own journey and his passion for economic history, this episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of economics and space exploration.