C-Suite Conversations with Dr. Patrick Leddin

Episode #88 Ukonwa Kuzi-Orizu Ojo

The moment she decided to be comfortable with who she was created to be, flaws and all, was an absolute game changer for Ukonwa Kuzi-Orizu Ojo. The CEO and founder of Zaia Ventures shares her diverse career journey, from starting in finance to transitioning into brand management, as an illustration of the importance of authenticity and being true to yourself in building your personal brand. She shares insights from her time as the Global Chief Marketing Officer for Amazon Prime Video, highlighting the company’s customer obsession, focus on thinking big, and emphasis on delivering results.

Episode #87 Scott Trench

Start building yourself bigger pockets today by spending less, earning more, investing, and creating. Join the CEO and President of BiggerPockets.com, Scott Trench, as he delves into the importance of financial independence and the role of real estate investing in achieving that goal. Scott emphasizes the need for thorough research and careful decision-making, highlighting the value of BiggerPockets’ community and content in guiding aspiring investors through every stage in their journey.

Episode #86 Sam Shriver

Join the Vice President of Thought Leadership at The Center for Leadership Studies, Sam Shriver, as he shares meaningful insights on leadership. Sam speaks to the importance of adjusting leadership styles based on the individual and the task at hand, and discusses how to approach some of the challenges leaders are facing in organizations today. He emphasizes the need for leaders to focus on common ground, use humor to put people at ease, and develop diagnostic skills to make thoughtful decisions.

Episode #85 Terry Shaw

The mission, vision, and values are the lifeblood of an organization. AdventHealth President and CEO Terry Shaw offers up one of the most insightful interviews yet on C-suite Conversations, sharing his strategies for leading with curiosity, adaptability, and authenticity. Terry vulnerably discusses his own strengths and weaknesses as a leader throughout his four-decade career with AdventHealth, which is now an $18 billion healthcare delivery system with 52 hospitals and 93,000 employees across multiple states.

Episode #84 Damon Jones

Procter & Gamble's Chief Communications Officer, Damon Jones has a pretty clear message for those seeking career success: be deliberate, be bold, and always be learning. Damon's nearly 30-year career at P&G has afforded him plenty of opportunities to do each of these things, as well as developed in him a genuine fondness for effective communication practices. He shares advice for aspiring leaders, including the need to be clear on what you can contribute and to seek out opportunities for growth and learning. He also discusses the role of CEOs in communicating with customers and shaping the brand, emphasizing the need for clarity, authenticity, and alignment with the company's values.

Episode #83 Jennifer McCollum

Creating cultures where we are all celebrated rather than tolerated is a passion of Jennifer McCollum, CEO of Linkage and author of In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO. Jennifer explores the challenges and hurdles that women face in their journey to leadership positions, emphasizing the need for organizations to create inclusive cultures where women can thrive. Jennifer encourages everyone, regardless of gender, to be selective in choosing organizations that celebrate and support their growth.

Episode #82 Todd Kaplan

Few brands are as recognizable as Pepsi. Todd Kaplan, Pepsi’s Chief Marketing Officer, joins Scott to discuss the ins and outs of guiding an iconic brand. Todd shares insights on lifestyle marketing, connecting with consumers, data-driven decision-making, brand identity, and the “Three Truths” of effective creative strategy.

Episode #81 Jason Buechel

Success is rooted in the strength of the team. CEO Jason Buechel says this is among the reasons why Whole Foods Market can offer a unique shopping experience to its customers. Jason emphasizes the importance of understanding the operations of a business and having a connection to the industry, the customers, and the employees. He shares his advice for aspiring leaders, including his strategies for staying connected to the organization and avoiding an ivory tower effect.

Episode #80 Lori Mazan

Join Lori Mazan, Co-founder, President, and Chief Coaching Officer of Sounding Board, for a discussion on the importance of coaching in leadership development and the need to update leadership approaches for the current work environment. Lori also touches on topics such as the role of coaching in the C-suite, the challenges of deploying coaching on a large scale, and the skills needed for success in the workforce. Lori also shares her personal journey and offers advice for individuals looking to trailblaze in their careers.

Episode #79 Julie Loeger

Join Julie Loeger, Chief Growth Officer of eBay, as she discusses her career journey, the mission of eBay, and the importance of economic opportunity for all. Julie also shares insights about eBay's inventory, trust and confidence in the platform, and the strong sense of community among buyers and sellers, emphasizing the need for allyship and transparent communication in the workplace.