The Leadership Spark
Welcome to 'The Leadership Spark', where we illuminate the path to exceptional leadership through insightful dialogues with brilliant authors. Join me, Sylvain Newton, once a month, as I dive into the minds of thought leaders, uncovering the stories, strategies, and wisdom hidden within the pages of their books. Each episode is a journey, a personal exploration into the spark that ignites exceptional leadership. Tune in, learn and grow. This isn't just a podcast; it's a dynamic community where leadership comes alive. Let’s light the way together!
Authentic Success with Robert Holden
In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews famous psychologist and author Robert Holden, known for "The Happiness Project." They explore redefining success beyond money and status, emphasizing clarity, authenticity, and love. Robert shares insights on positive psychology, the importance of inner wisdom, and how leadership is an attitude rooted in respect and connection. The conversation covers overcoming busyness, the evolving role of ego, and the need for soulful leadership, especially as technology advances.
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Robert Holden’s websiteBook “Authentic Success” by Robert HoldenBook “Loveability” by Robert HoldenThe Enneagram of personalityBook “Servant Lead...Genius at Scale with Linda Hill
In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain discussed with Harvard Business School professor Linda Hill about her new book "Genius at Scale", and her research on innovation and leadership. Hill emphasizes that innovation is a collective effort, requiring leaders to foster environments of collaboration, experimentation, and learning. She introduces the roles of Architect, Bridger, and Catalyst, sharing case studies like Mastercard’s transformation under Ajay Banga. Hill highlights the importance of curiosity, psychological safety, and systemic thinking, offering practical insights on building innovative cultures and leading change in complex, rapidly evolving organizations.
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Leadership and The Economy with Ludovic Subran
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.
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Ludovic Subran LinkedIn profileUnited Nations Worldfood ProgrammeBook: "Grit” by Angela Duckw...How To Be Bold with Ranjay Gulati
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.
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Book: "Courage: How to be bold” by Ranjay GulatiHBR Article: “Now is...Scenario Planning with Roch Parayre
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.
Sh...
Relaxed Resilience with Peter Salzer
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.
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Pete...Leadership and Culture with Steve Sargent
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.
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Strategy and Leadership with Nick Binedell
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.
Resurgent with Julian Birkinshaw
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.
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Julian Birkinshaw‘s websiteBook “Resu...Core Assumptions in Business Theory with Subramanian Rangan
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.
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Society for ProgressBook “Core Assumptions in Busi...Strategy Activation Canvas with Robert Wreschniock
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.
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Boo...Leadership: Essential Selections with Barbara Kellerman
In this episode of the Leadership Spark podcast, Sylvain converses with Barbara Kellerman, a renowned professor of public leadership at Harvard Kennedy School. They discuss particularly her book “Leadership: Essential selections” and explore the intricate dynamics between leaders and followers, emphasizing the importance of context. Barbara introduces her leader-follower-context triad, critiques the leadership industry's leader-centric focus, and discusses the distinctions between power, authority, and influence.
Show notes:
Book “Bad Leadership” by Barbara Kellerman
Book “Followership” by Barbara Kellerman
Book “LEADERSHIP: Essential Selections on Power, Authority, and Influence” by Barbara Kellerman
Boo...
Four Thousand Weeks with Oliver Burkeman
In this episode of the Leadership Sparks podcast, Sylvain engages with Oliver Burkeman, a renowned journalist and author, to explore our relation to time and productivity. Burkeman discusses the inherent limitations of traditional productivity methods and emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices about how to allocate time and attention. The conversation highlights the value of embracing limitations rather than striving for unattainable ideals. Burkeman shares practical strategies for managing time and how to foster a more meaningful and intentional approach to productivity.
Show notes:
Book “4,000 weeks” by Oliver Burkeman
Book “Medita...
The Leader's Checklist with Michael Useem
In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain Newton converses with Mike Useem, director of the Center of Leadership and Change Management at Wharton Business School. They discuss leadership principles from Useem’s book "The Leader's Checklist," emphasizing practical experience and informed intuition. They highlight key leadership traits like prioritizing common interests, honoring team contributions, and persuasive communication. Useem shares insights from his work with the U.S. Marine Corps and the New York Fire Department, and highlights the importance of servant leadership, strategic thinking, and personal connection in contemporary leadership.
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...
The Listening Leader with Emilio Galli-Zugaro
In this episode of "The Leadership Spark," host Sylvain converses with Emilio Galli-Zugaro, co-author of the book "The Listening Leader", founder of the Orvieto Academy in Munich and chairman of Methodos in Milan. The discussion delves into leadership, communication, and trust in the corporate world. Emilio emphasizes the importance of engaging employees as credible sources of information and transforming them into brand ambassadors. He shares insights on the necessity of leaders listening to stakeholders, providing clear information, and fostering a sense of ownership. The episode highlights the impact of technology, the value of curiosity, and the future trend of...
The Big Leap with Gay Hendricks
In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain engages with Gay Hendricks, a renowned author and psychologist, to discuss his book "The Big Leap" and the concept of the "upper limit." Gay Hendricks shares personal anecdotes, including a transformative moment in his life that led to profound self-awareness. He explains how individuals often sabotage their own success and happiness due to deep-seated fears and limiting beliefs. The conversation highlights practical steps to recognize and overcome these barriers, encouraging listeners to embrace their "zone of genius" and achieve personal growth and fulfillment.
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Creating The Organization of The Future with Bernie Jaworski
In this episode of the Leadership Podcast, Sylvain engages with Bernie, an expert in management and leadership, who holds the Drucker Chair in Management and Liberal Arts at the Drucker School in Claremont, California. Bernie discusses his book, "Creating the Organization of the Future," which integrates the teachings of Peter Drucker and Confucius. The conversation centers on essential organizational choices regarding mission, vision, purpose, values, and culture, emphasizing the need for adaptability and alignment. Benny highlights the importance of making clear choices, time management, calmness in leadership, and the ability to learn and adapt in a rapidly changing market...
Leadership Team Alignment with Jacques Neatby
In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain interviews Jacques Neatby, a partner at MindLab, executive team advisor, author, and professor of leadership. The discussion delves into the dynamics of senior leadership teams, focusing on alignment, decision-making processes and the role of psychological safety. Key insights include the importance of power dynamics, the need for more structured meetings, the impact of team size on effectiveness, and the necessity of clear expectations. Jacques also highlights the value of process facilitation in leadership and shares practical strategies for fostering effective team interactions and decision-making.
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Look at More with Andy Stefanovich
In this episode of the Leadership Spark Podcast, Sylvain engages with Andy Stefanovich, a renowned speaker, best-selling author, and founding partner of “Life”, a consulting firm in Richmond, Virginia. Andy shares insights on leadership, innovation, and creativity, emphasizing the importance of seeking inspiration in unconventional places. He discusses how leaders can foster an environment that encourages creativity by focusing on the human aspect of leadership, engaging in reflective practices, and embracing curiosity. Andy also highlights the significance of self-inspiration for leaders to effectively inspire their teams, ultimately driving innovation and meaningful outcomes.
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Viral Change with Leandro Herrero
In this Leadership Spark podcast episode, host Sylvain Newton interviews Leandro Herrero, CEO of the Chalfont Project and author of "Viral Change". Together they discuss innovative approaches to change management. Herrero critiques traditional top-down methods, advocating for a behavior-focused, organic strategy. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and engaging highly connected individuals within organizations to drive scalable change. The conversation explores social network analysis and the dynamics of managing change champions.“
Leandro Herrero and the Chalfont Project. His book “Viral Change”
Fridtjof Capra (physicist and advocate of system thinking)
Euler (mathematician known for his wo...
Value Capture Selling with Jean-Claude Larréché
In this podcast episode of the Leadership Spark, host Sylvain Newton interviews Jean-Claude Larréché, an emeritus professor at INSEAD Business School and founder of StratX. They discuss Jean-Claude's journey from mathematics to leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing hard and soft skills. The conversation explores Leadership from the perspective of the Commercial function and particularly the drivers of corporate value creation. Finally, they explore the evolution of Leadership and key traits for leaders in a VUCA world.
Jean-Claude Larréché, his book “Value Capture Selling.”, and his company StratX
Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Frie...
Inner Mastery Outer Impact with Hitendra Wadhwa
In this podcast episode of the Leadership Spark, host Sylvain Newton interviews Hitendra Wadhwa, author of "Inner Mastery and Outer Impact." They discuss the integration of intuition and inner core strengths in leadership. Hitendra, a professor at Columbia Business School and founder of the Mentora Institute, emphasizes harmonizing rational and intuitive approaches. He shares multiple examples of practices for leaders to cultivate their inner core. They explore the quest for activating your highest potential, ways to improve your emotional mastery to avoid being triggered and how to find a greater congruence between your inner and outer worlds.
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Deep Purpose with Ranjay Gulati
“In this episode of the Leadership Spark podcast, host Sylvain Newton interviews Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Deep Purpose." They explore the concept of purpose in business and leadership, emphasizing its role in creating alignment, motivation, and trust within organizations. Ranjay shares personal stories and examples from companies like Lego, Microsoft, Apple and Mahindra to illustrate the integration of purpose into corporate culture and strategy. The discussion also covers the connection between company and individual purpose, the evolving expectations of businesses, and the qualities of effective leaders.”
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Ran...
